Going to college after 40

[Cityboyfarmer]

I'm in my second quarter of business management at one of our local colleges attending at night after work. What an experience. It makes you realize you really are middle-aged /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I should have went when I was younger while I was in the USMC and they would have paid for it. I read one of the the guys here post in a thread that USMC = University of Science Music and Culture /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Well anyway, I didn't have the discipline back then, so here I am now, plodding along next to kids half my age and some folks even older. I have found it interesting and sometimes fun so far. I figure the next 5 year block of time is going to pass even faster than the last 5, so since the time is going to pass anyway, might as well add some letters to my name and hopefully some $$$ to my salary in the process.

 

[PhilNH5]

Good for you. I retuned to college at the ripe old married age of 25 for some additional coursework. I could not believe the difference in my life versus the life of the students. It was an experience.

You must really be seeing some differences in lifestyles.

Good luck with your degree.

Phil

 

[r0GuE]

I had my associates right out of high school, but just finished my B.S. in June (Summa *** Laude 4.0 !). Took 10 years of one night a week, with a few semesters off and three changes of major. It isn't too hard to shine next to some high school kids. It is amazing how few of them have any sense of work ethic at that age. Good luck to you!

By the way, evening classes are often full of dult students. ALWAYS pick adults if the instructor breaks you into groups, or you'll find yourself doing all the work. Get the ISBNs and buy your books on-line. Sell them on-line or direct to other students when finished with them.

 

[ByronBob]

I understand all too well what your doing. I lost my job 4 years ago and I couldn't get a job. I found one at the last minute before classes started. Sooooo.....I went to night school, 2 classes at a time, every semester for 3 years to get my bachelors degree. My wife was practically a single mom for most of this time as I did homework. I missed many, many functions to school. I don't wish what I did on anyone but I don't think I could have done 10 years of classes. The stress would kill me.
My goal also was a decent paying job. I have not found one yet but someday my turn will come up. I think I'm going to easily be able to increase my pay by at least $7500 a year from what I'm making now so to pay off the 20k loan I got should be less than 5 years.
It's easy to say but stick with it. Some people I've interviewed with have asked me what my GPA was when I was done. Also taking on-line classes is a way to at least be home while your doing this type of work.
Best wishes to you. Regards Bob

 

[GeneD14]

Cityboyfarmer,

You are doing the right thing by going back to get your degree. If you have children or any young family members it really makes a good impression on them as to how important education is. Without a degree most future job opportunities are heading toward $5.50/hour. Good luck.

 

[LazKat]

You're making a smart move, no matter how long it took to do it. At age 20, like with many that age, my life got "complicated" and I mistakenly figured the best way to simplfy was to stop attending class and take on the real world. I worked as a DJ in a stripper bar!! Sounds like fun (it was!) but not necessarily a good career move. Two marriages and a lot of jobs later, I returned to college at age 37. (I'm now 45) I earned an associates in programming, a B.S. in networking, and then a Masters' in Engineering Management with a 4.0 all the way through. Combine that with some really good experience along the way and it's all paid off well, even though I perhaps got a late start. I've also made a point to mentor and support many several people I've met along the way who were on the fence about going back to school, and just last month attended the graduation of a friend who earned her BS after six years of evening classes and is getting a $15K raise as a result. It's never too late to invest in yourself, and the time, effort and money spent comes back many times over. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[gsxr1100]

And you think you are bad, when I was going, I was in my late 20’s and worked full-time. Most kids were 21 MAX (most 18 to 19) in age and never worked in there lives. Mommy and daddy paid for everything; that was one issue I hated with a $35K per year private school. But on the good side, people who were older do not play the games in class (want to be there), know real world issues and what is important. I know I got more out of it. Good glad you are going back! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Now a masters is much easier.

 

[gsxr1100]

I agree somewhat but there is a line that where a degree will do nothing (pay wise) since you will be too expensive to hire; cost vs age. Example, you are 45 with a masters and want $70K per year. When they can hire a younger kid with a BS or maybe a masters for $55 to 60K right out of school. I have seen this happen. There is a guy in our Dept with a PHD in Eng and he does not make that much (for this PHD). But then again, people with BS does not get much either.

The degree benefits you personally and that is important.

 

[Dargo]

Good luck. I don't know which way is better, really. I buried myself in school, including every summer, until my mid 20's. I got it all out of the way all at once. I'm still burned out. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif For certain licenses I still have to take continuing education courses, and I can't stand doing that.

I still have this reoccurring dream that, after skipping the previous class, I am walking into a a "surprise" test that was discussed in the previous class (that I skipped). /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I don't know why I still have that nightmare, because it actually never happened in real life. I suppose it is latent guilt at skipping a few classes. Mr. Skurka on here attended the same private college I did where there literally is only one rule; be a gentleman at all times. Really. That's it! The professors honestly didn't seem to care if you attended class or not. I don't recall a single roll call. If you could pass their brutal tests without class, well, then good for you. Attending a college that took no federal funds for anything and, therefore, does not adhere to most "rules" as nearly everyone understands exist in college makes you either grow up fast (act like you are much older), or flunk out. Maybe I turned 40 decades ago rather than a few years ago. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif It is likely you will perform better in class since your mind won't be hard wired to focus on only one thing at that age; and it's not studies. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Again, good luck.

 

[EddieWalker]

Congratulations and good luck to you.

I've gone back twice, and droped out both times. Lack of direction and purpose have been my excuses. Just don't know what I want to study. I take a few classes and realize this isn't for me, so I move on to something else.

I would like to get my degree for no other reason then it's something I haven't accomplished. Kind of sucks failing at something twice!!!

My long term goal is to return and finish what I started.

Eddie