I currently live on disability compensation and wonder whether my life experience would improve if I were to return to the university with the intention of working in the software engineering field from the age of 55 to 75. I am a convicted felon (a drug offense) and am schizophrenic. I have two degrees but very little professional experience. My income is between $25,000 and $30,000. I live comfortably alone in an apartment complex and enjoy learning about computers. Should I be content with my disability compensation and pursue computer science as a hobby or plunge in, go back to school, reenter the world of work, and pursue a profession?
2006-06-15 11:47:07 · 14 answers · asked by Marc 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
It really depends on alot of factors. If you are comfortable where you are right now, I would just buy a few books or take a few classes. But if this is truely your lifes passion, then I say go for it.
2006-06-15 11:51:03 · answer #1 · answered by billgutsky 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, go for it!!! Your age doesn't seem like a big factor to me, I am in school at age 33 and have many people my age and much older attending as well. As long as you have had a stable and consistent emotional state, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't try to better yourself and learn something new. School is very stressful so you need to stay on your medication and make sure you think long and hard about the responsibility your taking on with school. Good luck!! just say no!!!
2006-06-15 11:56:42 · answer #2 · answered by brandey28 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really want to, then I say you should go for it. Just make sure that it's something you will really a) want to do and b) enjoy doing. If money is the only issue, I would say that staying on your disability claim is fun, unless you are REALLY concerned about money.
If you're concerned about your age and going back to school, I personally know someone who is only a couple years younger than my parents (54 and 50 this year).
Going to school is also definately good for experience. It's tough, but it's good!
2006-06-15 11:53:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure, why not? don't let your disability discourage you or your record,education is for everyone age don't matter either i just saw on the news yesterday a 98 year old woman that just got her high school diploma,if she can go back to school anyone can,and besides if it dosen't work out for whatever reason then hey at least you know that you tried better than wondering what if ? 5 years from now theres nothing to lose but everything to gain
2006-06-15 12:01:07 · answer #4 · answered by carrie r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sir, to be honest with you, I doubt that at your age, you'll be able to compete against all the 22 year old software engineer majors in the United States, or whatever your home country is. Even if you are able to overcome that age difference, your lack of work experience and your criminal record are certainly going to work against you.
If you want to do it for fun, or for ego reasons, go ahead. If you want to do it because you want a better job and a better salary, you might be in for a disappointment.
2006-06-15 12:12:19 · answer #5 · answered by Mikey 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only way you will ever be able to answer this question for your self is just go for it. after awhile if school gets to be to much than take a brake for a semester than go again. be sure to take your meds. every day and try to keep an upbeat attitude. i work with schizophrenics everyday and the majority of them make it through the every day mess. good luck
2006-06-15 11:56:10 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with your background, no. your too old to start back up especialy that field. it;s a very hectic field and ever changing. if you're unable to keep up then all the work would've been for nothing. look for something to supplement your income. the felon and schizophrenic thing will make it impossible to find work period.
2006-06-15 11:51:27 · answer #7 · answered by DIE BEEYOTCH!!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd just do it on my own. In fact that is exactly what I did. Buy a couple of computers and books and go for it
2006-06-15 11:52:11 · answer #8 · answered by chrome_rider 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it will give u something to do in ur spare time. and youll make a lot of money. but it is a very subjective business.
2006-06-15 11:49:39 · answer #9 · answered by Android 16 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yah mon! go for it!
ain nuttin wrong with being 52 and in college.....at least u will have ur degree....
2006-06-15 12:03:43 · answer #10 · answered by bahamiano 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋