at 39 , is it stupid to take a year out at uni, starting final year but feeling disenchanted and confused?

Answer 1

All I can say is... confusion happens at any age. Don't kick yourself.

Answer 2

It is a personal question, not an academic one. How you feel can effect your grades. I'm a life scholar myself, I'm 43 yrs old and just starting on my BA. I have several associate degrees, but out of the things I'm interested in, it's time to go for the next step.
But then I'm not a traditionalist either. I was tutored in England, homeschooled in the USA and did a whole lot of traveling as a youth. Not everyone has the opportunity or a large, nomadic family to pursue such things.
I've taken time off now and then, mostly while raising my children (during the infant to toddler time) but I've always enjoyed learning. There's never a day that goes by I don't discover something new or a new way to view something old. My children have taught me so much, just as I've shared my own experience with them.
Your question stems from confusion and disenchantment...as you state. But from where does the confusion come? From the lessons? Is the work perhaps more difficult to grasp than before? Is the disenchantment from a feeling of expectation? Perhaps you are being too hard on yourself. Just because you are an older scholar doesn't mean you know it all or that it should be easy for you to understand. Whoever tries telling you that is selling deeds to land in Xanadu too!
Is perhaps you schedual overfilled? Are there things going on that you feel you are missing out on due to going to school? Have you considered Distance Learning? Dozens of schools offer classes online, through video and workbooks. You may not even "need" a year off....a short break might be all you'd need.
Talk to the guidance counciler at the school...that is what they are there for...to help you to decide the best path for you.
Besides, you are still young (no matter what anyone else says, including that annoying voice in your head...lol) so relax...try to find the answers you need by finding a quiet place to think.

So often we are so "wired" up, cell phones, IMs, email and what-not, that we often find it difficult to think for ourselves. Everyone has their two cents to offer. Find a way to take a moment, go to a park or someplace you find calming, peaceful...where there are no phones, computers or people...someplace just simple and quiet. Where you can hear the buzzing of your own mind and the beating of your heart. Then try to get the buzzing to slow down by breathing and just being still.
My Uncle, a wonderful man and Shaman, once told me...that when life is troublesome, return to nature...and if you are quiet and listen...perhaps you will hear an answer...one that may help to make life less troublesome.
Either way, you will at least get some time to refresh your mind and spirit...a mini vacation is better than none....

I wish you well and may you find guidance along your path, safe journey and bright blessings....

Answer 3

It's not stupid, it's natural. It's like getting runner's cramps. You may need a break to back up and punt. BUT You've gone this far, so don't quit! It happens to all of us sometimes--when what you wanted over there is now over here, you start looking for something else over there. You may be getting afraid of your own success. Also, you've gone to uni, now you're almost finished and you're starting to be intimidated by the thought, "Now what? What's next? What if I get a job doing what I studied all these years for, and I hate it?"
Finishing college and taking the next step is quite a transition. I remember when I couldn't wait to finish college so that I could get a job and make money, and all that stuff. It wasn't until I was in the real world, that I missed being in school where things were much easier for me. Now I'm 36 and returning to university for another degree that I'm only 42 hours away from. If I get confused and disenchanted like you, I'll try to remember what I tell you in this answer.

Answer 4

It sounds like you might be just stressed out. Sometimes, it's easy to get unnerved in the last year of school because you worked so hard towards that goal and now that it's present it's a bit overwhelming.

I say finish the degree and then think about what it is that may be confusing you. Even if you decide to never use the degree, you feel a sense of accomplishment for having finally gotten a degree.

Good luck!

Answer 5

A lot, if not most students get disenchanted during their final year, I know it is hard but stick it out, the benefits will be more rewarding than you can imagine, if you take a year out now, i doubt very much that you will return, and believe me you will regret it big time. Take it from a taxi driver who went through the same dillema and made the wrong descision.

Answer 6

I would just carry on. If you "take a year out", this could result in you never wanting to go back and one year could lead to another year and finally you may never actually get the degree you've already worked hard towards. If you're 39 already, you should just get through the final year. Then maybe after you've finished take a year out. Go travelling or something without the stress of your final year looming over you.

Answer 7

It may be right for you and wrong for someone else. Everyone has a different path in life... if you need a year off to find yours there is nothing wrong with that. Everything in life is a series of lessons, there is no wasted time. Soul searching may be an efficient use of time...everyone should do it sometime. The question is are you going to regret it down the road or be glad you did... only you can answer that. Are you running from success... is there something in success that you fear... is there a bigger goal you are avoiding... what are the financial consequences of your decision(s) and can you afford them... what impact will it have on your loved ones?

The answers are within you and not on YA! Learn to listen to your inner voice (gut feelings) and act on what they tell you. Be bold and follow your heart.

Answer 8

No, it is not stupid. Can you find somebody to talk to about the way you feel? Perhaps, things can be straightened out and you could sail on through your senior year and get uni over with. The problem with leaving is that you might not get back. But if you truly need the time, take it. Hope everything works out for you.

Answer 9

NOT AT ALL!! I'm 31 and just about to retake my final year after messing up royally. Was stressed in my second year (and to some extent disillusioned) and with the other stuff going on with my life, went down the slippery slope of depression.

I wish I'd taken a year out (officially, that is) before my final year. There's no shame in it whatsoever, which I've come to realise as my capricornian instinct beat me up inside. Also, you're never too old to graduate - there are 60-somethings on my Visual Arts degree, not to mention people who have been repeating years since time immemorial.

Also, time out will give you a chance to properly consider your dissertation :-)

I say, take a breather before you burn out. especially if you're doing something creative - burn-out is the WORST! and kills inspiration and creativity.

Answer 10

You're 39 and still at Uni? Wow, you're taking the perpetual student thing to the extreme.

Unless...

You mean your stopping work and going back to Uni at the age of 39.

I'd go for it, you're never to old to learn something new, Uni's fun, you'll make new friends and possibly start down a new direction in life.

Good luck

Answer 11

AH!! It all falls into place.I answered the second half of your question earlier.No it's not stupid to take a year out,if you can't give it your best shot you won't be doing yourself any favours.Take the time out and show people what you can really do. Good luck babe.