I'm considering going back to college. It was hard enough when I was 18 and worked a few hours a week. Not sure if I could pull it off now and hold down a full time job. Also, not sure if I could deal with teenagers in class. Any other adult students out there with advice?
2006-10-11 15:57:39 · 10 answers · asked by eeeeeeeeclipse 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I completed my first grad degree at 27 and my second grad degree at 38. I am now a faculty instructor teaching in a college that targets specifically the older, mature, and working adult among others.
There are numerous programs that are based online, on the weekend, or otherwise take about 10 hours per week of study and class time which with the right initiative will allow you to work and cointinue your life without a problem.
I would especially recommend some of the online schools. Many of these offer a series of classes towards a degree with everyone done online including access to the library and chatting with other students.
Having taught more than 500 students in a college online setting; all of whom worked full time jobs; I can say that as long as you adequately schedule yourself, make time for yourself (non work and school time) and have a serious goal in mind that will lead to something you've always want to do, that will be enough incentive to get you through.
there are some online programs geared to the freshman and new college student. There are others that will transfer existing college credits.
Hope that helps.
2006-10-11 16:04:19 · answer #1 · answered by julie l 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm 43 and I've been back in school for a year now. You will be surprised at how much easier college is now. The material is tough but the mind is tougher and the kids coming out of high school are not used to the rigors that our generation went through in school. The worst classes with the teenagers are the core courses that all the freshmen have to attend. You will be a genius in most classes. You will be amazed at what your experiences will bring to a discussion group compared to the kids who have, IMHO been coddled in school and life.
Also there are many 30+ year olds and even 40+ like myself who are students and the professors tend to like them. Honestly the hardest thing you'll have to do is deal with the young girls hitting on you (yes they will). It is kinda cute. I want to pat them on the head and tell them to see me when they turn 30 or 40 or give me their mom's phone number. I hold a full time job too. Go back and have fun. I wish I had done this when I was 33 and not now.
2006-10-11 16:08:53 · answer #2 · answered by Wild Ape 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm in the same boat as you. I want to go back and the age isn't the biggest factor of why I haven't, but it is a little bit of an issue. I would have to say though, that my mom went back when she was 37 and got her degree at 41 years old and she said she doesn't regret it for ANYTHING. She's been a fifth grade teacher for 15 years now and had always been a stay at home mom when I was growing up. I don't think the age should be an issue. My husband worked full time and went to school full time and we had two young children. There were just some semesters that he had to take only two hard courses vs. going full time because he couldn't handle everything at once. It took him 7 years, but he finally did it and he doesn't regret all of the hard work that he put forth to acheive his goal.
2006-10-11 16:03:28 · answer #3 · answered by jesus_freak_az 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At 18, I knew what I wanted to do, but it kept changing. I went to college, got married while still in college, and drove a truck from midnight to 6 AM to pay for school and help pay our expenses. After a year with almost no sleep, I took "a year off" to earn some money. The year turned into ten years and a variety of different jobs, then I went back to school. It was tough financially while I was in school. We had two small children and one big mortgage, but it was worth it. Because I went back to school, I have had 25 years of work I enjoyed doing, and better money than I would have had without going back.
2016-03-18 08:02:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
You can do anything that you want to do, that still applies. I started going back to school six years ago and I am ten plus years your senior. Students are students. I bring my perspective and life experiences to the class and they keep me abreast of what is going on now. It is a win win situation. I love going to school now because I want to not because I have to. Don't worry about your age. I had a 74 year old grandmother in one of my classes. Don't be afraid, just take the first step and I bet you will enjoy it.
Happy Studies
2006-10-11 16:09:33 · answer #5 · answered by Mae G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My granddaughter (37 years old) just completed a master's degree in Business Administration by going to night school (4 years) while holding down a full time job. My niece held a full time job while attending evening classes (3 years) to get a master's degree in Business Administration plus getting qualified as CPA. She was 40 years old when she finished. Your university may require a final semester in residence to obtain your degree, but evenings classes are possible with a full time job..
2006-10-11 16:10:27 · answer #6 · answered by Scoop81 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm 33 married w/ three kids and a job. when i first went back at 30 I was working three jobs and a single mom.That was hard. But you just have to keep a really really tight schedule.Schedule in homework,sleep etc.
The younger kids can at times be annoying, but your not their to make friends.
You will be fine and it will be a great experience and worth all the sacrifices.
2006-10-11 16:07:19 · answer #7 · answered by loladoreen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was 48 when I went to college for the first time! I had just celebrated my 30th High School reunion and had just become a grandma for the first time. My major was Paralegal with a Certificate in Criminal Justice. I was a terrible student in High School, but for four straight semesters in college I was on Deans list. Believe me they can teach an old dog new tricks!!!! As for the younger students, I got along great with them!
2006-10-11 16:10:49 · answer #8 · answered by ♥cinnamonmj♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for it, and good luck. I'm 31 and starting back, with a full time job, a wife, and two kids. Just remember you're not there to worry about the younger crowd. You're there for yourself, who knows most of the teens will probably drop out; and one or two may end up working for you after you gradute
2006-10-11 16:07:26 · answer #9 · answered by Jason W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're motivated to get you're degree, and it's worth getting (meaning your pay will increase, or you just feel better about yourself) then go for it. There are a million reasons not to do something, so if it's what you really want then definitely go for it.
2006-10-11 16:03:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋