Mid-life career change? I want to go back to college to get a degree. The problem is is that if I go back?

Question

I do not want to get a degree of my field of work, which is accounting. I do like accounting but the degree program is just a little "dry" for me. I like the bookkeeping end, not the tax end. On the one hand I feel like if I am going back, spending my time and money it should be for something I would be passionate about (such as journalism or psychology). On the other hand, I do like bookkeeping and I could make a lot more $ doing it with a degree and my years' experience (just hate taxes, which is what accounting ultimately about). I feel so torn . . . any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Major in something related to your career field, like accounting or finance, and minor in something you are passionate about, like journalism or psych.

Answer 2

There are several issues all twisted together here...
1-should you go back to school?
2-if you go, what should you study?
3-what direction should your career take?
It sounds like you want to pursue something other than accounting, but how much do you really know about those alternate careers? What would you do with a psych degree, and would it pay as well as accounting? (I have a journalism degree and I can tell you it's awfully hard to make even a modest living in journalism!!) Can you affford to go to college, then pursue a new career that might pay even less than your present job?

Also, you sound bored with your job but bear in mind that your day job needn't be the only way to pursue your interests. Maybe you could do volunteer work on the suicide hotline or get a side gig freelancing for the local newspaper.

Answer 3

I'm 44 and in my final semester towards my BBA in Human resources management and with your accounting experience, how would you feel about going into management?

Here's why I suggest this field. Because you understand the numbers you probably understand the importance of the bottom line. Which is a key concept for most executives looking for quality managers. And best of all, you won't have to deal with the taxes.

Since you also like psychology, how about working in an area where you can motivate employees towards achieving the company goals? Supportive managers are very difficult to come by, and the employees will go out of their way to help a manager who is supportive of them.

If you decide you are interested in this field, look for a school like Davenport University (www.davenport.edu) where I attend. They offer both in-seat and online classes. You want a school that offers some flexibility in what classes and how many you take each semester, and most of their instructors understand the needs of working adults. However, stay away from the bachelor in a year type programs which are one night a week programs where you take classes in a specific sequence. The degrees at those canned programs are less highly regarded out in the job market.

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

You should do what you enjoy. Making money is important but if you are not satisfied in your career, you will ultimately not be successful. You mentioned journalism, that is a great field that may not pay much but can have a positive impact on the world. I finally went back to school after 26 years and I will graduate in about 18 months. It was the best thing that I have ever done. I worked in the hotel and restaurant industry as an event planner and now I am majoring in computer information systems. I did ok financially, but I never saw my family. Now I work 9 to 5 and am off on weekends for the first time in years. GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

Answer 5

A lot depends on who is depending on you. Are you single or married? Kids or no kids? If it's just you that makes it a lot easier. (Or if it's not just you but a reduced income isn't going to cause a problem.)

As a rule I think it's best to do what you enjoy. You'll be happier, do a better job and live a better life overall. Plus you never know. Doing what you love you might also find the big opportunity that gives you the money as well.

Of course if you value the creature comforts that the money brings more than you value the job satisfaction (and this is OK!) then stick with accounting. The bottom line is you have to decide what is most important to you. Increased satisfaction, or garunteed increased income and security.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

I say do what makes you the happiest, regardless of money. A lot of people make money doing jobs they hate and while the have good use for the money they are not truly happy.

I think you should pursue your passion! The payoff of self fulfillment will be worth the decrease in pay. Plus, you never know, both those fields (psychology and journalism) can pay a lot of money if you find the right job! I think it is great for you to do this! Best of luck!!!

Answer 7

I'm always a big fan of two-fers. For example, how can you combine your skills (and take advantage of years of resume material, experience, and -- I assume -- positive references) and apply it in an area you have a passion for, like journalism.

I'd say look at a degree that could train you in media and newsroom management, or in classes that'll teach you more about financial management that's applicable to mainstream media outlet needs--and then apply to such places.

Depending on your financial background, you can look at being a financial reporter, covering economic and business news. There are classes optimized for that as well. At least this way, you're not throwing out years of experience.

Best of luck!

Answer 8

I think you should go to school for something that makes you happy and are really passionate about. Maybe this is the time in your life to make a career move and your new degree is just the thing to jump start it. Dont do something because it makes you alot of money, do it because it makes you happy. Its never to late to start something new and your life. Go for it!

Answer 9

my advice is go for it.. you only live once (well, as far as we know) and getting a degree in something you have a real interest in, or at least giving it a shot, will either confirm to yourself that you're happy where you are or push you on a new track which could result in a more furfilled life.. but dont give up your dayjob too quick if it can be helped, nice to have that pillow to fall back on :)

Answer 10

Get a degree in something you are interested in.