Is 27 too late to start over?

Question

I should be enjoying a successful career if I had only chosen the right door. When I was in high school I was wonderful at math and decided I wanted to be an architect. I was later convinced that that was a bad idea and ended up double majoring in psychology and Japanese and am now in Taiwan studying Chinese while teaching English. But, I now know that architecture would have suited me perfectly had I chosen it.
I know people will say that it's never too late to start over, but let me explain. I grew up on ranch being the only one in my family to go to college and my parents are so proud of what they think I've accomplished. When it comes to my life they trust my decisions 100%. My sisters assume I'll be rich one day. I was voted most likely to succeed when I graduated. To start over would mean humiliation not just for me but for my whole family.
Is it even possible to start architecture at 27? Or should I just continue on my path and make the best of it?

Answer 1

It is never too late to start over but I perfer to look at it as shifting gears. I am an American 62 yrs and moved to India 2 years ago to begin a new adventure.

Answer 2

While the advice that everyone has given is true - that it's never too late to start something new - there are certain fields where being older can make entry, as an entry-level employee, more difficult. To my understanding, architecture is one of those fields.

That does not mean that you can't make this change. What it does mean is that you may need to go about this cleverly. Perhaps, instead of going back and getting your BFA or BA Architecture from scratch, you can do one of the following instead:

Find an NAAB accredited M. Arch program that accepts students who don't have a BA in architecture. I've attached a school that may be a fit, below: the Academy of Art College. I have also attached the Rhode Island School of Design, which is super-prestigious. I strongly suggest that you call them (I know, international long-distance, but a necessary expense) and discuss your options. Perhaps they'll let you in, and require you to complete some prereqs on campus? Perhaps they'll have a way for you to get the BA or BFA, and have all your university classes transfer, so you only have to do the art classes? You'd then stay and do the MA Architecture.

Another option, which I'm not as sure about. There are programs at art schools which are designed for students who have already completed a non-art degree at another school. These programs are designed to help you build a portfolio in a year or so, and prepare you for whatever your next steps would be. I wonder if such programs exist for architecture? The Museum School in Boston offers such a post-baccalauriate certificate. They don't offer architecture, but other schools might, so it's worth a look.

But if you can get into an MA Architecture program instead, that's a much more expedient, less expensive, and more powerful route. While you're in school, be sure to get some real-work experience - a part time job, co op, or intership with an architect.

Lastly, before you jump, know that architecture is a competive field. The program you enter must be NAAB accredited, or you'll be wasting time.

Answer 3

Don't think of it as starting over, why does it have to be starting over? Its just a change of direction. You've accomplished a a lot, and everything you've accomplished will help you in your new direction. If it's what you wanna do then just do it. Put everyone else's opinions out of your mind and base you decision solely on what you want to do, why? cause its your life and you only really have to answer to yourself. Your family might not understand your choices but all that's temporary remember. Just think, a few years from now you will be able to say either 1) hey, I'm an architect! or 2) hey, IF i had studied i WOULD have been an architect by now.

Answer 4

Look at this this way - if humiliation is your main driving force on this decision, would it be more humiliating to start over and go into a field that you will love and succeed in or would it be more humiliating to go into a field that you dislike and would eventually either fail in or quick because it is not fullfilling / enjoyable?

The lesser of two evils in this case would be to start over. I am sure that no one would think less of you, in fact it takes a strong person to admit that they are not where they want to be and take the necessary steps to change this.

You sound like you are that type of person, so always look forward and "no regrets".

Answer 5

I would honestly say go for what you really want to do with your life. I mean its not like your life is over so why settle when you really dont have too. Im starting to wonder myself if I took the right path as far as my education goes but thats not going to stop me from achieving what i want. In the end its about being happy with yourself and not about what other people think. It seems like you put to much of a stress on what others think of you besides your on happiness (e.g. your choose in degree, thinking will be humiliated). This is your life so live it.

Answer 6

First of all, it's never too late to go back. My aunt is in her late 40's and she's just now about to finish getting her teaching degree.

And there is no humiliation in going back to school, obviously you are smart, and going back would only prove that. It would also make you feel proud of yourself, and by being proud and living a happier life, there is no way you could go wrong with that.

Go back to school, it will be good to finally be able to do what you've always wanted.

Answer 7

in no way! choose for it! As for paying for a software to settle for you, in case you're taking day without work of school attempt to stay by some potential related to your meant learn--the two get a appropriate interest or volunteer in a appropriate field. The journey will look large on your resumes or curriculum vitae, and your age would be seen as an illustration of extra suitable awareness in comparison to the youngsters who're in basic terms popping out of their undergrad or masters without appropriate journey. Peace! (uncertain why I have been given a thumbs down while i'm asserting notably plenty the comparable component as everybody else, yet whatev, good success besides.)

Answer 8

You learn architecture but don't leave your work. You are very uncertain. Who had told you before that architecture will not suit u? and how did you come to the conclusion that it suits u now? Sit and think. If you are really really very confident, then go ahead. Age will not be a constraint.

Answer 9

never think your family might be proud that despite all you have done already that you are still working hard to continually improve yourself, i think you have to do what you want to do, life is way too short, do it if its what u want, think of all the possibilities rather than live a life of looking back in regret, i think 27 is a great age, ur not a kid who doesnt know their own mind but ur not too old to start again, good luck 2 u, not many get the chance to start again

Answer 10

Just wana tell you my philosophy in life. No regret!
Choose the thing that u want otherwise u will be regret.
Your family is very important but it's never a reason to stop you to do the right thing.
Look at yourself, if you dare to do it, do it now. you wun regret.