Is 40 too old to start a new career?

Question

I'm in my mid 30s and I want to do a PhD in Islam and politics. By the time I have finished I will be close to 40, is that going to make me too old to teach in university?

Answer 1

NO!

It is not too late to start a new career! When I retired from the Air Force I was already 40 years old. You are planning ahead and have time to complete your studies in order to meet your goal.

Your life experiences will actually be a help when starting your career as a professor. Most schools want to hire the cheaper, younger professors rather than the more expensive older professors. You will offer the life experiences AND the lower cost paid to a new professor. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Hi Pulchralu,
I hope not.
I am 51 now, and just offered a nice position, contract, for at least 3 years, designing & implementing power & Comms systems for the RAF.
I have been a water-ski Instructor in my 20's, finished my degree, then a Sales Manager in power generation stuff, did my MSc., and took a teaching job in my 40's. at the local Tech. College.
Which was great fun !
Now, as I mentioned, now in my 50's, and seem to have the prospect of continuing in good positions for as long as I wish.
I personally may well fully retire in a few years, but I interviewed a chap recently in his early 60's, and gave him the job, as in my book, experience in a subject often counts much more than academic qualifications, held by those that have not got much of a clue as to how the work system often operates.
I did consider going on to study for my PhD, which I know is fine in the halls of academia, but in my engineering case, decided that not only would it not help much in the work-place, it may well hinder the situation, as the upper echelons do not like someone with a higher qualification to them.

All the best with it, you have all the oppertunities in the world, and unless in the final retreat of life, I would say 30ish-40ish is a fine age to be for choosing what you wish to persue.

Bob.

Answer 3

Heck no! Think about it -- you have AT LEAST 30 more years left of working. The traditional retirement age -- when social security kicks in -- is 67 for people our age (those born after 1960).
That's about twice the amount of time you've already had in the workplace to date. And there's no mandatory retirement for professors.
Henry Ford Formed Ford Motor Company at age 40.
Charles Darwin published the Origin of the Species at age 50.
Ray Kroc founded McDonald's at age 60.

Answer 4

Don't you know that 60 is the new 40 , if thats the case you're only almost 20 .

Go ahead and do the things you want to do in life, no point in 20 years saying " I wish I had" much better to say " I'm glad I did"

Answer 5

I would have thought that there is no age limit to start a new career, but obviously 70 is too old if you want to become 100 metre champion hurdler.

Answer 6

No No No.
40 is supposed to be the start - life begins at 40.

GO FOR IT!

The only thing holding you back is yourself!

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 7

If you have the time, means and desire to continue your education and take on a new career you absolutely should. I think that if you are interested and motivated enough to take on the challenge you will make a great professor. Age really is no matter.

Answer 8

It is said that most of us will have 5 career changes in our lifetime. However make sure there is a market for your specialty.

I love working. I can't see wanting to retire.

Answer 9

No Grandma Moses was discovered in her 70's and you're not that old. You have a long way to go.have fun and enjoy your career.

Answer 10

u r never too old to start a new career, never too old to learn. young people these can learn alot more of older people they have more experience to teach u things u learn more when u have left school than when u are at school.