Should I pursue a PhD. even though I am 35?

Question

I am considering going to graduate school and pursuing a teaching PhD in History or Sociology, but I am already 35 and don't have a lot of money. I don't have a family either. I would like to teach college classes and write a few little books as a job after graduate school. Is it too late?

Answer 1

Yes!!! Go for it. What do you mean you're already 35? Plenty, and I mean plenty, of people in PhD programs are in their 30s, 40s, 50s and above.

If you haven't applied for the fall semester yet, there's still time. Lots of graduate schools, even if they post deadlines, have more of a rolling admissions for graduate students for certain fields. Contact the schools you're interested in, make appointments with professors or heads of departments, and let them know you're interested. Go talk to them. They'll remember you that way and you'll feel more comfortable with the situation after meeting with them and it'll help you figure out if that program is right for you or not.

Regarding the money issue, you can take out student loans. Apply now. Lots of deadlines for financial aid are this month. but you can still apply at any time. After your first year, there'll be opportunities for teaching and research assistantships, so there's always the chance that you'll end up paying much less than you thought you would for your degree.

Regarding not having a family - that's what makes this a great time for you to go. You can focus on yourself. You can be selfish and study and research as long as you need without having the obligations and considerations that come with having a family.

Please don't think it's too late. Go for it now. In four years, you'll be 39 whether you go for your PhD or not. Do you want to be 39 without the degree, or enjoy people calling you Dr. AV on your 39th birthday and feel fabulous? Think of it that way. It'll be a great way to enter your 40s too. You'll be more confident because you accomplished something you were unsure you'd be able to make happen, and you'll be starting on your dream of writing books.

If you start next year, you'll have at least 26 years in your profession before you retire, as well as plenty years after that to continue to write. You can spend those 26 years doing what you love, or you can spend them doing something you don't and always wondering.

If you need more encouragement, please read my little lecture to this guy too, as well as the words others offered him: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApPVfHLs72wt8kBO6HaTWLLty6IX?qid=20070307202841AAsG6eY

I've been in a similar situation, so I know you feel. Go have fun. Meet new people. Join an organization. Sit in coffee shops with your laptop on weekend afternoons and chat with all kinds of characters. Don't be afraid of being poor while you're there. Most grad students don't have much money. You'll make plenty when you graduate anyway, and you'll be happier than you are now. Pick up a new hobby while you're there. Go start a new life for yourself. This is a great time in your life to do it.

Answer 2

Follow your gut. It's usually a way to gauge whether or not it would be right. 35 is not old at all. In fact, getting your PhD at that age is the norm. In my school the average age for a Master's candidate is 33. So, you're in the right track. Financially, you should see if you can afford it. If not, then I would work and go to school at the same time. Goodluck!

Answer 3

Even if you can not get your PhD due to financial issues, then you should still pursue your Masters degree. Atleast with that you can taech classes at a community college. Regarless of your age, it is never to late to pursue education. You just have to ask yourself how badly you want it.

Answer 4

of course you should do it ! Because there no age to study because we studying for the whole life . Furthermore, 35 years old is not too late to study specially PhD it would become a advantage for you because you got experience in the field ! And don't worry about money u can apply for scholarship or loan ! So BEST OF LUCK !!!!!.....

Answer 5

I personally think it's never to late to get the most out of education. I know of an 80 year old man who went back to school and did a law degree. So anything's possible. I say go for it!

Answer 6

I can not think of a single reason your age should have anything to do with continuing your education and pursuing your dream job. Age is rarely an obstacle to employment in an academic setting.

Answer 7

if you have it in you to dream, you have it in you to succeed.
there is no age limit to success when pursuing your goals in life, no matter what age you are.
you're never too old to learn and fulfill a career by it.
stick with it, and get the most of it.
find other means of financial support - grants, scholarships, and you can obtain these by going online and finding web sites that promote grants and financial assistance for what you want to pursue.
don't give up!
go to the school you plan on going to and find out from them if they have any financial aid, or scholarships/grants you can apply to.
also, find out about student loans, and if you're going to go that route, you might want to consider taking on a part time job, in the evenings.

Answer 8

Follow your dream and do it!

I would start by deciding what school you want to do your graduate work at and then see if they an office for non-traditional students. They can help you navigate the application process, necessary entrance exams, assistanceship funding, etc.

My mom was in her 40s when she finally attained her bachelor's degree! And I couldn't be prouder of her. :)

Answer 9

35 isnt old at all! most people doing the course are this age! many of them are at least 40! go for it! follow your dreams! good luck

Answer 10

35 is not old, and don't let your mind tell you that. However, I personally don't have a lot of respect for pedigrees, or believe that it means much.