im 26, office manager and married. but i want to be an artisit or something to do with the art industry. am i too old to go to college or even university to study and get a degree? im married so have financial responsabilities, how could i study, work and keep a house all at the same time? i have no children but at 26 want them sooner rather then later. how can i combine all of these and get the art degree and career i would love? before university i would have to do a one year pre-degree course to get me into university so would be studying for about 5 years!
also what is the best art job for bringing in the money once i have my degree in fine art? teacher, graphic designer or something else? help!!!
Louise xxx
2007-03-31 06:31:34 · 36 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
NO NO NO NO! It's only too late once you're in the grave!
A friend of mine just got her degree (last month) completely changing careers. She is around 45 years old. She used that Phoenix University Online and said it was great.
http://www.universityofphoenix-online.com/form.aspx?q=enroll&source=adcomgooglebranded
If you were to go into graphic design using computing you could get a good job often with magazine or newspaper companies. You can get potential job clues by going on a site like monster.com and checking out what is available for graphic arts jobs. Often there is an idea of the salary as well.
http://www.monster.com/
It is becoming very comman now for people to change careers in the middle of life. Boredom sucks. Here is a site that is really meant for people older than you:
http://www.career-tests-guide.com/
Last, you may want to talk to career counselors at one or more of the colleges or universities near your home. Just because you speak to them does not tie you to going there and they may be able to give an idea of how to direct your path, especially so you do not unecessarily add time to your study. :)
Good luck!
2007-03-31 06:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by For_Gondor! 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First of all - you are never too old to persue education in any form. I am 54 and working on my Masters and will not stop until I have my Doctorate. Second, 26? Child you are a babe - you have so much time it's not funny. Your goals can be accomplished much sooner than you think. Three - you might try "ONLINE Education if you don't have the inkling to attend college on campus. You can do it. Women, for some reason have the ablity to multitask. You mention a possible Art Degree - I wouldn't count on making a lot of money if you get into education - this is still a most respected profession, but so depenadable upon the state for supporting the staff, that I would not go into this field - for money. I teach - and I'm telling you - I was called! Otherwise, I'd still be in on stage trying to sing, and shake my butt. As it stands - I reserve most of that 'career' for my church. HOWEVER, Art is not limited to teaching - you can be a designer, Concept Artist for video and recordings; You could even consider commercials! Your sky is not limited to what you can have - and still get your children in the world by the time you are 35. (I was 33) Old enough to enjoy my daughter and still have work, career, and schdeules to meet. Is your husband on board with you? You will need encouragement - at least - but even without it - if this is something you want - let nothing or no one stop you from it. Goodluck to both of us!!
2007-03-31 06:42:40 · answer #2 · answered by THE SINGER 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you need a degree to be an artist? That would be the first question I'd ask. There's probably quite a few artists who never had a BFA. If the answer is yes, then it is possible, but it means making choices and probably losing a lot of free time.
I'll be starting my final year of a BA in economics next fall. It has taken me 5 years to get where I am now. Working full-time shift work and a single dad meant I have had an extremely limited social life. But for me, it's been worth it. So it is possible, just not easy (but then the best things usually aren't). As to age... I started at 39... it's never too late.
I'd say look into on-line or correspondence courses, but if you're doing art, you'd probably do better to attend classes. I hope you're thinking about it for the love of art, because I don't believe it's an easy career to make a lot of money at.
Peace and Good Luck
2007-03-31 06:49:48 · answer #3 · answered by zingis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all Louise, you are never too old to study - I went back into full-time education at the age of 40! At this stage in my life, I was working as a secretary and managing an office. I was also on the edge of a divorce and raising 4 children. None of this stopped me in my decision to try and gain my degree and I have never regretted it. I did my Foundation year and then completed a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art. However, it was not an easy choice. As you say, financiallly it can be a strain. I was fortunate to secure a full maintenance grant and was also working part-time evenings to bring in some extra cash to help with my mortgage payments etc. I would not have survived either without those student loans!! I do believe that your ambition is achievable and better to take the plunge now, before you start a family. With regard to the best job after qualifying, I would probably point you in the direction of Graphic Design, but, as you will discover on your foundation course, your tutor will try and steer you towards whichever field of art/design he/she thinks you are suited. Of course, if you wish to become a graphic designer this is the degree for which you will have to study. Likewise, if you decide to become an illustrator, then you will have to choose to study Illustration as your degree specialism. Very best of luck Louise and I hope it all works out for you!!
2007-04-01 01:48:51 · answer #4 · answered by Susan F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My goodness no! You're never too old to go back into education. You can study part time easy with the Open University or any other 'real' University so keep your job and study at night. Or, study full time by day and work by night but that means a new job which in your situation doesn't sound advisable.
Personally, I'm biased as I am a teacher, but I can recommend it highly for many reasons. Firstly, many schools run nurseries for staff at reasonable prices. Secondly, your hours mean you can pick up your children after school as your day finished at the same time or even better they may attend the school you work at!
Thirdly, you get paid to do your training and lastly, you get school holidays, ideal for a working woman with a family.
Good luck with whatever you choose! But you're young and can do anything!
Ed
2007-03-31 06:53:35 · answer #5 · answered by Ed 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Online education has saved my life! I'm 26 yrs old, have 2 children and am married working a full time job. I currently go to Kaplan University online obtaining my Bachelor's of Science in criminal justice. I don't pay anything until well after I graduate (although I can pay now if I want to, which I make small payments when I can to make my payments lower after I graduate) and I have no problem finding the time to do my schoolwork. I can pick times that work for me to be in a "live class" enviroment that are 1hr a week each class (I take 2 at a time.) You even have the option of not going to class, and doing an alternate assignment (just in case you can't make class.) You can look at http://www.kaplan.edu/ku/kuprograms/default.aspx?ID=School&loc=0 and see if they have a program you're interested in or look at other universities. Most of them (including Kaplan) have a career placement program to help you find a job in your degree field that you would like to go into. Good luck to you!
2007-03-31 06:47:34 · answer #6 · answered by JennD 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ur never 2 old 2 return 2 education i'm 30 just started a degree BSc in nursing and getting on fine. I'm married with 3 children and learning 2 juggle my study with home life. Give it a go it's all worth it in the end
2007-03-31 07:11:45 · answer #7 · answered by James P 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
. A few years ago she learned that she could get a higher and better paying position at her job if she earned a degree in her field instead of just having training. So she went back to school and got her Associates Degree in two years from a community college and then transferred her credits to a University and is now working on her Bachelors Degree. My mother just turned 48 years old, she's proof that you are never to old to go back to college.
2007-03-31 07:03:14 · answer #8 · answered by Shay 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you are not too old for college. i got my degree at the age of 28 last year. a B.A. in Sociology. Today, older adults are in college. I graduated with a 65 year old man who had 4.0 gpa. his was higher than mines. I had a 3.7. People in their 40s, 50, and 60s are in school now. I am 29 now and I have applied to graduate school. I will not get out until I am in my 30s as a part-time student. You can try on-line universities such as Phoenix and Walden or you can sit in class for 1hr and 45 minutes and meet people.
art teacher working at the board of education is possible. I believe Graphic designers make more money than a teacher but it depends on where you live. NY and NJ teachers make 40,000. The longer you are working as a teacher, the more your salary will increase. Research the careers salary online. try salary.com
I know a teacher who has a MAsters and he makes 80,000. i think this comes with experience. if you have a masters and 30 credits you can make as much as a teacher with a PhD
good luck
2007-03-31 06:42:45 · answer #9 · answered by averilyn06 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't need a degree for an art job. You need a portfolio. The degree is something to do while you get your portfolio.
If you want to teach in schools, they may want a degree (but teaching art in school is extremely competitive) Graphic designer is probably the one with the most opportunity, but also the most boring. Art and money are two separate things.
None of my favorite contemporary artists have art degrees. Cartoonists can start out with political science, or just life drawing classes...
But most people who take art courses are older than you. (average college starting age is 25, but the scientists usually start younger) They also aren't after the money.
2007-03-31 07:38:24 · answer #10 · answered by dude 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋