About quitting a job when you are 30 years old to go back to college.?

Question

One of my friends how is 30 years old is things about quitting his job to go back to college. He was wondering is that a good thing to do? He is thinking about getting a part time job and go to school full time. Has anybody ever quit a job to go back to college at the age of 30 and worked a part time job?

Answer 1

In my opinion, it is never too late to go back to school. I started college at the age of 37 in 1986 and did not get my Master's degree until I was 43 in1992. I have been using my degree for well over 10 years now, and I am considering returning to school to acquire a Ph.D. to increase my earning potential. Since most people will work until they are at least 65 before they retire, going back to school at age 30 means that they will have at least 31 working years (if they stop at a bachelor's degree) to use their new skills. By the way, I was married and I had three children when I went back to school. At the time I started, the youngest was 10. However, I became pregnant in my first semester of college, so I ended up with four children, one of whom was in infancy/toddler hood/primary school age while I struggled with a double major, and for most of the time I was an undergraduate, two or three part time jobs at once. I graduated with an honors double major and university honors, by the way. I had a 3.87 GPA in graduate school, too. Going back to school may not be easy, but it can really help when it comes to finding a job/career which is truly fulfilling.

Answer 2

It depends.

Does your friend have a degree? Is he just trying to complete a degree? Is he "just starting" college?

Does your friend have a family to support? Does he have debts?

Is your friend in good shape? Was he a 4.0 student in high school?

Why does your friend want to do that? Is the degree required for his job? Perhaps he can get assistance from his employer? At this point in his life, I'd suggest that would be the only reason to pursue a degree.

That said, it may be that your friend already has a bachelors degree and is going for a masters--or a doctorate. Depending on the subject, that could be a year or maybe two full-time or maybe three or four part time. Although doctoral work is pretty much full-time--if you ever want to get done.

If all he wants is a degree to hang on his wall, he's committing 4 or 5 years of his life to that little piece of paper. It would be easier just to purchase one... or make one himself.

There is no such thing as a part-time job and full-time education if you have to worry about family, or paying for food and lodging. He'll need to be able to concentrate only on studies. He'll be in class. Or he'll be studying. Kids, family, friends, and work can be forced into oblivion.

He'll be competing with young kids who are energetic enough to study hard, party hard, and even work hard. They are fresh out of high school with more or less well developed study habits fresh in their skulls. Most of them really don't have set goals in mind, so a bad grade doesn't mean the end of the world for them. Unless your friend was an excellent student in high school, he will likely have a difficult time.

In answer to your question... probably. But perhaps the question should be, "Of all the 30-year olds who have quit their jobs to go to school, how many have been successful?"

Answer 3

At the ripe old age of 29 (which is really close to 30), I decided to cut back to part time at the job I was working and go to nursing school. Now I'm an LPN, working full time, and am enrolled in college for the fall semester to start working on my RN. I'm 30 now, by the way. Furthering your education at any age is always a good idea!!!

Answer 4

My mother went back to school at 31 with 3 kids as a single mom. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Yes. She now has her Ph.D, enjoys work, and was able to provide more than she dreamed of for her family. My husband is going back to school at 28 and while it's tough on the pocketbook right now, the opportunity to enjoy work,make a better income and learn is worth it. There are tons of success stories about going back to work. There are tons of financial assistance programs and on-campus student work is often a good way to juggle a class schedule and work (you can work on that hour break between classes or study while sitting in the library waiting for someone to check out a book).

Answer 5

Couldn't he take night courses and keep the full time job?
I worked two jobs and go part time.

Answer 6

I don't believe it is ever too late to continue your education. 30 is still very young and you have so much to gain by getting your degree. Go for it!!