Do you think the older generation returning back to college is competition for the younger generation today?

Question

Being older often makes me wonder if the younger generation feels intimidated by our age and knowledge. Do you feel this way? I have returned back to college to get my master's degree so I can move up the latter because I feel I need to keep up with the pace of technology and the wealth of knowledge. How do you feel about this?

Answer 1

I think it is awesome that you are returning. Now a days I don't think the older generation has a choice but to.
I have been interviewing for over a year now, and even though people are totally impressed with my experience and credentials, it does me no good with out the degree.

I don't think they should be intimidated by us because they are the ones with the jobs. I have had people get the job I want just because they are younger and have the education. Several times in fact!

The bad thing about it is, most of them, and I mean this nicely, don't have the work ethics that we were brought up on. They don't last long if they don't get their own way....

Answer 2

I can see no reason the older generation returning to college would be competition for the younger generation. I returned to college at age 31 and graduated with honors.

The only reason an older person might be competition, I think, is perhaps a difference in the attitude of the older person.

I paid for my tuition myself. I worked full time and attended at night. By the time I was older, I knew psychology and sociology were my loves, and I did very well in both.

I felt awkward and nervous about going back to school after so many years of being away from it.

I would think younger people don't have quite as much anxiety about such things.

I think whoever does the best in college are those students, be they younger or older, who are interested in getting good grades and willing to apply themselves.

I didn't do that in the community college I attended right after high school graduation. My main interests then were boys and fun.

You might see an older person as competition because we have a deep interest in doing our best while there.

Answer 3

Ironically enough, I feel like a lot of the older generation feels "threatened" (for lack of a better term) because of the way our society is moving more and more towards higher education and jobs with degrees. For instance, here in our town, we have a newer plant that just came in a couple years ago, and almost all of their office positions require at least a four year degree...even if someone who had been working in an office for twenty years walked in their doors, they wouldn't even think twice about hiring him or her because of the lack of a degree. That is why I feel a lot of older people are going back to get their degrees, and KUDOS for doing it!! I think it's awesome! I'm 25 and have a family and trying to get my first degree...and it's hectic and crazy and fun and just life! But, I can't imagine being out of school for fifteen plus years and trying to get my degree...that is so awesome! Even though I'm relatively young, I still feel intimidated by those who are say 18 or even 21...because they're so fresh at our newer technologies and I feel completely lost when they begin discussing what they have done or accomplished...Just my opinion and feelings :)

Answer 4

Good for you and the best of luck to you! No, I personally don't feel intimidated. I think that everyone, regardless of age, has the right to educate themselves, especially if it will enrich their life and help them further their career. Unfortunately, it may be harder for an older person to get a job because some companies would rather hire a younger person who will work for them longer and possibly for less pay than an older person would expect because of their longer work experience. I think everyone who is qualified for a job should have an equal shot at it, but that doesn't always happen! Again, good luck!

Answer 5

I believe that growing up today has to be more difficult than ever . Jobs are scarce (not every kid goes to collage) to rent some place to live if your on your own in just about impossible because of the cost . So young people have to have a level head and be smart in ways that I didn't have to at a young age. And as far as respect ,well that is something you learn from your parents so don't blame the year it is on how someone acts towards others. I am proud of most of the young people now because they keep up on news and politics and finances and are quite fun to talk to.

Answer 6

Its nice that you are going back to school... but older folks are not really much competition to the younger generation. Companies would rather invest in an educated young person with fresh ideas over a 45 year old who just got their masters. While experience is good, it isn't everything.

Answer 7

Yes, older people are there to strive to achieve a goal while the younger generations get caught up in partying and get side tracked on what they're really there for. You shouldn't feel as though younger generations feel threatened by your presence. In fact, they might even look up to you or seek you out when they need help on their studies. I know I do!

Answer 8

I don't think its a competition. I think its good that anyone can go to college regardless of their age just to up their degree and get better education. These days its imperative to get a degree to whatever field or career we choose. Economy changes often.

Answer 9

I don't see why it has to be a competition between the older & younger generations. I perfer to look at it as if I were trying to better myself. Beside, sometimes when we're younger we don't have the opportunities to better ourselves, so when we're older & have the means we can further our education.

Answer 10

The younger generation do not see us as competition. They've been told all their lives they have to go to college and just think of us as people who have finally gotten clued in.