What is the cut-off age for starting a new career?

Question

I've heard its never too , but
does returning to school and completing school actually lead to obtaining employment for someone who has reached a certain age ?

Answer 1

There is age discrimination going both directions - ever tried to find a high paying job when you're 21 only to see some "old" 35 year old get it just because they have 15 years more experience than you? Is that really discrimination or is it a valid job requirement?

If you're being downsized at 30 for younger and cheaper then you're in an entry level job that 21 year olds can do -- that means chances are you suck at this job or you'd have been promoted to something 21 year olds can't do -- and yes, there are jobs that simply require a bunch of experience on top of the degree.

Professors tell you that getting an education = higher pay because the US Census data proves that to be an absolute fact without question. The higher your degree, the more money you make - usually. Some people suck so bad as workers that they could have three PhDs and I'd still not keep them around for a full work day. Some people get their master's and think that somehow, magically, someone will walk up and offer them a better job. yeah, right! Also, "professor" is a job and "university" is an employer.

What's really cool is that as you get more experience, you get more experience. As you get more education, you get more education. Neither of those can be taken away. So, when you get a new degree in a new field, you still have tons of experience in the old field and that experience counts too.

There are people who succeed in changing careers well into their 60s. It's about normal these days, we don't die at 45-50 anymore and most people don't work for the same company forever anymore. Companies need to replace people at all levels every day and many aren't promoting from inside.

PS: "returning to school and completing school" won't lead to obtaining employment for anyone. Degree does not equal job. It simply qualifies you to apply for jobs that are available that require that education. Some degrees are in more demand than others. But, you still have to go out and find the job and sell yourself into it.

add: LauraJ, I'd like to see the statistics you're referring to that tell us that higher education doesn't result in higher pay. You can see the stats I refer to at http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/educ-attn.html

Answer 2

Hi

I dont believe there is any cut off age for starting a new career, especially in health care. I started nursing school in my mid thirties and found that most of the people in my cohort at university were mature students, some even in their mid to late 40s. Health care in particular welcomes people with life skills and experience as they are more aware of what the field entails and they have the maturity to be able to deal with emotional and psychological issues. Indeed, I found that some of the 17-25 year olds that started the course had to drop out as they could not cope with the demands and intensity of study and practical placements.

Now, 6 and a half years after being involved in health care I am about to have a career change again and hopefully enter something completely different as unfortunately I have become disillusioned with the politics and and financial restrictions of the job. The good news is that I am managing to secure interviews for jobs that are completely different and it appears age does not have any bearing on career change.

Answer 3

That's a myth. Downsizing people at age 30 for cheaper and younger is very common in the corporate world no matter how much college you've completed.

That myth is based on antiquated Industrial Age mentality. The world is changing and the rules are very different now.

College professors who teach "get a good education to get a good job" know nothing about job stability and statistics. After all, they are still teaching! - Look at their pension they have to live off of to downsize their life style!

I'm not trying to discourage you, but there is age discrimination for employees on a constant basis. If I were to say otherwise, I would be a fool in contrast to the statistics that are out there under our noses.

There is good news.

There is no age limit when one owns their own business. In affect, the trend is to be your own boss. Many people are afraid to take that leap and always complain of J.O.B., which stands for Just short Of being Broke.

Answer 4

I hope not, I am 38 and going back to school to try a totally different career. I figure I will have from 40 until 60 or 65.

Answer 5

I don't think there is a cut off age.I guess it would depend on what kind of career you chose. Some jobs may have a cut off age.It may depend on the employer,even through there is an age discrimination law ,some companies do discriminate.

Answer 6

There will always be people out there that discriminate against those that have almost reached retirement age or even older, but as long as you have the will to do something, you will probably find someone to hire you or find a way to do it by being self-employed.

Answer 7

24

Answer 8

Pfff.. you should start a new career if you want to regardless of your age. Even if you are 180 years old.

Answer 9

No such thing
I have seen nursing students close to 60

Answer 10

Death! If you're still interested in doing something new, give it a go.