I am 28 years old. Right now I am in the second year of a masters in experimental biology. I have been feeling careless lately, and also concerned about my future: I am not sure what I want to do with my life...
I used to really want to go for a phd, but now, I sometimes do not want to finish my masters....
I know I have to finish at least my masters, but then I dont know if I should apply for a phd or maybe look for a job as a teacher....
I do like to be in a laboratory, running experiments, reading science. But I really feel stressed out by my advisors. And this makes me think that I will not be able to bear other 3 to 5 years in a phd...I feel it is too much for me...
Have you hesitated in what you want to do with your life?
Am I too old to start a phd next year? (29 y.o.)
Thanks for your responses....yesterday I felt so miserable that I started to cry!
2007-11-21 12:44:48 · 9 answers · asked by Juan Pérez 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
There are tons of grad students in their 30s. Age is not an issue. 29 is not too old. Nor would 30 or 31 if you need some time off in a teaching or other kind of job to decide what you really want.
You say you enjoy research but that your advisors stress you out; perhaps you just need to find an advisor you can work better with. If you do decide to apply for PhD programs for next year, start looking into people who work on what you do at other universities and send them a note to express your interest in working with them. As you get acceptances, make a point of visiting campuses and labs, speaking with potential advisors and their current advisees, to get an idea for their personalities and work habits before jumping on board. Keep in mind qualities that bother you in your current advisors so you don't end up with more of the same. Ask questions about things that are important to you. This is important; there will always be stress, but a bad advisor relationship can make or break grad school and could be the only thing holding you back.
2007-11-21 13:46:12 · answer #1 · answered by ooooo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of these answers are really harsh.
I think you just feel burnt out probably. Take a break and do a job if you'd like. If you don't like it you can always quit and come back. Ph.D is the highest level of knowledge you can achieve, 29 is certainly not too old at all. Many 50 yr olds+ achieve Ph.Ds after many lifelong years of learning. Do not feel swayed! A master's is just as excellent and maybe a breather job will be good for you. Hesitation is not uncommon at all.
2007-11-21 20:53:55 · answer #2 · answered by sarah 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The question isn't whether you're too old - that's a no-brainer.
The question you have to answer is whether you have the motivation required to complete a PhD program. If you jump in there without the motivation then you are likely to waste a few years and more than a little money.
Maybe you need some time in the field to get remotivated.
2007-11-22 00:18:07 · answer #3 · answered by CoachT 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you are never too old to get your Ph.D. a friend of my mothers is in his 60's and working on his Ph.D and i am a student in college and my professor is in his 30's and is working on his Ph.D as well. I think you should go for it. Its awesome to get a Ph.D i highly respect those people. So dont think you're too old because anyone can do it. I stress out a lot over simple things that dont matter like my pencil not being sharpened haha but I shouldn't. Dont worry. Live life. have fun. and dont worry about the stuff that dont matter. GO FOR IT!!!
2007-11-21 20:50:35 · answer #4 · answered by yeayeayea 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No way!! I know plenty of people who didn't start their PhD programs until well into their thirties or even forties. If pursuing your studies would make you happy, do it!! You'll be surprise how much company of "older" students you'll have in higher education. Good luck!
2007-11-21 21:04:14 · answer #5 · answered by addressing_you 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I say go for it! I am 38 and just graduated with two degrees in criminal justice. You are never too old to learn. Keep at it.
2007-11-21 20:48:47 · answer #6 · answered by sweet_sensation775 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The guy who started KFC was in his 70's and broke when he decided that was what he wanted to do. He died a billionaire. No one is too old to pursue their dreams.
2007-11-21 20:49:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
old dogs can learn new trick. 28 is still bit young.
2007-11-21 20:54:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
youre never too old to learn and get a degree
good luck:]
2007-11-21 20:46:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋