Do you it's a waste of time to go back to college in your 40's?

Question

I am 21, but sometimes I see older people in my classes. I admire that they are going to college and everything but sometimes I think if it's worth it. It takes a long time to get to the top of your game in your career (for most people), I just wonder how they will make it when they are older. What do you think? Are you an older college student? share your thoughts please.

Answer 1

Absolutely not. I teach college courses and i can tell you that some of my most successful students were in their 30's and 40's. I've had a few students in their 50's as well and again, i've found them to do very well. In classes that have somewhat older students, these people usually become the class "leaders" and actually help the younger students by setting a mature example. I'd say the biggest obstacle for an older student is adapting to an environment with Gen Y'ers who tend to not have consistent focus and sometimes exhibit this irresponsible false sense of entitlement. Having mature students in the class actually can ground these students and make for a very good class dynamic. Personally, i enjoy having older students in class. I say go for it... you'll likely find that you can get more out of college now than you did when you were younger... and the mind never stops wanting to learn more so it can be a very fulfilling experience.

Answer 2

It's not too late for them - it depends on their goals.

Some people get to a certain point in their career and realise that if they are going to be able to advance further, they must have a degree. So even late, they go back and get one, and it can help move them forward. Some see a job in their company, perhaps in a different field, that they'd like to try for, but they need a degree to make themselves a better candidate, so they get one. Some want a chance to try a new career, or a new path in their current field. Some have been laid off, and are seeking out new opportunities. Some people started a degree while young, and quit, and later in life it bothers them, so they go back to finish what they started. Others do it for personal enrichment.

There are lots of reasons why an older person goes back for a degree. It's sometimes career related, but sometimes not. But even at a later age, in some cases - depending on their goals and their field - a degree can be used to change career directions, or to allow one to advance. It's still a realistic option for an older student to be able to do these things.

Answer 3

I went back to school at age 43 to study law. I found that I was more disciplined than most of my younger counterparts. There were several other older students in my class and we formed a study group. In some of our classes, the teachers would seem to lecture to us and leave the remainder of the class out of the lectures. As an older student at the time, I was not thinking about a future career, even though I have a good career now, but I was thinking more along the terms of self-enhancement and self-betterment. Just because you have been out of college for some time, does not mean that you can't continue educating yourself.

Answer 4

Education is never a waste. Not everyone goes for career purposes. My friend's father got his MD in his 50's just for the accomplishment. I'm 33 and I'd go back to add to the education I have. Sometimes when you're that old, you go back to have more of an edge over someone younger. A nurse with a masters in her 40s would be more likely to get a job than a younger nurse with less education. Some people may wish they'd gone to college their whole lives and now that the kids are gone, they can do it.

Answer 5

You're never too old to learn new things. I find it commendable when older people go back to college. It tells me something about their state of mind. You'll find that many people change jobs and careers over their lifetime, and need the education to back it up. Some people who never went to college feel a stigma about not having a degree, and feel satisfied at achieving a dream. When you're in your 40's, you'll feel differently about people in their 40's. In this day and age, 40's is still young!

Answer 6

No its never a waste of time. I think if you have the drive and you want it, then you are not wasting your time in college.

I admire those that are going back to school. I think its a lot of hard work to be in school because it takes so much time and effort. Some people had different circumstances in their lives and maybe they couldn't go to school when they were 21 years old.

Its never too late.

Answer 7

Its never too late, my mom went back to school at the age of 40 and got her degree. Now she is working at a job making good pay. Most people go back because their tired of the jobs they had before, I know my mom was. She inspired me and helped me to where I am today.

Answer 8

Not everybody goes to college for the career-thing. Some simply go for the intellectual enrichment or that coveted acronym after their name. At this point in my life I don't have decades to pay back the loans....ugh. It's really never too late to do anything you want to, provided you physically CAN.

Answer 9

No! My mom went back to school to get a degree in Accounting at 44. She's now working for a really good company.

Answer 10

I am not but my father was. I admired his persistance to do the right thing and get his degree. I remember him doing his homework while I sat on his lap and drew my "homework" too. He wouldn't be where he is if he didn't get his degree--now he is the director of engineering at a local road commision.