So I finally got fed up with the terrible ownership and supervisors at my job and after being asked to illegally do something and denying it went downhill even faster...so I left. Which brings me to the point, how old is too old to go back to school? In '09 when my dad had his stroke I was on my way to getting a degree in CMIS, but was strongly considering changing majors. Anyways, times got tough and my priorities shifted to making money right away and I never made it back to classes. Now I sit here 27 years old in November with only an Associates degree. The thought of tacking on school loans is daunting since I'm nearly debt free, but in today's world it's nearly impossible to get ahead without a degree of some sort. I'm thinking maybe a trade school of some kind, which probably puts me out in the work force at 29 starting a new career. Anyone ever went back for a completely new path this late? Regrets? Suggestions?
Jeeze...I don't think you're even close to needing to ask that question. Carpe Diem People go back to school all the time far older than that. Loans are personal considerations I wouldn't try to give advice on. Either you're okay with the thought of it or you are not but there is a lot of time between your age after grad and retirement. Kudos for being brave enough to call it quits and considering self improvement.
Man you have plenty of time! Go back and get that degree! Here's my story if you have a minute.... Went right into the Army at 18. Served 6 years and got out. Had all kinds of money ($30K) from the college fund and stuff to spend on school and screwed it up because I didn't like school much and my grades sucked. Left school and went looking for jobs. Had a good friend that got me an interview with the #1 computer chip manufacturing company in the world. (you figure it out). I went from a basic job there anyone can do to managing internet web and SQL servers in 7 years, all with no degree still, thinking this is where I'll retire; and then got laid off. About a year later I applied for a correctional officer position with my local sheriff's office. I got the job at 32 and have been here ever since and still don't have a darn degree. I've been thinking of going back to school myself and I'm now 42. It's never to late to go back to school and even if you get into a position at a lower level, it's likely you'll have to have some sort of degree to promote. I've been very lucky and thank the lord I've been given the opportunities I've had. Good luck and go back to school. I really think you'll better off in the long run and won't regret it at all. Hopefully all that rambling helped!
Go get that degree plenty of time your still young. Also the economy is in slow recovery so get that degree while it continues to recover and when your done who knows it may be booming again.
go for it. I left college after 1 semester @ age 18. At 20, I went back to school alternating part/full time as grades, money, work, beer, and boobs allowed. Finally graduated w/a BS at 25. Worked hourly jobs until 28 and finally got my "career" started. Now...let's just say I do alright. I would have never got my foot in the door if I hadn't had a degree.
Go back and get the degree. I'm a senior at NC State and there are people in their 40's and 50's in some of my classes..older than the professors. I know the loans can be daunting, but it will all pay off and work its self out for the best in the end
My wife is graduating in dec and she is 52 at the same time my son is at 23. My 2 nd son will finish in the spring,my daughter just started so 4 more fore her. I would look in to a two year tech college in industrial maintenance these jobs are hot right now
When you posed the question how old is too old to go back to school I was not expecting the next line to be 'now here I sit at 27'. I was expecting you to say you were much older. So there's my answer, you are not even to close to being to old to go back to school. I don't think you can ever be too old really. Lifelong education is a good thing whether it be formal or not. Never stop learning.
Just turned 30 myself and will be graduating this year with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy.. So being your 27 you've got time to get er done! Hell n now I've still got 80 grand in loans to chip away at....
Your post gave me a laugh. I know a man who retired as a CPA and started law school in his '60s. He got the degree, passed the bar, and is now 75 and still practicing law.
Just went back for the first time after 6 years, I just want the paper saying I can make more money lol I also have 3 Moms and a Dad in my class so, its never too late
The way this thread started I thought maybe you were in your 60s. LOL! You are still young. Go ahead, Do it and Get it over with! Don't have any regrets!
Consider all options, while education and a degree sounds good it is no guarantee to getting a great job. I know a few people who got a good job and improved their lot by taking classes that applied to the career path within a company some employers will ever pay for some of the tuition
At this point, if you don't do it, you will likely always regret not doing it. Go to school IF you know what direction you want to head. A degree in a worthless field, or in a field that you don't enjoy is kind of worthless. Figure it out and do it.
Just figure out what you want to do and the job prospects in that area. I hate when people complain because they have 100k in student loans to some no name liberal arts school with a degree is musical Egyptian studies and can't find a job!
I took the traditional route, but I know of many people, one of which used to be my boss, who have gone back to get a degree later in life. My former boss' story: Started college right after high school, and after a year was "invited not to return". He went into the trades, and became a union pipefitter for a number of years, until the industry of building nuclear power plants died. He then started working at a major insurance company in the mail room. At night. Lowest pay grade in the company. But one benefit here is that the company will pay for your college education if in a business related field. He went to school part time on the company's dime, and when he retired he was managing all owned commercial real estate for this particular insurance company. The point is it is never too late. Certainly not at 27. Good luck.
I went back to school at exactly the same age....have never regretted it. You are still a young man at 27 and at 29 when you finish.
