Back to school at 40

LegacyUser

I'm a guy of 40 who left school with no qualifications. I worked in a dozen or more jobs over the years, all long hours and low pay, some of which I enjoyed, many of which I despised.

The problem was, I never knew what I wanted to do with my life. I envied guys who were dedicated to being doctors, or engineers, or businessmen, or who had a family business to go into. I had no ideas for myself at all, other than not mixing well, hating school, and being dedicated solely to getting out of school.

All those years later, and I find myself reasonably intelligent, well spoken, much matured, and with a good life experience. At this point, I would dearly like to make something of myself, and possibly return to college, with the dedication I never had when I was younger.

I have no idea where to begin. I know I am not drawn to the business world, and have no interest in involving myself in management, or commerce, or office politics, or anything that involves the daily pursuit of money and profits.

Psychology was suggested to me, but on further investigation, it would appear to take too many years, and is a very difficult profession to break into, and very competitive. Perhaps something in the arts, or history, or teaching might suit, if there were suitable opportunities. I don't want to earn fortunes, but I am at a time in life I should be earning a comfortable wage, doing something I like, rather than struggling as I am, with no focus.

Has anyone here gone back to college in their 40s, and made a whole new start and career for themselves?

MagicMarker

Rudderless wrote: »

Has anyone here gone back to college in their 40s, and made a whole new start and career for themselves?

Even if the answer to this was no, would it really matter?

If this is what you want to do, then go do it. You have a lot of time until the next application process, in the mean time check out nightcourses.com and do some short courses in areas of interest, it may help you determine what to study full time and will aid you in becoming a mature student, every little bit helps.

Zillah

I don't really know anything about how to go about it, but I'll say this: Wanting to go back to school and make more of your life is a very admirable thing to do. I'm sure you'll run into people who might think it strange or foolish but if its something you want to do then screw them and go for it. I wish you the best of luck.

Overheal

I stand by Zillah's post in every way. You sound like you'd make a good teacher. You may as well pop-in here and ask how you might possibly break into teaching/education. It was always the teacher's with experience that were the best ones book smarts only account for so much.

Deadeyes

It's never too late to go back to school and education is never a waste. There is an unbelivable array of courses on offer in colleges from Fine Art, Interior Design to Tourism and Lesiure Management. All colleges openly welcome mature students. Check out their websites I'm sure you'll find loads of information.
Best of luck, I'm sure you'll have no regrets.

eveie

OP
Im only in my 20's but i know many people that are in your situation.
im going into 3rd yr of a 4 yr course and theres a good few "mature" students in my class all of whom are over 40.
if its something youd really like to do then do it, also alot of course you can do part time so it gives you that bit of flexibility.
if your interested in teaching check out NUIM there very flexible and helpful and have one of the highest % of mature student in the country
best of luck

EcoGirl

Congratulations on your initiative to go and further your education.

The only thing is that it would seem to me that there's no point going to college just for the sake of it. It'll require a huge committment from you, and there'll be financial implications, so it needs to be something which is exciting to you.

I would go and see a career counsellor if I were you. I think your local FAS office might either have/know of a free career counselling service. There was certainly one in one town I know, and may well be one in others.

Good luck with it.

Zillah

Overheal wrote: »

I stand by Zillah's post in every way.

Don't hear that too often.

amazingemmet

Forty is far from old for going back, In my first uni course, a science type course, we had a lady of 67 doing the course, so its never too late really

Pigeon Reaper

One mature student I know returned to learn how to read/write correctly when he had retired from years on building sites. He was in his late 50's at that point.It's a few years later and he's studying for a PHD with his only regret being that he didn't do it sooner.

Just because you're a few years older than others who are going for the same qualification don't let this put you off. You're at an advantage as you actually know why you're studying. Don't let the length of the course put you off and if you can't afford to study full time you may be able to partake in evening courses.

g'em

OP I teach mature students as part of a one year long pre-University course aka an Access Program. As others have said, there's really no such thing as "too old" to go back to learning, and without fail the students find it rewarding, challenging, and ultimately life-changing. Some use the course as a stepping stone to go onto Uni, others use it as a learning tool to discover where their strengths lie and it provides a relatively short-term commitment to help you decide if you want to dedicate more years to education.

There area lot of options out there for those who want to go back into learning and there's financial assistance available for those that do. The hardest decision is trying to figure out which of the doors that appear before you you'll want to open Drop me a PM if you want to ask any questions.

Grawns

Sure life begins at 40!

I suggest you look at doing something like this course in the NCIR.

Foundation Certificate in Social Studies


This programme is designed to increase the self-confidence of students and to expand their career and life choices through guidance and counselling. As a student on this programme you will be introduced to the methods of study, research and writing skills that are required for successful participation in third level education. This programme will prepare you for entry to third level programmes in the Arts, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences. A key element of the programme is the provision of guidance and counselling support to advise you on areas such as module choice, opportunity for further study, career direction and related areas.


Who is the Programme for?
The programme is open to all. It is aimed at those that did not have the opportunity to avail of third level education previously. It is particularly suited to those not in employment or those who wish to change their career direction.

Duration

1 Year.

Schedule
3 days per week.


Entry Requirements
There are no formal educational requirements for admission. The application process involves completing an application form and we also conduct an informal interview which will allow you to decide if the programme is right for you. You must be at least 21 years of age on January 1st of the year of entry.

Award
NCI Foundation Certificate in Social Studies (Subject to FETAC approval).

Programme Fee ( €2500)
Programme Fee Listing. Fees include tuition, registration assessment and capitation fees. Fees may be paid in two installments. (Fees revised annually).

Venue
National College of Ireland, Mayor Steet, IFSC, Dublin 1

Programme Modules
Year 1
Economics I Economics II
Information Technology I Information Technology II
Maths Syllabus A I Maths Syllabus A II
Maths Syllabus B I Maths Syllabus B II
Personal Development Learning Skills & Career Planning I Personal Development Learning Skills & Career Planning II
Politics I Politics II
Psychology I Psychology II
Sociology I Sociology II

Start Date
Monday 8th September 2008

Programme Location
IFSC Campus


How are you planning to fund your studies though? Your best course would be to be unemployed ( probably for at least 6 months) and apply for a back to education grant. I think this entitles you to claim unemployment assistance for the duration of your undergraduate studies ( and work part-time too). Check with your social welfare office as being a broke student at 40 would not be fun. Here's the link to the back to education scheme. http://www.welfare.ie/foi/bte_all.html#7

paperclip2

:)Hi Rudderless,

Below is a student testimony from a man I worked with over the past few years in adult education. Have a read.

(I've blanked out the names of the VEC cos I work there etc.)


Student Testimony
We all have dreams and one of mine was to be formally educated. I used to envy those lucky enough to have their leaving cert, degrees and masters. These kinds of achievements were definitely out of my reach, being 40 years of age. Or so I thought.

In 1978, I left school at 15 years old and got a job. In those days a job was a job even at the expense of education. I was always lucky enough in gaining employment as I was could turn my hand to a variety of jobs. But the one barrier for many jobs was my lack of formal education and qualifications. In some respects I felt alienated in the job market and therefore in my earning potential. I constantly wished that I was properly educated.

My entrance into adult education came in 2002, while working on a community employment scheme. Co.XXX VEC offered an opportunity on a Return to Education programme, to study two junior cert subjects. I jumped at the chance and the following summer I successfully sat my two junior cert subjects.

While on the programme I came into contact with XXX Guidance Service, who paid a visit to our centre.
With information and advice from them I decided to continue in education by studying my leaving cert. I applied to the local education centre and was lucky enough to be accepted. Through the VTOS, I studied eight subjects over two years in the Further Education Centre. Studying subjects like English, Biology, History, Irish and Maths, gave me a real sense that I could go forward with my education. The experience in the centre was both enjoyable and fulfilling. It made me realise that a degree could be achieved and was not out of my reach.

Again through XXX Guidance Service, I decided to apply for a place in St. Patrick’s, Carlow to study an honours degree in humanities. My CAO application was successful and I am now in my 2nd year studying. With guidance and support from AEGIS and the DFSA I receive funding under the Back to Education Allowance. Life in 3rd level is very fulfilling for me and I feel lucky to have this opportunity.

Who knows what the future holds for any of us but through adult education my dreams have become goals. My journey through education continues……………….

The above is completely authentic. Best of luck whatever you choose to do.



Edit: Check this link http://www.ncge.ie/adult_details.htm
This will give you the contact details of the 41 Adult Guidance Services in the country. The guidance counsellors in some projects only work with certain target groups but the Information Officers will provide you with any information you need on returning to learning as an adult, including info on financial supports etc. Alternatively PM me and i will give you details of the project nearest you.

Colonel_McCoy

I was doing a post grad and there was a guy in his sixties! Do it the academic year is short.

Dizzyblonde

OP go for it! My husband qualified as an accountant in his 40s. I'm planning on doing a degree in addiction studies as soon as I can afford it and I'm in my 40s too.
You'll be surprised how many mature students there are nowadays.

LegacyUser

A friend of mine went back to school at the age of 35 to get the grades to get into medicine. He's now a fully fledged doctor, so definitely go for it.

I can't really help you about where to go for advice on how to do it, but a bit of browsing should come up with something.

For what it's worth, when I look at job applicants, so many CVs are the same - it's the differences that count. Someone who's had the initiative and dedication to go back to school definitely stands out.

AngryBadger

OP there are numerous distance learning programmes designed to accomodate people who are working full-time, maybe have a family, and a tonne of other responsibilities.

www.openuniversity.com is great, and very well accredited. I think either Leicester or Liverpool universities have several distance learning courses as well. You can do whatever level you want, there are diplomas, certs, degrees, my own father recently completed a degree in business, and is about to start a masters with leicester, and he's got a good 10 years on you.

Also, there are some great programmes geared toward mature students in some of the universities aorund the country. I know UCD have some good programmes, (again my oul fella did his degree in business with them, the programme consisted of several essay-style assignments over the various modules, and two sets of exams over the year, lectures were in blocks, like one friday/saturday of lectures every 6 weeks).

In general the format with the likes of Open University is that you receive all the course material in the post, you have access to their electronic resources through the internet, (i.e. library, electronic databases and so forth), and you do several assignments over the year, possible with a few exams which can be taken at testing centers which are located in different places all over the world, (including ireland).

Hope that helps OP, I'd recommend checking out open university first, they have a massively comprehensive list of possible subjects, you can even take up an honours degree which you construct yourself containing only modules from areas that interest you, although obviously you need to choose wisely so you don't end up with a worthless degree.

Best of luck OP!

Nevyn

I would suggest you look up where your local adult education centre is and call in and look at doing the one or two subjcect tot he leaving cert next year. Most of the adult entry porgrams in to 3rd level want people to have at least passed english for the leaving cert and you can do that part time going to 1 evening class a week.

It teaches you how to analyse texts and answer questions and do your own research and reading and then look at moving on to getting into an acess program.

My Mam went back and did her leaving cert for the first time part time two years ago and found it to be a wonderful experience.

Marksie

Oh i am planing to go back and do part time diplomas and i am in my forties..so have alook at the possibility of short courses to see if the subject is something you would like to go further.

As a slight aside, years ago my next door neighbour in the UK went for her "a" level in french, she was 84 at the time.
So age is definitely not a barrier

Persius

If you want to do it because of a desire to further yourself educationally, then go for it!

If you feel you should do it cause most other people have 3rd level qualifications, and you think you should to, then don't bother. Some people who dropped out of formal education at a young age have exagerated expectations about the quality of 3rd level education and the skills required to get through it. The fact is that 3rd level education is nothing special, and you don't need to be a genius to get a degree.

If you're thinking about going back to formal education to increase your career chances, again I'd say, go for it! BUT think very carefully about the course you choose. Someone mentioned accountancy. This is a good idea as you get a real industry qualification which you can use, and it's in an area where (I think) there isn't too much ageism. Someone else mentioned medicine, and this is also a good idea. But in alot of other areas which have less well defined qualifications from an industry perspective, you'll be competing with 22 year olds for jobs and this may be difficult, as employers have preconceptions about the type of people they're looking for for "entry level" jobs.