going back to college in your 30s

lufties

Hi there, so I'm nearly 33 and **** sick of my job, if I want to have a change, it will be 5-7 years part time study. Just wondered if anyone has done this, and how has it been for you?

dar100

Sure it be grand

Sugar Free

lufties wrote: »

Hi there, so I'm nearly 33 and **** sick of my job, if I want to have a change, it will be 5-7 years part time study. Just wondered if anyone has done this, and how has it been for you?

I've done this for 2 years though I'm <30 and it was a masters rather than bachelors. It was tough. Made tougher by my job which required a lot of international travel and wasn't really a 9-5.

Those who didn't travel and could guarantee to be out the door by 5 found it easier.

SEPT 23 1989

nobody will employ you at 41

the machines will be running the show by then

pauliebdub

I'm studying part time at the moment, final year in DIT, best decision I've ever made, love the course. It's been hard work but you'll be surprised how quickly the few years go by. I'm in my mid 30s.

lufties

Sugar Free wrote: »

I've done this for 2 years though I'm <30 and it was a masters rather than bachelors. It was tough. Made tougher by my job which required a lot of international travel and wasn't really a 9-5.

Those who didn't travel and could guarantee to be out the door by 5 found it easier.

Yeah I suppose its like starting all over again, I was thinking an undergrad in psychology but it would be a pay cut of half my current salary, and thats after 7 years

Owryan

I'm 39 and am after starting college for the first time. Go for it if its what you want

lufties

Owryan wrote: »

I'm 39 and am after starting college for the first time. Go for it if its what you want

fair play, yeah maybe, although there is a lot to consider

Sugar Free

lufties wrote: »

Yeah I suppose its like starting all over again, I was thinking an undergrad in psychology but it would be a pay cut of half my current salary, and thats after 7 years

It can't be an easy decision, particularly if you have family commitments. I guess it's a judgement call on what value you put on doing something you (presumably) truly enjoy versus something that gives you a decent lifestyle (again presumably) but that you really dislike.

Tough one but hope it works out!

PizzamanIRL

College is full of mature students. Not literally but you know what I mean. No harm in going back at all.

looking_around

Not personally

But a good friend of mine. Late 30's, went back to university to study medicine! She is now a qualified GP and has been working 2 years.

There is also someone currently in my course, I'd put her at maybe early 40's, wants to be a nurse, this is first time she actually thought "studying is an opportunity". and decided to take it.

It's hard going back, but if there's something you're really interested in/passionate about, it's definitely worth it.

DEFTLEFTHAND

You're never too old for college. I'd say fair play for making a change if you're not happy with what your currently doing. Hopefully doing the course part time you'll be able to stay with your current job.

lufties

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

You're never too old for college. I'd say fair play for making a change if you're not happy with what your currently doing. Hopefully doing the course part time you'll be able to stay with your current job.

thanks, after the leaving cert i didn't know what want to do so I kind of stumbled into aircraft maintenance, its taken me around the world but now i have very very little interest in aviation.

hfallada

OP go for it. If you hate your job now, how was it change with time? It won't and will be worse. There is tons of mature students in colleges across Ireland. I had a teacher who once had a student repeated the leaving cert at 40 to get into college to do medicine. And when he met the student years later, he actually became a consultant.

Op just do it. You will regret not doing it

Jack Skellington

Just wondering lufties do you already have a degree? The hdip in psychology is 4 years part time I think, I was considering it once but it's worth having a look.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Go for it! I did a degree, masters and PhD through the 70s and 80s. I was 31 when I first went back to education. I kept my job going and then progressed through the organisation with each qualification. Now retired on a very decent pension. It was tough going but I enjoyed every moment because I was studying a field I loved and had a great interest in.

foxy06

Are there many opportunities out there for Psychologists?

lufties

Jack Skellington wrote: »

Just wondering lufties do you already have a degree? The hdip in psychology is 4 years part time I think, I was considering it once but it's worth having a look.

cheers jack, I don't unfortunately, I have aviation licences specializing in different aircraft, but not a degree per se. Its a bit of a conundrum tbh. Also, I live in London and college fees are a joke.

lufties

foxy06 wrote: »

Are there many opportunities out there for Psychologists?

No idea, considering there is a six week waiting list to see NHS counsellors, I would say there is a need.

Rubberchikken

My brother made redundant at 49 went to college to do what he never got the chance to do at 18.
4 years later he's in a job doing what he loves. His wife had a baby during his first year so he had to cope with that plus baby withbad reflux and never sleeping properly.
But he managed because he wanted to

Sweet Rose

I would love to study the same course all over again with the life experience I have now. I reckon that I'd understand a lot more of what was said in lectures and understand the theory around my course a lot more.

I remember there was a mature student on my course and she was at least 60. Fair play to her, she was always coming top of our year. The older you get, the more you have the maturity to listen, understand and study.

MRnotlob606

I don't see anything wrong about improving your skill set. I recommend it.

Beaner1

That ship has sailed. You will not find work as a psychologist as a 40 year old graduate. It will take a huge toll on your finances and wellbeing in the long run.

lufties

MRnotlob606 wrote: »

I don't see anything wrong about improving your skill set. I recommend it.

Nothing wrong with it, but starting salary for a graduate psychologist is 18k a year here in the uk, don't know if I could take that kind of hit financially.

lufties

Beaner1 wrote: »

That ship has sailed. You will not find work as a psychologist as a 40 year old graduate. It will take a huge toll on your finances and wellbeing in the long run.

I thought that would be the case.

Sweet Rose

Beaner1 wrote: »

That ship has sailed. You will not find work as a psychologist as a 40 year old graduate. It will take a huge toll on your finances and wellbeing in the long run.

Definitely not. 40 would be the perfect balance of age in terms of life experience and maturity while still maintaining a perspective on things.

Jack Skellington

lufties wrote: »

I thought that would be the case.

Don't mind that, what would inhibit a qualified 40 year old from doing their job well?

lufties

Sweet Rose wrote: »

Definitely not. 40 would be the perfect balance of age in terms of life experience while still maintaining a perspective on things.

yes, but your still a graduate with zero experience, fighting for an abysmal salary

Beaner1

Sweet Rose wrote: »

Definitely not. 40 would be the perfect balance of age in terms of life experience and maturity while still maintaining a perspective on things.

In fantasy world maybe. Different story when you're sitting on the other side of an interview table and screening candidates.

looking_around

lufties wrote: »

Nothing wrong with it, but starting salary for a graduate psychologist is 18k a year here in the uk, don't know if I could take that kind of hit financially.

I suppose it really depends where your life is at the moment.

If you have dependants or not
Or if you'd rather money or happy work.

Set up your own pros & cons.

Don't let age be an issue. Because it's not.

Beaner1

lufties wrote: »

yes, but your still a graduate with zero experience, fighting for an abysmal salary

With a family to support. You need to be in your early or mid 20s to deal with that crap.

Miss Lizzie Jones

lufties wrote: »

Hi there, so I'm nearly 33 and **** sick of my job, if I want to have a change, it will be 5-7 years part time study. Just wondered if anyone has done this, and how has it been for you?

There is a lady enrolled in the college in my area. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

Sweet Rose

lufties wrote: »

yes, but your still a graduate with zero experience, fighting for an abysmal salary

Fair enough if you see it that way. I wonder are there opportunities in the psychotherapy/ counselling end of things? It is something I would love to study myself.

lufties

looking_around wrote: »

I suppose it really depends where your life is at the moment.

If you have dependants or not
Or if you'd rather money or happy work.

Set up your own pros & cons.

Don't let age be an issue. Because it's not.

Its not an age issue,Its a financial one, I currently hate my job with a passion. but I couldn't justify a ballbreaking 7 years of undergrad study to come out the other side on less than half the salary I'm currently on. I don't value money as much as a lot of people either so its not about that.

Beaner1

Sweet Rose wrote: »

Fair enough if you see it that way. I wonder are there opportunities in the psychotherapy/ counselling end of things? It is something I would love to study myself.

I know loads of people that went back to study these topics with vague, idealistic notions about working as a counsellor or psychologist. The reality is that there are relevant jobs maybe for the top 10% of the class if even. There are PhD grads on jobbridges now sure.

looking_around

lufties wrote: »

Its not an age issue,Its a financial one, I currently hate my job with a passion. but I couldn't justify a ballbreaking 7 years of undergrad study to come out the other side on less than half the salary I'm currently on. I don't value money as much as a lot of people either so its not about that.

Then..
stick with your job?
pick a different degree?
study part time?

lufties

looking_around wrote: »

Then..
stick with your job?
pick a different degree?
study part time?

Yes, well I will have to change my job or be miserable for the rest of my days.

I intend part time study, 5-7 years undergrad study for any degree would be standard.

dar100

Beaner1 wrote: »

That ship has sailed. You will not find work as a psychologist as a 40 year old graduate. It will take a huge toll on your finances and wellbeing in the long run.

Not true,

looking_around

lufties wrote: »

Yes, well I will have to change my job or be miserable for the rest of my days.

I intend part time study, 5-7 years undergrad study for any degree would be standard.

The thing is money is always an issue.

and if you pick another degree just based on that, you're likely to land another miserable job.

lufties

dar100 wrote: »

Not true,

would love to believe you

Sweet Rose

lufties wrote: »

Yes, well I will have to change my job or be miserable for the rest of my days.

I intend part time study, 5-7 years undergrad study for any degree would be standard.

That sounds ideal. You don't have to get up your salary altogether. Go for it. It's something I'd love to do soon but don't have the financial means or time at the minute.

RayM

I'm 32 and started a degree course a few weeks ago, after a long period of unemployment (please, cunts of AH, don't start an 'outraged' thread about that - my reasons were valid). I'm doing Arts in UCD. It's early days, but I love it already - great lecturers, great facilities and a surprisingly friendly atmosphere for such a massive place. At the risk of sounding a bit wanky, I honestly can't remember the last time I felt this happy. I'm actually looking forward to Monday morning.

Beaner1

RayM wrote: »

I'm 32 and started a degree course a few weeks ago, after a long period of unemployment (please, cunts of AH, don't start an 'outraged' thread about that - my reasons were valid). I'm doing Arts in UCD. It's early days, but I love it already - great lecturers, great facilities and a surprisingly friendly atmosphere for such a massive place. At the risk of sounding a bit wanky, I honestly can't remember the last time I felt this happy. I'm actually looking forward to Monday morning.

Sure why wouldn't you. Four years of guaranteed welfare to spend in college.

4zn76tysfajdxp

You might regret it if you don't, op.

galah

hubby (mid-thirties) is currently in his 4th year of a part-time degree. I still dont know how he does it, full time job, two small kids (oldest will be 3 soon) and college on top of that, which means a lot of nights writing essays, Saturday classes, etc. Obviously he has a brillant supportive wife to keep it all running :pac:

plus exorbitant college fees here (well, maybe not as bad as in the UK, but infinitely worse than Germany, for example) on top of the mortgage, not nice.

If you can, do it before you have dependants would be my advice, it's just easier.

RayM

Beaner1 wrote: »

Sure why wouldn't you. Four years of guaranteed welfare to spend in college.

I prefer to think of it as three years of feeling that I'm achieving something positive.

Shakespeare's Sister

RayM wrote: »

I'm 32 and started a degree course a few weeks ago, after a long period of unemployment (please, cunts of AH, don't start an 'outraged' thread about that - my reasons were valid). I'm doing Arts in UCD. It's early days, but I love it already - great lecturers, great facilities and a surprisingly friendly atmosphere for such a massive place. At the risk of sounding a bit wanky, I honestly can't remember the last time I felt this happy. I'm actually looking forward to Monday morning.

That's brilliant, good on you. Enjoy!

Shakespeare's Sister

RayM wrote: »

I prefer to think of it as three years of feeling that I'm achieving something positive.

Don't give malcontents the satisfaction of even acknowledging them.

KungPao

I'd say as much as half of my 50+ class is over the usual student age. I'm 33, and I'm not the oldest in my group, not by a long shot.

The kids can be a bit annoying ("I was sooo drunk last night!!!") but I'm sure I was annoying to 33 yr olds when I was 18-19, so that's just the way it is.

I think these days, college is definitely more open to older students - you won't be some weird outcast, so don't worry.

lufties

KungPao wrote: »

I'd say as much as half of my 50+ class is over the usual student age. I'm 33, and I'm not the oldest in my group, not by a long shot.

The kids can be a bit annoying ("I was sooo drunk last night!!!") but I'm sure I was annoying to 33 yr olds when I was 18-19, so that's just the way it is.

I think these days, college is definitely more open to older students - you won't be some weird outcast, so don't worry.

fair play, yeah I think I will do something, just trying to decide what.

I did a month long course on dj'ing during the summer but its more of a hobby, equipment is expensive too.

EmilyHoward

A lot more common in these recessionary times