Going back to school at 35+!

[perd]

I think it's great that you are going back. I went back last year at 48 and found out I am a much better student at 48 than I was at 18!!! I took classes last fall and last spring with a 3.5 GPA, but then sat back and looked at my situation and decided not to continue. One was monetary. We already have two daughters in college and a son who will be going in another year. We were racking up too many student loans for them and for me and over the summer I ran the numbers and decided it's best for me to just work and get them through school. Going to school took a lot of time away from my business with going to class and studying, so I was making less, taking out student loans, and the reality is I already make as much with my business as I would would the degree, although I could potentially make more down the road with the degree; but I could also expand my business and make more with it. AND, being close to 50, it's not like I have 30 more years to work anyway.

When the kids are all out of school maybe I'll continue, but for now it's on hold. Wish I had done it 20 years ago!

 

[Miz Diz]

Thanks for posting this. I just turned 35. For the last year and a half, I keep saying I am going to quit my job to stay home with my kids and I have not done so. My husband is pushing for me to quit, rather than me trying to talk him into it - which is a change because it was the opposite when my first child was born. I have a job I really love, but I feel like my family needs me more right now. I think I could stay out for a couple of years and then go back to school and get a masters - probably in education. I figure the time off can also give me an opportunity to volunteer in my son's school.

 

[PMart]

I was formerly a teacher, ( always wanted to be a pharmacist but never thought I could do it) then I was a SAHM for a few years, then when my 2nd DD was 1 year old I went back to school to take some science classes (mainly online and part time) I was 32 at the time at 34 I entered Pharmacy school and next May I graduate. (I will be 37) Believe me if I can do it anyone can, as I've gotten older I have realized you just have to go for it because life is too short. I love hearing these stories.

Good Luck to everyone
PMart

 

[mom-mom2three]

GOOD FOR YOU!! I went back to college in my late 40's I am working on a BSW. I will admit at first it was hard but my 2 daughters and 2 sons were also at the college. That really helped and I have enjoyed the experience very much! I am sure you will love it

 

[GoofyBaby]

Congratulations! It is exciting, isn't it? I spent over 10 years as an Administrative Assistant before I decided 2 years ago, at age 32, to go back to school to become a music teacher. I am graduating with my Associates in Arts degree next week and I am transferring to university this fall to get my Bachelor's in Music Education! Best decision I ever made. Good luck! I know you'll do great!

 

[GalDisney]

I returned to college this past January. This week is the last week of the semester. I am LOVING it! My goal is a B.S. Elementary Education. I am 44 yrs of age and figure when I am finished and start my new career I will be pushing 50! lol I am taking two classes in summer to try and finish asap.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I went back at 37 and graduated with my Ph.D. at 41, You are never old to learn a few new tricks!!

 

[stemikger]

I changed my career once and might be looking to do it again. I went from being a hair stylist to a computer operator/programmer. I am not thinking about doing something else. I have a few ideas floating around.

Good Luck. By the way you picked a very hot career in nursing. The demand is going to be very high for the next decade.

 

[Vijoge]

You're going to do great! I started Nursing school a week after my 34th birthday. I'm going to be 57 in August and I'm still nursing (but hoping to retire when my youngest graduates from college in 4-5 years!).

 

[stemikger]

I read all the replies and everyones story is very inspiring.

Good job everyone.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[tigger813]

I'm leaving teaching at 36 to become a massage therapist! I have 2 DDs who I need to be with more than other people's children. I start a mother's hours program in September which will allow me to put my oldest (7) on the bus in the morning and get her off it in the afternoon. I can also spend more time with my 2 yr old as well. I took a year off when she was born before DD7 started kindergarten and it was the best thing I ever did. I can still tutor and I am also a consultant for a children's educational book company.

Good luck to everyone with their new careers!

 

[daly7o9]

I returned to school to pursue an engineering degree at age 43. I graduated in 2003. One unexpected "perk" of challenging yourself in this way is the boost it gives to your self confidence (dare I say ego). It felt great to accomplish something that some said was impossible. These naysayers were co-workers, not my hubby or family. In fact, my whole family was very supportive throughout my "school daze".

You go girl

 

[Dodielynn]

OP - what were the pre-reqs you had to do. I just turned 44 and start classes in 13 days in Illinois for nursing. Doing the pre-reqs first. This community college requires cna as part of the pre-reqs. Wondering if yours did also. I'm excited and scared at the same time. My children are close to yours (10, 13, 15) and with my husband are supportive. Congrats on starting finishing pre-reqs and starting nursing.

 

[AmyinKY]

I was 36 when I went back to school 18 months ago. I am pursuing a baking and pastry degree. I also a SAHM who home school the kids. I have taken between 12 and 16 hours a time. It does get harder the older you and your kids are. I am set to graduate in another year. The support I get from my husband, children, and church family has made the transition from "just a mom" to college student easier.

Follow your heart. Knowning that it will be "worth it" in the end makes the path less bumpy as you are traveling on it.

Amy

 

[hallam5]

OP - what were the pre-reqs you had to do. I just turned 44 and start classes in 13 days in Illinois for nursing. Doing the pre-reqs first. This community college requires cna as part of the pre-reqs. Wondering if yours did also. I'm excited and scared at the same time. My children are close to yours (10, 13, 15) and with my husband are supportive. Congrats on starting finishing pre-reqs and starting nursing.

Dodielynn...I had to take 3 more biology classes, 1 math class, 1 psych class, 1 chem class, a sociology class just to name a few. You could take most of these classes along with the nursing classes, but for me, I thought it would be too much. So I broke it up, taking a class here and there over the last couple of years.

It is nerve racking, but also exciting. It means everything to have your family behind you. I wish all of you the best of luck!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm changing my career path after 15 years working as a real estate agent/property manager.......I have recently enrolled in a nursing program at a great college here in Michigan. How many out there have changed careers this late in their lives? I'm nervous but excited about this!

Congrats! I started my career life at 35! I graduated with my BA in 1993, got married, moved to Utah, floundered around, had babies, was a SAHM for 9 years. I started graduate school in 2004 and will be graduating this Saturday! I have been "working" since May 2006.

 

[ChefMickey]

I'm 39 and back in school now. I got tired of working til 8-9 PM, being gone 12-13 hours. It's just not a good life when you have small children.

 

[ChefMickey]

OP - what were the pre-reqs you had to do. I just turned 44 and start classes in 13 days in Illinois for nursing. Doing the pre-reqs first. This community college requires cna as part of the pre-reqs. Wondering if yours did also. I'm excited and scared at the same time. My children are close to yours (10, 13, 15) and with my husband are supportive. Congrats on starting finishing pre-reqs and starting nursing.

You probably have to take Chemistry, A&P, Sociology, Psychology to name a few.

 

[magnumaid]

33 SAHM here. Also considering going back to school.

Great, encouraging thread!

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

My mom{42} is currently finishing her 3rd semester of nursing this week and next. She has had some delays in the past few years that she has been in school just from my brother going to iraq, hurricane katrina, and me having to move to houston b/c of my cancer. As far has school goes she has done very well.