Question

Looking for some advice especially from our members 40+ (but I welcome all comments). I'll be 49 this month, I have my associates degree and my project management certification (PMP). I have been taking college courses to finish my bachelors for about 1. 5 years. I got burnt out this last term and dropped my classes. I'm struggling with a decision if I should finish. I don't really want to do project management going forward, Ideally I'd love to do Forensic Accounting, but at my age, I think that ship has sailed, but I'm not sure what I want to do. I feel like I'm losing skills I used to have that I no longer utilize, and that scares me as I grow older. I'm worried about not finishing as many (not all, but many) companies won't even look at your resume without a degree. Will I make more money with it? I don't know as I do make pretty good money right now, but I work for a very small company with no growth prospects, and in a very volatile industry (when things are good, there good, but very bad when they are bad). I just feel a bit like a loser for not finishing, and it's weighing on me, but it will take me another 3 years part time at my current school, unless I changed to an online accelerated program. I'm not looking for permission, I'm just struggling with my decision and thought there might be some other people who are or who had been in my shoes.  

Answer 1

10 years after hs i decided that my husband (ex now for a long time) wasn't going to get a better job than retail. We had 3 kids. Applied for an apprenticeship with the federal government graduated with an ATA which really doesn't mean much and now I make over $80k. I'm in my late 40s and toying with the idea of going to school to going into a Bachelors program. I'm still working on my budget. Its terrible. My current husband and I keep our money separate. I'm still hanging on to my dreams of getting a college degree. It may not mean much to anyone else but it means the world to me. If you have a dream and a desire well its never too late to begin a new journey.  

Comments

@eulogia: YES! Well said!  

Answer 2

JPMorgan hires without a degree. Also a PMP is not required but definitely nice to have. Oh and I’m 49 this month and work at Chase.  

Answer 3

I am turning 48 this year and will start my Masters program tomorrow. Never too late!  

Answer 4

It's never to late. Yes, companies do hire with no degree. but from a personal aspect, my husband cannot advance his career without a bachelor's. That piece of paper is holding him back. It doesnt matter what his resume looks like. They want to see that piece of paper.  

Comments

@lemmon right! That is what worries me and keeps me thinking that I need to keep moving forward. Good luck to your husband.  

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@tanta thank you. Even if you decide with the other career path, you have many years ahead of yourself. We are in our late 30s. I completely understand where you are coming from.  

Answer 5

Can you look at finished at a different school? Last year at 39 I finished my Masters of Nursing degree as a single mom with a three year old and staring the program one month after having my second child while working full time. It was crazy hard and I had absolutely no life and all while my baby had medical issues so I couldn’t use a babysitter and I had to do all of my schoolwork while also caring for my kids the whole time. Look for an online program so school will fit into your life better. Will you burn out yes, but light another match and keep going. Find your second wind. Because next thing you know you will be done and so great full you didn’t give up on yourself. Don’t let the time and make you already invested into your degree go to waste. See if WGU offers the program you want. They are self paced and allow you to fit school into your schedule and is a fraction of the price of other schools.  

Comments

@campo6 thank you ❤️. And yes, I’m starting to look at other schools (WGU included) where I could finish at a faster pace because the traditional state school is just taking way too long with the longer/traditional semesters.  

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@tanta generally, unless you are going into a career where they care about the specific school you went to, they only care about you having a degree. I never would have been able to finish my degree if I had to attend classes in person. I hope whatever path you take is successful. Take pride in going after your goals.  

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@campo6 you are so right, and at my age I just want to finish this!  

Answer 6

As far as your question of, “Is it to late? Am I too old? ” I am hear to say “No! Never! ” I am 50 years old & saving money to take on another Master’s degree & I want my PhD. In my 20’s & 30’s, my tastes and needs & wants have changed. I want different things now. My values have changed. I am still me, but I have grown & matured. I still have a good 30 years or more left in my life, I don’t intend to waste it. Please follow your heart, explore your desires, see what comes up. It is never to late.  

Comments

@gimel/activity" class="qa-user-link">gimel thank you so much @gimel/activity" class="qa-user-link">gimel ❤️

Answer 7

I graduated from nursing school at 49. Best choice ever. It’s never too late.  

Answer 8

In 3 years you'll be in exactly the same space as you are in now, UNLESS you go back to school. So what do you have to lose? I don't beleive money spent on education is ever wasted.  

Answer 9

I am half way through my masters at 42. . Age is just a number, if it’s what you want go for it. Just remember you are always worth it regardless of what others think.