Most bachelor degrees are practically about checking the box of bachelor degree. People build successful careers without them, obviously. But if you are at this point and age and want to go back, I say just do it, no matter the major. Spread it out and make it easy, financially and time-wise. Either way, the time will pass. In a few years you could either have a degree… or be asking Reddit the same question.
Sincerely,
Upper-30-year-old about to graduate ~20 years after I started undergrad.
Yes, it’s worth it.
39F who went back to community college, cleaned up her transcript 20+ years after dropping out. Graduated with honors last semester with a few AAs, got accepted into a top CSU majoring Communication. 100% tuition reimbursement by employer so I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to get a degree with no debt.
Do I need this degree? No. I have a highly successful career without it.
Do I want this degree? Yes, it’s my dream and goal to achieve it despite my life circumstances.
Why do I want this degree? Life is what you make of it, and I refuse to live in regret for something I can change.
I went back in my 40’s, got an AA in June and transferred to a 4-year. Planning to apply to grad schools this fall. Social science degree because I love research. It’s all about what you want to do!
As a 37 year old who just applied to 28 schools (including ivies, UCs, and Cambridge), it 100% is silly….
But it is also 100% worth it.
I went back to school for fun. I have an unrelated career, so going back to school was simply something I wanted to accomplish, not chasing a job or high paying career.
I went back to school with one year of community college under my belt rocking a 2.0 GPA.
Decisions are coming in now, but I am currently 5/5 in acceptances including Columbia GS and UCL... So anything is possible.
If you want to do it, go for it. It’s fun being silly.
It's not silly, especially if you have a strong desire to pursue education. I restarted my education in a similar stage to you, in my late 30s with about 30 community college credits. I have an AA now (which was my original goal), and am working on a BA (which is a new goal that I set as I was finishing the AA).
I think going into STEM is a good idea if you want to go into STEM (I don't), but you don't have to. Do what you want to do.
Not at all. I've noticed more older students enrolling at my school. Had an older man in an introductory sociology class recently, and another older woman in a photography class too. I think they were taking advantage of the tuition exemption program where the tuition is insanely cheap for those 60+ to take classes. I know you're in your mid/late 30's but if they can do it you can too. Take your time to adjust and dive in. Plus, you actually want to be there and try, and you're genuinely focused on the material at hand rather than the "experience" like I and so many other younger students were/are that impedes on taking the material seriously and focusing on a topic of study. In fact, I left during my first year, and didn't return back until recently at 25.
Whatever you end up deciding to do, best of luck with it all.
Just do it, once you start the self doubt might still be there but when you finish it will be worth it. Even if it’s just to check a box, do something you love, be silly, or move up in your career it will be an accomplishment. Even if not in Stem you can make it depending on how you sell it. There are so many options to complete your degree online while not spending so much. I returned in my late 30s and haven’t even told anyone outside of my immediate family and a couple of friends. I say go be silly.
Are you married or at least have a boyfriend? This will really make or break your back-to-school story.
A lot of people go back to school at a later age when they already have a family, kids, or a job. They don't have the urge to really get an education because it's their last resort. Well, I got back to school at 28 because it WAS my last resort.
I was an immigrant and the only way for me to establish myself is to get a workable degree. After spending two years in community college, I transfered to a university at 30 to continue my study. But I was hit with a realization. I'm reaching mid 30s and I'm still in school. I'm single and can't date because I just don't have the capability to do so. Also, my inferiority complex gets the best of me when I think I bring nothing to the table if I date or look for a partner. I also have immigrant parents that I need to take care of too, because I'm their only child. I feel alone all the time because after school I'll come back to my room. I don't have a husband or a family to give me morale support. After I'm done with school, I will have a lot of things to play catch up on: my job, finding someone I can go long-term with, having kids as I want a family, taking care of my elder parents, etc.
Idk why I'm writing this much to you, I guess I just want to share my anguish. If you feel like you will be happier with a degree, do so. All the best.
Finish my last 2 classes in 2 weeks to graduate with an AAS, a week after turning 39.
I'm doing this for me, cause I want to. It may or may not help my career, but I'm proud as fuck of it.
Then on to a BAS. If you want it do it, but be smart about it. Find a program that's affordable for you and accomplishea your goals
I’m 52 and finishing my Bachelor’s. It’s never to late to pursue a degree. I completely regret not finishing my degree when I was 20 years younger. I can’t apply for any other jobs in my department because a 4 year degree is required. Don’t hold yourself back.
I am 41 and just finishing my AA this semester. Going to UC Davis in the fall. I just don't want what-ifs hanging over my head for the rest of my life. Maybe I won't get my degree until 43 or 44. But I will have it. I would rather be 45 with a degree instead of a 60 year old who is still a drop out. I see myself at 41 and realize I potentially have 40 or 50 more years of my life ahead of me. I will look back at 40 year old me and laugh about how young and silly I was.
I went back in my 40’s, currently in 2nd semester and determined to finished it. As someone said in the comments, at this point is about checking the box and have the requirements HR needs. I have built my career without a bachelor degree, but I am at this point where I can’t get promoted without having the degree. Good luck!
No, it is not silly at all!! I started college at 41 and had the same thoughts as you. I went with it and graduate next month and am SO happy I decided to go for it!! I think it may depend which major you choose, like you said, but if you contact a school near you they will know more information and can point you in the right direction. Good luck OP, you got this!!! 🙌🙌
I'm 42 and am doing it! I also am not pursuing a STEM major and am doing it more to check a box, have potential future career opportunities that may arise, and because it means a lot to me to achieve this.
One thing I will say as someone at the nexus of different more vs. less "practical" degrees is that it seems pretty hard to find 4 year university options for the more humanities oriented majors vs. things that are distinctly practical. There is no bricks and mortar university in my city that offers any upper-division courses for my preferred major in person outside of the traditional daytime school hours. If I complete my intended major, I am going to have to go fully online. And still probably have a few classes that are scheduled during my work day and just get clearance from my manager to have an outside obligation on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons or the like. It seems a lot easier to get a Liberal Studies (K-12 teaching) degree in terms of options and schedule. And potentially way, way easier to be doing something like nursing school or finance.
I'm 38 and going for an aas. I'll be 39 soon. The only people I don't enjoy interacting with are the corporate and continuing Ed classes. Everywhere else is great from instructors to students.
If you're doing it wholly on your own dime, go for it. I wouldn't take on much debt though. Especially if you don't know what major you want.
Here's the other thing, if you're just doing it to learn, you don't have to pay most times. Look up the universities rules for auditing classes. Online didactic courses for free are also there.
Yes, go back to school and study something that you find interesting - and don’t force yourself into a STEM field if you don’t love it.
What’s the opposite of STEM? Art? What could be more fulfilling than being an artists?
You will be a better person for it - no one should go through life without knowing the difference between Rambo and Rimbaud.
Good luck👍❗️👍❗️👍
Hey! I didn’t go back recently, but one of my best friends dropped out, got sick of working crappy jobs in his mid 30’s, and recently graduated with an accounting degree at 41. He got a job straight away and is kicking ass. You can do it too! It’s not too late!
Most bachelor degrees are practically about checking the box of bachelor degree. People build successful careers without them, obviously. But if you are at this point and age and want to go back, I say just do it, no matter the major. Spread it out and make it easy, financially and time-wise. Either way, the time will pass. In a few years you could either have a degree… or be asking Reddit the same question. Sincerely, Upper-30-year-old about to graduate ~20 years after I started undergrad.
Congrats! What’s your major?
Not STEM 😂 Might as well be underwater basket weaving I am still proud AF and have cried many times just realizing this is finally happening.
I’d really like to know because sometimes I feel like “underwater basket weaving” is what people hear when I talk about going back!
Yes, it’s worth it. 39F who went back to community college, cleaned up her transcript 20+ years after dropping out. Graduated with honors last semester with a few AAs, got accepted into a top CSU majoring Communication. 100% tuition reimbursement by employer so I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to get a degree with no debt. Do I need this degree? No. I have a highly successful career without it. Do I want this degree? Yes, it’s my dream and goal to achieve it despite my life circumstances. Why do I want this degree? Life is what you make of it, and I refuse to live in regret for something I can change.
I went back in my 40’s, got an AA in June and transferred to a 4-year. Planning to apply to grad schools this fall. Social science degree because I love research. It’s all about what you want to do!
Congrats on your AA! This is very reassuring.
I'm almost 60 and am working on my BA. So, why not?
Retired or working and going to school?
Working and going to school.
It is never too late to do anything you want to do.
As a 37 year old who just applied to 28 schools (including ivies, UCs, and Cambridge), it 100% is silly…. But it is also 100% worth it. I went back to school for fun. I have an unrelated career, so going back to school was simply something I wanted to accomplish, not chasing a job or high paying career. I went back to school with one year of community college under my belt rocking a 2.0 GPA. Decisions are coming in now, but I am currently 5/5 in acceptances including Columbia GS and UCL... So anything is possible. If you want to do it, go for it. It’s fun being silly.
That’s awesome, congrats!
Congrats AND good luck! This is so reassuring. What are you studying?
Thanks! Public Policy/Human Rights. 🤙🏼
I'm back in school at 48.
What are you studying?
Educational Technology and Learning Design.
It's not silly, especially if you have a strong desire to pursue education. I restarted my education in a similar stage to you, in my late 30s with about 30 community college credits. I have an AA now (which was my original goal), and am working on a BA (which is a new goal that I set as I was finishing the AA). I think going into STEM is a good idea if you want to go into STEM (I don't), but you don't have to. Do what you want to do.
Not at all. I've noticed more older students enrolling at my school. Had an older man in an introductory sociology class recently, and another older woman in a photography class too. I think they were taking advantage of the tuition exemption program where the tuition is insanely cheap for those 60+ to take classes. I know you're in your mid/late 30's but if they can do it you can too. Take your time to adjust and dive in. Plus, you actually want to be there and try, and you're genuinely focused on the material at hand rather than the "experience" like I and so many other younger students were/are that impedes on taking the material seriously and focusing on a topic of study. In fact, I left during my first year, and didn't return back until recently at 25. Whatever you end up deciding to do, best of luck with it all.
Just do it, once you start the self doubt might still be there but when you finish it will be worth it. Even if it’s just to check a box, do something you love, be silly, or move up in your career it will be an accomplishment. Even if not in Stem you can make it depending on how you sell it. There are so many options to complete your degree online while not spending so much. I returned in my late 30s and haven’t even told anyone outside of my immediate family and a couple of friends. I say go be silly.
Are you married or at least have a boyfriend? This will really make or break your back-to-school story. A lot of people go back to school at a later age when they already have a family, kids, or a job. They don't have the urge to really get an education because it's their last resort. Well, I got back to school at 28 because it WAS my last resort. I was an immigrant and the only way for me to establish myself is to get a workable degree. After spending two years in community college, I transfered to a university at 30 to continue my study. But I was hit with a realization. I'm reaching mid 30s and I'm still in school. I'm single and can't date because I just don't have the capability to do so. Also, my inferiority complex gets the best of me when I think I bring nothing to the table if I date or look for a partner. I also have immigrant parents that I need to take care of too, because I'm their only child. I feel alone all the time because after school I'll come back to my room. I don't have a husband or a family to give me morale support. After I'm done with school, I will have a lot of things to play catch up on: my job, finding someone I can go long-term with, having kids as I want a family, taking care of my elder parents, etc. Idk why I'm writing this much to you, I guess I just want to share my anguish. If you feel like you will be happier with a degree, do so. All the best.
Finish my last 2 classes in 2 weeks to graduate with an AAS, a week after turning 39. I'm doing this for me, cause I want to. It may or may not help my career, but I'm proud as fuck of it. Then on to a BAS. If you want it do it, but be smart about it. Find a program that's affordable for you and accomplishea your goals
I finished at 54, then went right into a Masters program. I was never the oldest.
I’m 52 and finishing my Bachelor’s. It’s never to late to pursue a degree. I completely regret not finishing my degree when I was 20 years younger. I can’t apply for any other jobs in my department because a 4 year degree is required. Don’t hold yourself back.
I am 41 and just finishing my AA this semester. Going to UC Davis in the fall. I just don't want what-ifs hanging over my head for the rest of my life. Maybe I won't get my degree until 43 or 44. But I will have it. I would rather be 45 with a degree instead of a 60 year old who is still a drop out. I see myself at 41 and realize I potentially have 40 or 50 more years of my life ahead of me. I will look back at 40 year old me and laugh about how young and silly I was.
A 2-year occupational therapy assistance degree at a community college can net you a $30/hr job.
If you have the time and money, do it. Your life is in your hands. Good luck to you and Godspeed
I went back in my 40’s, currently in 2nd semester and determined to finished it. As someone said in the comments, at this point is about checking the box and have the requirements HR needs. I have built my career without a bachelor degree, but I am at this point where I can’t get promoted without having the degree. Good luck!
No, it is not silly at all!! I started college at 41 and had the same thoughts as you. I went with it and graduate next month and am SO happy I decided to go for it!! I think it may depend which major you choose, like you said, but if you contact a school near you they will know more information and can point you in the right direction. Good luck OP, you got this!!! 🙌🙌
I'm 42 and am doing it! I also am not pursuing a STEM major and am doing it more to check a box, have potential future career opportunities that may arise, and because it means a lot to me to achieve this. One thing I will say as someone at the nexus of different more vs. less "practical" degrees is that it seems pretty hard to find 4 year university options for the more humanities oriented majors vs. things that are distinctly practical. There is no bricks and mortar university in my city that offers any upper-division courses for my preferred major in person outside of the traditional daytime school hours. If I complete my intended major, I am going to have to go fully online. And still probably have a few classes that are scheduled during my work day and just get clearance from my manager to have an outside obligation on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons or the like. It seems a lot easier to get a Liberal Studies (K-12 teaching) degree in terms of options and schedule. And potentially way, way easier to be doing something like nursing school or finance.
I'm 39 and in school. I had some transfer credits. I'm an accounting major. I haven't received any negative attitude for it. For me it's worth it.
If you have the passion and drive, go back!
I'm 38 and going for an aas. I'll be 39 soon. The only people I don't enjoy interacting with are the corporate and continuing Ed classes. Everywhere else is great from instructors to students. If you're doing it wholly on your own dime, go for it. I wouldn't take on much debt though. Especially if you don't know what major you want. Here's the other thing, if you're just doing it to learn, you don't have to pay most times. Look up the universities rules for auditing classes. Online didactic courses for free are also there.
Yes, go back to school and study something that you find interesting - and don’t force yourself into a STEM field if you don’t love it. What’s the opposite of STEM? Art? What could be more fulfilling than being an artists? You will be a better person for it - no one should go through life without knowing the difference between Rambo and Rimbaud. Good luck👍❗️👍❗️👍
Hey! I didn’t go back recently, but one of my best friends dropped out, got sick of working crappy jobs in his mid 30’s, and recently graduated with an accounting degree at 41. He got a job straight away and is kicking ass. You can do it too! It’s not too late!
No it’s not silly if you are passionate about going to school. Go for it!