It’s time for Scrolling Saturday again! The topic this week: Should I go back to school?
Too Cool For School–At 40?
Last summer, I decided I was going to attend the local community college. In a short period of time, I applied to the school (and was accepted!), applied for financial aid and took my placement test. Then, life just seemed to get in the way, and I never enrolled.
Lately, though, I’ve been thinking more and more about getting that fire going under myself again.
As far as I’m concerned, my career has reached a dead end. My background is in retail, and I just don’t have the energy to do that anymore. I want to do something different–perhaps even something meaningful.
I want to get my Associate’s Degree as a Human Services Technician…I think.
I’ll be 40 years old in just two months. Am I crazy to be considering starting all over at this age? Or is it never too late to improve your life?
Two months after writing this, I’m still undecided. Any advice from the blogosphere?
To see all the participants of Scrolling Saturday, or to join in the fun, visit THIS PAGE.
Scrolling Saturday was created by Melissa at Such Simple Pleasures and Coleen at Manners and Moxie. Be sure to stop by and show them some bloggy-love!
March 8th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Give it a shot. It’s never too late to do something good for yourself. You could open up a whole world. I say go for it.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:24 am
What would you do if you won the lottery and did not need the money?
Follow your heart and do what makes you happy. Only go back to school if you want to be a “Human Services Technician”. Too many times we try to live up to what we think other people expect of us. Go where your passion is.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I say go for it! It’s never to late to improve your life. I would sit down and try to figure out what you’re missing in your life and how you think a degree would fill that need.
If you need more money, getting a new job is definitely a way to go, and if you need a degree to do that, go for it!
But, if you’re wanting to something “meaningful” and the money doesn’t matter to you, have you considered volunteering somewhere?
It’s just a thought…good luck in what you decide!! (And, since when is 40 “old”!?)
March 8th, 2008 at 11:53 am
So, how old will you be in another two months if you don’t go back to school? Go for it!
Good luck with whatever you decide.
March 8th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I knew I was asking the right group for advice! You all are so smart! Thank you for the great input!
March 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Definitely do it! You are never too old to learn new things! :o)
March 8th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
If you care for input from an unusal source:
It’s never to late to improve your life. If you don’t agree with that you may as well come move in with me right now.
March 8th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
you are at the same point in your life as me!! it’s NEVER too late…no matter what your age!! you DEFINITELY should!! it’s so funny that you posted this today. i was just talking to my hubby about my going back to school in the spring!! i want to do something in computers…web design…something!!
go back to school!! i’ll meet you in the cafeteria!!
xo
March 8th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Do it! My mom got married right after high school, had 4 kids, and was a SAHM. When I was in 4th grade, with a sister in 12th, 8th, and 1st, my mom decided to go back to school. She went, graduated at the top of her class, and became a nurse. She eventually became one of the leading nurses at St Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. I’m so, so proud of her. If she can do it. . . I’m sure you can!
March 8th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
What wonderful and inspirational advice! As for Satan, I agree, I agree!
March 8th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
You’re not too old. Never.
March 9th, 2008 at 12:39 am
No! It is not! No way. I mean, think about it. You will be 65 one day and look at your 40-year-old self and think . . . why the heck didn’t I do XYZ–I was just a young pup back then. Hard to conceptualize that right now . . . but it makes sense. EMBRACE the NOW.
March 9th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
It’s never too late to go back to school. You are in no way crazy for wanting to do it. I say got for it!
March 9th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
i think you should totally do it. life’s too short to hold yourself back and an associates isn’t a huge chunk of time - it’s not like a 5 year program. i even think so far as: so what if i go to school and never even use it? at least i went to school cuz i wanted to and enjoyed it!
March 9th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
You are never too old for school. Go For It!
March 9th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
It’s never to late, Sweetie! I’m in college right now (online). I’m not going to lie - when you are an adult, it takes much more dedication because LIFE does get in the way… but, go for it!!! You will be so proud of yourself and you will be doing something you won’t regret.
March 9th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
You know how I feel: if this is something you want (and I think it is), go for it. Dont let anything stand in your way. You can do it! Plus, I know you’ll love it!
March 9th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I am a firm believer that you are never too old to do anything that helps you feel better either physically or mentally.. I say do it!!!
March 10th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Just popping by to say Happy Birthday.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Thank you, everyone, for your encouragement! I got the college catalog out this morning, and have been seriously perusing it!
March 10th, 2008 at 9:07 am
@Cable Girl: Thank you for the birthday wishes!
March 10th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Oh my goodness, do I ever know what you are talking about! I got laid off back in November and STILL have not found a job. Just last night I was all mopey because I keep seeing the same jobs on the job boards…the same jobs that I’ve applied to and haven’t so much as gotten a call back. I was telling my husband that I’m about ready to give in and go back to working at a call center or as a cashier somewhere because I’ll never have a “career”. Husband suggested I go back to school. I’m almost 33, so it’s been 15 years since I’ve been in school. I find that very intimidating!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:44 am
@KendalsWife: I feel for ya. I’ve been out of work since the end of September, and, like you, there’s just NOTHING out there! I think we should both go back to school!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Go for it girl! It’s never to late to improve your life, further your education, or achieve your dreams!!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:31 am
@LunaNik: Thank you!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Sorry so late to comment, but I echo everyone’s sentiments. You should go for it, for sure! 40 is young; heck, it’s gotta be because it’s younger than I am!
My girlfriend went back to school around your age when she decided she wanted to be a nurse; she was a geologist but then stayed at home while her girls were growing. She’s well on her way in 2nd year now; and loving it!