Is It Too Late to Go Back to School at 30?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences of individuals considering or returning to school later in life, particularly around the age of 30. Participants share their personal journeys, motivations, and feelings about being non-traditional students.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of returning to school after dropping out due to financial and personal issues, expressing hope and a plan to balance school with family and work commitments.
  • Another participant mentions their own journey as a non-traditional student, feeling older at 29 but finding motivation after a negative job experience, and expresses enjoyment in their studies.
  • A different participant reflects on their lengthy path to graduation, noting the challenges of changing majors multiple times but ultimately feeling accomplished after completing their degree at 28.
  • One participant discusses their major in Early Childhood Development and their desire to transition from their current job to a teaching aide position, motivated by a desire for change.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the challenges and experiences of being a non-traditional student, with some participants expressing excitement and others sharing concerns about returning to school at an older age. No clear consensus emerges.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to balancing education with work and family life, highlighting the diverse motivations for returning to school.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals considering returning to school later in life, particularly those balancing education with other responsibilities.

A
apriljc
Messages
545
I am finally going back to school. I went to college about 10 years ago and had to drop out because of finacial and personal problems. I have been wanting to go back to school and I finally got my butt in gear and got my credits transfered to out metro school, I only had about 6 classes transfer but at least they were the general classes so now I can concentrate on more of the major classes. I am hopefuly going to start in March and am only going to take one class at this time until I can get into a routine of being a student. I work a 8-5 job so I will have to take classes at night or on weekends. My DH is currently taking classes at our local university and we also have 2 boys, ages 3 & 5.. I still want to be involved with PC as much as I can and I am hoping as I am around more people I can share with them the PC. I also am going to advertise too by taking the catalog tote or another PC bag I have to class. We are all going to be very busy but I think we will be fine and it will pay off in the long run. I am also a little nervous about being a 30 year old student and having to study.
 
Congratulations April! I'm also a non traditional student...gosh I hate that term it makes me feel old and I'm only 29. I also went right after high school but I had to healthy of a social life and I had to take a semester off. It took being at a job that I hated to get my butt back into gear and back to school. I have to say that I am loving it, I only have one more year left :) What is your major?

Don't worry it won't be that bad, I was amazed at how many "older" (older than me) sudents there were.
 
Good for you April! It took me 8 years to finally graduate after changning my Major about 3x! I was 28 when I finally finished! But once I figured out I needed to be serious about school and bite the bullet I did it in 2 years. I had 200 credits in the end but it felt great to finally Graduate from College! Good luck!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I am majoring in Early Childhood Development. I love to work with little kids. I work as a receptionist at a very busy opthomologists office and have been there for 5 years. One day I just said to myself that I didn't want to do this everyday and listen to people b----- about their eyes and how much paper work that they have to fill out at a doctors office. So I think that was my final push.
I am hoping next school year I can quit my job and be a teachers aide, I am not sure if I can do that but I am going to see if I can.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it too late to go back to school at 30?

No, it is not too late to go back to school at 30. Many people return to education later in life, and their experiences can be enriching both personally and professionally. Age can bring valuable life experience that enhances learning.

What are the benefits of going back to school at 30?

Returning to school at 30 can provide numerous benefits, including career advancement, personal growth, and the opportunity to change careers. Additionally, older students often bring a mature perspective to their studies, which can enhance classroom discussions and group projects.

How can I balance work, school, and personal life if I go back to school at 30?

Balancing work, school, and personal life requires careful planning and time management. Consider creating a schedule that allocates specific times for studying, work, and personal activities. Prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals can also help maintain balance.

What types of programs are available for adult learners returning to school?

There are various programs available for adult learners, including online courses, part-time degree programs, and evening classes. Many colleges and universities offer flexible options tailored to the needs of working adults, making it easier to fit education into a busy schedule.

Will employers value a degree obtained later in life?

Yes, many employers value a degree obtained later in life, especially if it is relevant to the job. They often appreciate the dedication and commitment it takes to return to school while managing other responsibilities. Additionally, the skills and experiences gained during this time can be advantageous in the workplace.

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