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Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!

 
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1166217
United States
11/16/2010 12:09 PM
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Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
My company was recently bought out by a large corporation. I've been working in the IT dept for 15 years and was advised that IT will now be outsourced. I have until the end of March 2011.

Given the current economic climate, I'm seriously considering going back to college and possibly changing career paths altogether.

Am I crazy to go back to school at 43? I truly feel I would be much more focused and would benefit from the education much more so than when I was 20yrs old.

I'm considering a career as a Radiology Tech, but it looks like those programs are overwhelmed with applicants, so that may not be doable.


Any suggestions or advice? I value all opinions.

Thanks in advance...
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 868011
United States
11/16/2010 12:11 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
hospital lab tech is only about a years schooling I believe. Usually starts over 15$ per hour.
Synchronicity

User ID: 1143674
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11/16/2010 12:11 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
One bit of advice, avoid for-profit "universities" like University of Phoenix, etc. They're all about pushing you into student loans, and do nothing for your resume.
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ -
Mohandas Gandhi
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 773473
United States
11/16/2010 12:12 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
DO IT!!
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 731972
Canada
11/16/2010 12:12 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
2 words. College Girls!


seriously, it's never too late to expand your brain. Grab the books and focus on them, not young college ass.
BadMoonRising

User ID: 1080618
Germany
11/16/2010 12:13 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
We've got two years left in this world (as we know it).

I really wouldn't bother as the shit is well and truly about to have a meet with some fans.
"What The HELL Is Going On?..."

[link to www.worldending2012.org]
BRIEF AND TO THE POINT

User ID: 381742
United States
11/16/2010 12:13 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
What is in demand? Then what are your skills, likes and dislikes?
Poor people do poor people things, and rich people do rich people things.

You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation.

You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!

when you rob Paul to give to Peter ... ... ... you will always get Peters support!

:Brieffromnativea:
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1045126
United States
11/16/2010 12:14 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
If going back to college is what you decided to do, you will be fine. There are a lot of older students now-a-days, so 43 is NOTHING. I was thinking about going back to get my PhD because the jobs right now are just not out there. Figure instead of wasting a few years, I could be doing something...maybe after that, things would get better. IDK. It might not even help.

Whatever you decided...make it "right" for you...listen to your gut.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 719889
United States
11/16/2010 12:19 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
One bit of advice, avoid for-profit "universities" like University of Phoenix, etc. They're all about pushing you into student loans, and do nothing for your resume.
 Quoting: Synchronicity

I work for a College... ALL COLLEGES are for-profit. I don't care what they claim to be officially. Just make sure you choose a regionally accredited school and you'll be fine. :)

At 43, I don't think that "where" the degree comes from will matter as much. Usually online degrees allow people to work and continue developing their professional skills while they are taking fully accredited classes. I work with many people who have gotten their Master's degrees online. There are older faculty here who did it through correspondence before online ed was big.

At the end of the day the education end doesn't matter... they want skills. If you already have skills, then get your degree in anything, just so long as it says Bachelor's or Master's. PhD's are mostly for education and research fields. Corporations don't like them as much as a Master's... Anyway, do what ya want...
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 846553
United States
11/16/2010 12:22 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
Knowledge gained is never wasted. Plus, going to school in the forties keeps the brain young. It will be difficult at first, but push through and you will benefit with not only a new career but also a sharp, focused mind.

Browse the web for jobs in demand. Here's one website, but there are several out there. Might help you choose a new career path.

[link to www.careeronestop.org]
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1144460
United States
11/16/2010 12:22 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
I remember an Ann Landers column where the writer was hesitating about going back to school because by the time he graduated he would be 55 years old. Her response: ......"and how old would you be in that time if you don't go back to school?"

Perfect! Go to school..I have considered it myself...never went to college...and I am 64. Knowledge can only help and is not wasted.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1010415
United States
11/16/2010 12:22 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
Forget your likes, what is in demand?
I went back at 43. Loved it. Best time of my life.
But, I took IT. No entry-level jobs. No jobs period.
Friend my age got her R.N. at the same time, she is happy as a clam and I am broke as hew.
Take something that will give you certificates.
I was a perfect attendance A student, but the jobs do not care about that.
Get your certs and get health, trucking, or whatever is in demand.
It was the most fun, my brain works way better and faster than when I was 20-30, I slammed the whole class (with my team mate,) lol.
"A"s all the way.
I get a lot more respect now, but that don't pay the rent, wish I took law, social service work, criminal justice, or nursing.
Best of luck to you and have fun.
Anonymous Coward (OP)
User ID: 1166217
United States
11/16/2010 12:23 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
If going back to college is what you decided to do, you will be fine. There are a lot of older students now-a-days, so 43 is NOTHING. I was thinking about going back to get my PhD because the jobs right now are just not out there. Figure instead of wasting a few years, I could be doing something...maybe after that, things would get better. IDK. It might not even help.

Whatever you decided...make it "right" for you...listen to your gut.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1045126


Thanks everyone for your input.

That's exactly my thought process... why waste the next year or so looking for a mediocre job, when I could be advancing my education in a field that will hopefully be full of opportunities in the next few years.

With all the baby boomers retiring, I would think health care would be a great career.

I like what you said about making it "right" for me. I'm so confused right now, I don't know what's right. I guess it's just going to take some time to figure out.

It's really hard being so comfortable in a job for as long as I have, and then all the sudden it's gone. I'm terrified. I have a wife and 2 kids to support... but my wife has a good job, so that's a huge help. She's also very understanding.

I keep telling myself this is going to be for the best... it's just hard to see it at this point in time.
777
User ID: 1143986
United States
11/16/2010 12:24 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
Hey man
I am 43 and just got accepted back to University for electrical engineer Bch.

Have faith in yourself , the only thing stopping you is your own doubt.The way i see it, at 43 i have at least 20+ years before i become a Fossil.

I wish you all the best, Love and Peace
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1090072
United States
11/16/2010 12:24 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
My company was recently bought out by a large corporation. I've been working in the IT dept for 15 years and was advised that IT will now be outsourced. I have until the end of March 2011.

Given the current economic climate, I'm seriously considering going back to college and possibly changing career paths altogether.

Am I crazy to go back to school at 43? I truly feel I would be much more focused and would benefit from the education much more so than when I was 20yrs old.

I'm considering a career as a Radiology Tech, but it looks like those programs are overwhelmed with applicants, so that may not be doable.


Any suggestions or advice? I value all opinions.

Thanks in advance...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1166217


I am 36 and have returned to school. My former career was suceessful and fulfilling, but I had to move around due to it being a contract driven business.

I decided to go to school and enter the health field. It will be for less money, but stable and fulfilling.

I was suprised to see most of my classmates are in my age group and older.

Dont wait!
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1163528
France
11/16/2010 12:26 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
One bit of advice, avoid for-profit "universities" like University of Phoenix, etc. They're all about pushing you into student loans, and do nothing for your resume.
 Quoting: Synchronicity


exactly, a total waste of money. go to a technical school for specific training.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 967614
United States
11/16/2010 12:29 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
OP, I went back at the same age, and I love it. My skillset was outdated but now I'm getting everything I need to be a competitive applicant in my field.

If I hadn't gone back, I would have had to settle for a very sucky position, and watch other people do the job I wanted. Settling for a sucky job lasts longer than training for a better one.

Plus, in every class I've been in, there have been 2-3 people even older than me, and the younger students are even cool about it. I've never been the "oldest" yet.

Good luck.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 1148234
United States
11/16/2010 12:30 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
OP, I'm 41 and just went back to school this fall. I am going to a large university, but am taking their distance learning/online education because I don't want to move half way across country. The rates at this college for online are cheaper than residential. I'm taking Christian Counseling, which is primarily psychology through a Biblical perspective, with the aim of helping people in times of crisis. I want help those who end up in crisis find the necessary resources to help them get back on their feet, and to even be considered legitimate, by our society, one has to hold some type of degree for doors to open through communities, churches, organizations, etc. I already am helping others, but not many doors open when you aren't seen as "legitimate" by our warped ass society.

I think at this juncture in our times, furthering your education can be a viable option. My reasons are intrinsic, I'm not seeking a position with great financial reward, nor honors, but just being able to help my fellow man, as it doesn't take long or far to look before finding those who have fallen on harder times than myself.
Vi

User ID: 1150659
United States
11/16/2010 12:31 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
Check out Respiratory Therapist too, it's 2 years.

You are NOT too old. I'm 52 and I went back this year.
Synchronicity

User ID: 1143674
United States
11/16/2010 12:41 PM
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Re: Thinking of going back to college at 43.... Opinions Please!
One bit of advice, avoid for-profit "universities" like University of Phoenix, etc. They're all about pushing you into student loans, and do nothing for your resume.

I work for a College... ALL COLLEGES are for-profit. I don't care what they claim to be officially. Just make sure you choose a regionally accredited school and you'll be fine. :)

At 43, I don't think that "where" the degree comes from will matter as much. Usually online degrees allow people to work and continue developing their professional skills while they are taking fully accredited classes. I work with many people who have gotten their Master's degrees online. There are older faculty here who did it through correspondence before online ed was big.

At the end of the day the education end doesn't matter... they want skills. If you already have skills, then get your degree in anything, just so long as it says Bachelor's or Master's. PhD's are mostly for education and research fields. Corporations don't like them as much as a Master's... Anyway, do what ya want...
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 719889


I work in Human Resources, plus my husband has his own business. I know what I am saying when I say that University of Phoenix et al do not impress employers.
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ -
Mohandas Gandhi





GLP