PhD as a middle aged parent?

[Tigertealeaves]

I'm a woman in my 40s with a partner and young child.

I was a teacher for many years, passionate about my subject but became depressed by the reality of schools. I was previously very academic and have good qualifications. Did an MA in early 20s but it was the wrong choice - a bit of a tangent that didn't work out, and that disheartened me. I finished it, though. I'm currently doing a fixed term job in HE and am fantasising about having another go at academia, basically. I feel I've underachieved, not specialised enough, and have spent much more time caring for my students' and employees' growth and development than my own.

I'm hoping this route would stop me doing variations on the same job for the next 2-3 decades with little progression, and might open up teaching at HE level. I am worried it could feel very detached though, after so long being in the thick of it. I like theory but also love 'doing'.

I'm posting this in the hope that anyone who's done doctoral research themselves (or supervises it) can give me a reality check about whether I'm a viable candidate and whether it is worth it at my stage in life.

I think all your experience in schools could be a real strength - something to leverage in terms of funding/picking up teaching but shouldn't stand in the way of doing something creative for the PhD. IME Education departments (or at least the one in my university) are very innovative and open to interdisciplinary.

I started a PhD in my mid 50s and have just finished aged 60. While I was doing it I worked, looked after my dad who had dementia and parented/ran the house etc. At times it was very hard, yes but it was so worth it. I don't think my age was an issue whatsoever, not from the point of view of me being able to cope mentally or physically, or in terms of fitting in with the other students and my supervisors. I never felt, or was made to feel, too old.

I have also always been a teacher and my PhD is in the field of education and linguistics. Since starting it I have had all sorts of new job opportunities I wouldn't have had. Do it!

@Elvanseshortage
Since starting it I have had all sorts of new job opportunities I wouldn't have had.
That's good news - would you be happy to loosely describe the kind of thing that has come your way?

@MaybeDoctor During my PhD I was offered work at the uni (as a GTA), plus some marking. I also got support from my PhD supervisors to publish and present. It was hard to fit that in with my other work but worth it because
when I finished my PhD I had experience in HE on my cv and was able to get teaching in HE. I have now moved away my previous pre PhD work teaching which was dreadful, and work in HE only (so much easier and more satisfying).

Thanks Elevenses.

If you are considering self-funding, look at Lancaster's PhD in EResearch and Technology Enhanced Learning. It's relatively easy to manage alongside FT work and is structured for the first two years (a 6000 word essay every six months).