In thinking 36 is too old

[Jellybeansincognito]

To graduate?

If I continue to do what I want to do, career wise I won’t graduate until I’m 36.

I can’t help but think this is too old?
Are you ever too old?
Will I manage to be taken seriously in a career as a beginner at 36?

Of course it isn't too old.

36 is young, don't be ridiculous!

Not old at all! I did it myself.

Go for it

Those of us in our 20s/30s have decades of work ahead of us - best to do something you enjoy!

Not at all!!! One of my best friends has just completed a degree in marketing, she turns 40 in June.

You're never too old to better yourself.

Absolutely fine. I'm an applied psychologist and it was very common to have people on their late thirties and forties joining. Less so now. But I really don't think it would be a problem at all. As a slightly more mature employee you'll offer other qualities. I say go for it!

I'm 36 and starting access in September! Definitely not too old. What do you want to do?

It depends what that career is. You might have more gravitas than some younger candidates which could be to your advantage.

Social worker 😊

Thanks a lot guys, I knew you’d rationalise my fears somehow!

You have at least 30 years to work after you graduate, lots of time to use your degree

I'm almost 44...my studies are on pause because I just had another baby. I can't work out if Ive retired, am on maternity leave or am a student. I won't graduate finally for another 4 years. I'm doing it for fun really but would still expect to be taken seriously in my career.

Just 30 years of working life to go..

You could have another 35-40 years of working at the rate retirement rates are going. Go for it! Follow your dream.

I graduated with my BSc at 56 and my MSc at 57. I was studying with a social work student who was also 56 and received two job offers before she graduated. Never too old.

I'm going back to uni to retrain. I won't qualify until I'm 49. I reckon I will still have 22 odd years in my new career

I taught a 66 year old a couple of years ago who will now be two years into his archaeology degree, he will graduate when he’s 70. He didn’t want a career, he just had a genuine interest in the subject. You’re honestly only too old when you’re dead .

You need a bit of life experience to do that job well, surely?
You sound perfect.
Good luck with it all!

I'm in the third year of an OU course and won't graduate until just before I turn 45.

Nope. When I was at university there were several mature students on my course. They ranged from being in their late 20's to around 50's. It seemed to make no difference to other students, tutors placement providers or future employers.
Personally I'd probably prefer to employ a graduate who had studied as a mature student as they literally are more mature!

I would say that it depends on the subject and career choice.

Those with defined professions like teaching and social work, which you mentioned, are pretty safe bets and benefit from a bit of age and life experience.

I was that age when I retrained as a primary school teacher,I'm a headteacher now,so definitely not too late.

😅. I certainly have plenty of life experience- good and bad.
I’d like to think I can put my sadness to some use and help others who are struggling.

It’s daunting.
But I suppose I just need to get on with it and do this to support myself and my family 😊.

I am in the first year of a degree I am 40.

Someone my husband went to university with was older and had terminal cancer. He managed to graduate before he died

Never too late