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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

In thinking 36 is too old

189 replies

Jellybeansincognito · 19/02/2020 16:10

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?

OP posts:
MaryShelley1818 · 19/02/2020 19:23

I'm 41 - studying for my second degree (career change) and ttc my second child (unsuccessfully) so clearly a late starter in life! I'll be 45 when I fully qualify.

Ludways · 19/02/2020 19:36

I know 4 people who have graduated in the past 2 years who are in their 40's and graduated, they're all in jobs linked to their degrees now. I graduated at 22, I'm not in a job linked to my degree as I didn't really know what I wanted back then, I just went from one thing to the next but without any great thought.

Norma27 · 19/02/2020 19:38

I'm 44. I graduated years ago, but have been out of work years.
Yesterday I received a job offer from a big accountancy firm to start at graduate level. They didn't think I was too old.
Good luck.

Snowdrop50 · 19/02/2020 19:41

I was 35 when I graduated. I am glad I got to do something interesting and challenging for three years.

I would have thought that it would be an asset to be a mature student to do social work. You have life experience and work experience. Good luck Thanks

Silvergreen · 19/02/2020 19:44

My 52 year old friend has just graduated in social work and was snapped up! X

gemdrop84 · 19/02/2020 19:48

Errr, you're never too old?! I may be biased in my opinion as I'm graduating as a mental health nurse in November and I'll be 36...Grin go for it op, life's too short.

FenellaVelour · 19/02/2020 19:49

I graduated as a social worker aged 38 so you’re fine! Most people on the course were in their 30s.

EdgeWithNoReason · 19/02/2020 19:51

I graduated as a social worker aged 41.

Do it.

vitaminC · 19/02/2020 20:04

36 is still plenty young enough to start.
I studied medicine as a mature student and graduated at 45!

RupaulsHagface · 19/02/2020 20:04

I graduated in 2018 at the age of 44! Go for it it's an amazing feeling and accomplishment x

cinnabarmoth · 19/02/2020 20:07

I was 30 the first time I graduated, and 42 the second time. My sister graduated at 34. My grandmother graduated at 60. 36 is not too old

LellyMcKelly · 19/02/2020 20:08

I’m a lecturer at a university. I teach loads of mature students and they’re a great addition to any class because they really want to learn, they bring with them experience to share with the class, and they ‘get it’ - they understand the rigours of a degree and they’re used to working. I always try to have a few for dissertation supervision because generally they produce really good interesting work. Go for it. You’ll love it.

I have one mature student from quite a turbulent background who brings her children to class during half term because she has no childcare. She brings everything they’ll need, they aren’t disruptive, and they’re welcomed as old friends by the other students. It would be easy for her to take a few days off - she has straight A grades, but the degree means so much to her and I really respect her desire to get every last ounce of learning she can.

caketiger · 19/02/2020 20:11

I graduated my BA last year. I was 48.

Iloveplacentas · 19/02/2020 20:13

I’m in my final year of a midwifery degree. I am 37! Having life experience is a huge bonus

TheHumanSatsuma · 19/02/2020 20:15

I was 33 when I got my BSc, 37 when I got my PGCE (2 children in meantime) Worked for 25 years as a teacher and have just retired.
Not too old at all

Drogonssmile · 19/02/2020 20:17

I hope not, Ive just started a part time degree at 38. I could be 44 by the time I graduate. Given that I then have at least another 24 working years left until pensionable age I figure it's not too late!

wheresmymojo · 19/02/2020 20:19

My DM did it and swapped careers from a sales person in the steel industry to an academic / lecturer at around that age...

ChickenTikkaTellMeWhatsWrong · 19/02/2020 20:29

I'm in my first year of children's nursing and I'm 33, so will be 36 when I graduate. I've found there are a lot more older or mature students now.
I feel I've more life experience to do it now then if I did it at 18.
Go for it!!!

SueEllenMishke · 19/02/2020 20:33

I have students on my course in their 50's...they're starting out in a new career and are absolutely being taken seriously.
Go for it!

BigBairyHollocks · 19/02/2020 20:34

I pressed YANBU by mistake-havent read h thy e full thread but no it’s not too old at all.

Surfer25 · 19/02/2020 20:40

It depends

I know someone who did an MBA from 34-36

Then got funding for a PhD which took them 6 years to finish because they got married and had a kid as soon as they started it.

Finally at 43 they have shelved the idea that these qualifications will actually lead to them getting any kind of management consultant work and have gone back to work that is less paid and not as good as the work they did before the courses.
I imagine all those years out of work and in education didn't help

Caplin · 19/02/2020 20:43

Nope. My mum graduated as a teacher in her late 30s, my aunt was in her early 40s when she graduated to be a social worker. My uncle graduated in his late 40s and then became a college lecturer.

My sister will graduate in 2 years and will be 40.

Surfer25 · 19/02/2020 20:45

It's not too old to the courses but depending on what you want to do with it then it might be.

Teaching and social work not likely...but it doesn't apply to everything.

Darbs76 · 19/02/2020 20:47

Nope as you’ll still have over 30yrs left to work and repay any uni debts

amaryl · 19/02/2020 20:48

No
My mum Started degree at 42, started career at 45, 25 years in teaching

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