Am I too old to go to Uni

[Rayn]

I started my degree in 2001 and dropped out after a year as I was pregnant. I was 26.
I then did 60 credits on open uni in education studies in 2006. I have always worked in children's services and nursery management right up until three years ago.
I am 46. I feel too old to go back and do my teacher training. I hate been office based and want to work in primary not nurseries.

I feel like I will be the only oldie and although I am ok with that I will be betting into a lot of debt and will be nearly 50 when qualified. I don't worry about getting a job as I have so much experience with kids in different areas.

Am I mad? Any positive stories about going to Uni as a mature student?
Have thought about open university but not sure if I will be able to do it independently.

Wow. What an inspiring lot. I have woke up feeling very inspired by your stories!! I had a good chat with my husband last night and feel it may have to be done by open university. Luckily I have 60 credits already from doing this and it will be cheaper in the long run. I love the idea of a brick uni but may be costly. Time to look into student finance!

Re: starting teaching later in life. It's fine! Teachers in their 50s are exhausted and burned out because they have been doing the same thing for too long. Not because they are too old!

I have always been a teacher and I did get burned out in my late 40s, my MA and PhD (which I did in my 50s)are in a different area and they have allowed me to go into a different type of training at the age of 60.

It's true that teachers get tired and burned out, but that's if you have been doing the same kind of teaching since your 20s and maybe brought up children at the same time. I found that once I changed my field and type of institution (being deliberately vague) I got my oompf back and I have plenty of energy and interest for my new career in teaching now, at the age of 60. Burnout doesn't mean that you're finished, it means it's time for a change.

I have found that if you are older than your colleagues they tend to assume you are much more experienced than you are, which means you are instantly accepted. It's great. Starting out in a career in your 20s is usually daunting partly because you have to prove yourself but as you get older other people just let you get on with things thinking you know what you're doing (even if you don't!).

There's no end to the reasons why it's never too late!

Open University is a fantastic option! The tutors are very supportive and the courses are well constructed. DO IT!!!!

There were a fair few 40-60yo on my course 5 years back. Some for a change in career others for enjoyment.

I do think it depends where you live and the recruitment needs of the area. Where I live is very desirable and teaching jobs are in short supply and the schools are able to pick from many applicants. I know many mature teachers unable to secure jobs here and who have trained and had to do different jobs because of this. I am sure it is different elsewhere.

Another one saying good luck and go for it! I have loved being a student in my 40s and am a much better student than I was in my 20s! The life experience really does make a big difference. Good luck

You are never too old. I signed up to a Masters in Social Work, start September and I’m 47.
Go for it, my very good friend (my age) retrained as a teacher four years ago and loves it.

OP I’m no expert but I thought with teacher training there was a way to do it while working at a school so you didn’t have to go to uni to qualify as a teacher? I may be remembering wrong but someone told me that. But you’d need a school willing to take you on and train you etc.

Yes why on Earth not? It sounds like you’ll regrets it if you don’t

@medebourne

I did my MA at 50 and I will be finishing my PhD soon (with luck) at the age of 60.

Doing both these postgraduate degrees has opened up new job opportunities. I got a new job just recently and I think there is a good chance I can get an even better job when my PhD is finished.

I have never felt out of place during my studies, I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it has made a difference to my job prospects. I was too busy and tired when bringing up my kids. I now have the energy and focus to commit to this.

It really is never too late!

That's amazing! I've just started a part time MSc and will graduate, hopefully, when I'm 51.

I'd love to do a PhD after.