To consider going to university to study nutrition and dietetics at the age of 28?

[BlodynFioled]

Or have I missed my chance? By the time I graduate I would be 32.

I have a young child and will need to work part time while at university which will make it a little more challenging.

Money would be tight for a few years but after graduating I would be earning considerably more than I am now.

I just don't know what to do. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

[LimitIsUp]

Of course you should go. You have (not wishing to depress you) decades of working life to go before retirement. If you were fifty I'd probably say it was too late, but you'll only be 32 when you graduate. Absolutely go for it

[TidyDancer]

You should definitely do it! I would be saying the same if you were a decade older as well!

[JackieWeaverIsMySpiritAnimal]

Do it! You have years of your working life ahead of you yet!

Yes, it will be tough juggling studies, a child and a job, but you also already have a bit of "life wisdom" behind you which may serve you well during your time as a student. Hopefully your uni will also be able to offer you plenty of support.

As an aside, I work at a Uni and the oldest student I have supported through her studies graduated at the grand age of 71. You are never too old to pursue your passions and I wish you every success.

[susiebluebell]

Not too late at all! I started a degree at 28, had to leave after a year due to a family loss, but re-enrolled in a different course last year, aged 29. I will be 32 when I graduate

I'm not the oldest or the youngest in my cohort, and because I'm there to study and I know who I am, I find it so much easier than some of my classmates who are younger and still finding their feet.

Also, universities and student finance are sooo used to dealing with students who are parents and working as well - there will be more support and options than you think! Go for it!

[PersonaNonGarter]

Definitely! You have an amazing career ahead of you.

I know someone retraining at 47 - expecting a 25yr career. It’s brilliant.

[Kaptain]

Is this an actual serious question? You think you'd be too old to start a new career at 32?

[MsAnnFrope]

Not too late at all! I switched to doing my PhD at 32 and still feel it was worth it!

[PragmaticWench]

My DM retrained in law when she was mid forties, all at night school and with a full time job and children. Had twenty years running her own practice very happily.

Go for it!

[HelplessProcrastinator]

Definitely do it. My DH left nursing in his late 30s and graduated at 40. It was tough when the kids were small but now he is earning as much as when he was a nurse on permanent nights but he is around at weekends and evenings to support our older DC. Small kids don’t need lots of money but your extra income will be useful when you hit the teens. You are really young, do it.

[BlodynFioled]

Yes this is a serious question. Obviously I know I'm not old, but being in uni in your thirties is very different to going at the age of 18. It's a big decision to make and there's lots to think about.

[ODFOx]

Do it.
It will be tough but diet and nutrition are more important than they have ever been and you'll be getting into a field which is about to explode.
Great prospects, interesting subject. And something relevant to everyday life so you can use what you learn as you go.

[nancywhitehead]

It will be challenging but if you want to do it then there's no reason you shouldn't. You don't "miss your chance" with these things, you can go to uni at any age if you have the time and resources to do so - no one can make that decision but you.

[HollowTalk]

Is there definitely a lot of work in that field? That's the only thing that would stop me, otherwise I'd go for it.

[wilmawebb]

My daughter did a dietetics degree straight after A levels. Over half of the people on her course we’re mature students. On all the open days she went to when choosing a university there was always a big mixture of ages. You certainly wouldn’t be the oldest I’m sure.
It’s been a great career choice for my daughter, you should definitely go for it.

[SausageDogSandwich]

Why on earth not?!

[Cookiedough41]

I always find that the more "mature" students do really well on their placement as they are able to quickly adjust to the different patients I have on my caseload due to their life experience. I genuinely love my job and love training students. Be prepared that you may have someone training you who will be younger and giving you feedback. Some people will deal with this better than others. Good luck.

[catndogslife]

Go for it OP.
Am sure you won't be alone - lots of courses have a mix of different ages these days.
Your life experience will also be very valuable.

[WonkyCactus]

I'm 40 and hoping to do similar within the next couple of years. Just have to work out the financial side of it, ideally I would also work part time while studying but you're right that this would be challenging with placements and so on. But hopefully doable!

[Reinventinganna]

I retrained in my thirties and was one of the youngest there. Do it!

[OldScrappyAndHungry]

I’m about to retrain at the age of 52! You’re a mere baby in comparison .

Go for it!

[Blackopal]

I went to university at the age of 34. I was convinced I would be the oldest by far.
Not at all, had quite a few classmates who were late forties and early fifties.
As a Pp mentioned, the older students got all the 1sts and the good jobs in our field.

If you are interested in the subject and are determined you should go for it.

[HollyWoodGurl]

MIL did this in her 40s. She ended up
A phD in the subject

[Porcupineintherough]

My friend did it in her 40s. Total career change. No problem finding work and she's very happy.

[MakeMineALarge1]

Why on earth wouldn't you?

[Blueeyedgirl21]

Go for it . You might even find you will have help with childcare, maybe even a uni nursery available. I had a 64 year old on my course when I did my undergrad!!