To do another degree mid 40s for career change?

[anotherdegree]

I've had 20 years of a pretty interesting arts-based career but there's no progression to be made and I'm getting a little bored. Also it pays shite.

I can get almost free undergraduate tuition thanks to DH's job. So I could go back and do a BSc in a field that's interested me for a while, and probably should have done it ten years ago. But it's four years! I'll be getting on for 50 by the time it's done. Will I even be employable as an entry-level kind of person?

I've looked at masters courses in this field but they all seem to need at least some science in your first degree. Also I've looked at the courses at the university I would be going to and they actually seem more useful to me considering I want to move from arts to a mixture of science/business (like intro to stats in the field and that sort of thing). Plus I could do this BSc for free, whereas a masters is definitely going to cost some cash.

Not in UK so I can dip in and out of courses, so to speak, and don't necessarily have to do a full degree, just take the courses that suit.

I can't make up my mind if doing the BSc is just the easy optionit's there and it's freebut in reality it's just putting off the hard work of making the change. Maybe what I should really do is find the best masters and just take a few of the undergrad courses I need to get into that? Or neither and just stay as I am?!

Anyone done anything similar?

It sounds like the BSc is a great opportunity - I'd go for it! And better to have it done by 50 and have c. 15 years in a career you love than never make the change.

I wasn't expecting any answers so quickly, dinosaur! Thanks

It's very true what you say about age/time. I guess my hesitation is really (I'm realising as I'm typing things out and thinking them through) that I might still need a masters after the BSc, but I can't really tell yet as I don't quite know enough about the industry or the exact jobs and their requirements. On the other hand, I don't want to stay in my current job for 20 more years and the DC are at a good age for me to study.

I’m slightly younger at 37 and have started retraining for the job I always wanted, I will be 41 once qualified. Although it sounds old to career change over 40 you still have quite a lot of working years left so I would not recommend spending it in a job you don’t want to do, go for it

I think it depends on whether the skills you have developed in your current line of work will make you more valuable in your new profession than a new graduate (it most areas, that’s definite yes) - experience managing people, managing projects, building relationships, working effectively with others, planning and organising etc is likely to give you a competitive edge in an entry level position or may mean you can bypass entry level roles. I say go for it!

I did my degree at 49 for a complete career change, best thing I've ever done. Now, two years later I have excelled in my career and earn three times what I did. It's boosted my work motivation and self esteem. mid 50's now. Go for it!

Yes do it. You might be working into your 70s at the rate UK pensions are moving. That's twenty years in a new career - plenty of time to move up the career ladder.

Early 40s here. Halfway through a degree. If you want to do it, go for it you won't regret it.

A free degree is pretty cool.

Depends on what job it leads to. Is it something you can still be doing in your sixties and maybe seventies? If so it’s worth it.

Mid 40s and studying psychology with the OU. It's a long slog but will be worth it in the end.

Alright, thanks everyone! Very positive. The good news is that I can start the courses without committing to the full degree so I’m going to sign up for some first year options that will be useful knowledge either way.

I started a psychology degree at OU at age 44, then did masters last year & working as a therapist now. I’ll be 50 this year. Definitely doable and I had no problem getting a job.

If you can do it at no or low cost, great but otherwise you'd have to consider if the debt would be balanced by the potential earnings. For most careers it wouldn't be.

Go for it. Its free!!

I did a masters degree, linked to a specific career when I was 48/9. Unfortunately no good news to share, there has so far been nobody interested in a 49 year old trainee in my new career (I am now 51). I cannot even get recruitment agents to call me back. The 20-odd year olds who were on my course all soon got lined up with something.

I had a very successful career in finance /accountancy beforehand. I have a very strong corporate CV, managed large teams, worked with C-suite level just below them. The new career was supposed to be in HR.

I am glad I did the masters though, because it was a challenge and I enjoyed it. But I expect I will need to go back to finance.

Wow, that's frustrating, Aprilx. That's definitely a worry! And you'd definitely think your previous career was an advantage. Can you go back to finance but in HR? Or go back to finance in a way that allows you to make a lateral move once in the door?

It's good that you're still glad you did the masters. I suspect I would feel the same way even if it didn't lead to a job. And like wizzywig said, it's basically free. My income will drop a bit during the course but not too much as it will coincide with not paying for childcare and having more time to work/study.

@Aprilx I'd really suggest HR in the Civil Service. We don't care about age (I've recently taken on a 60 year old - it's all about the best candidate). I am not HR myself but have a lot of friends who are. All departments have HR, you can apply through the HR Fast Stream now you've got your degree or apply directly. Good career progression and flexibility. PM me if you want more info.
OP - I really hope you go for it, sounds like a great opportunity!