University in my 50s Am I mad???

[Lyndyloo17]

Had the opportunity a few years ago to train as a speech therapist but husband was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on the day I was to enrol. Nursed him till he died in the new year. Have now got the chance to study a masters in language but not sure what to do. My children are very keen for me to do it. They think it’s my time etc. However. most of my friends think it’s a waste of time and I should forget it at my age(54). I am ok financially but I will not have a big pension. I have the option to do it part time so I could probably work part time as well. I just don’t know what to do. Am I mad and am I wasting my time?

I am applying for a scholarship to start a masters next year when I am 50. I have tons of life and professional experience. I will only do it if I get a fully funded scholarship though.

new pad of paper and a pen

And make sure you have sufficient disk space available on the computer you will use. And up to date virus protection. 😁

Ooops, really meant to say good luck.

I'm 53 doing a Masters in TESOL. Will be 54 by the time I finish. There are others of a similar age on my course. I fully expect to have to work for another 15 years so worth it.

OP, I am 50 and in the final year of my SALT degree. It’s been difficult, but I love it and don’t regret the decision to do it at all. I’ve made so many lovely new friends and had amazing experiences. I would really recommend you did this course if you have the chance. Feel free to PM me if you want any more info about the course. Good luck 😉.

Well done OP! Your DC are right - if you start it and realise it's not for you, well nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'm glad you've decided to at least give it a go. You only live once.

Not mad at all. In fact one of my retirement ambitions is to do a Masters and PhD (in many, many years time).

This is all very lovely - but it’s incredibly frustrating that this thread is in AIBU rather than within the separate ‘Mature Study and Retraining’ board I have been asking for. (See thread linked above.)

It would have been so useful to other potential mature students to be able to find several threads all in the same place, with a concentrated body of experience and advice.

@PermanentTemporary

Woohoo! Really exciting!

[Time to buy a new pad of paper and a pen, just saying]

There are lots of student discounts for laptops, iPads and the universities offer free antivirus and free Microsoft word, Excel, etc.

OP, make the most of your student discount for travel, cinema, food, shops, etc .... Its a great life!

Good luck. I hope you really enjoy your course. My DF started a BA when he retired at 65. He wasn’t able to study when he was young as he was needed in the family business after he left the Navy at the end of WW2. He went on to do an MA. I think studying gave him an extra 10 years of life. He had heart failure and could physically do less as time went on but be loved studying and the social interaction it gave him too.

You’ve done so much for others. This is time to do what you want.

I am doing one at 48.

it doesn't sound like there is any financial benefit for doing this (ie no career boost) and of course there is a cost (a student laon can cover the fees, but there is an opportunity cost in terms of lost wages)

I am just doing it for interest, and am happy i won't have any career boost from it.