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Original poster

Please can you tell me about your achievements later in life?

123 replies

CuriousLadyBird · 28/07/2023 01:05

Hi all,

I'm having a weird crisis and I'm annoyed at myself when I should be overjoyed.

I've been accepted onto a registered mental health nursing course which is an amazing opportunity and I'm so grateful but I can't help thinking I'm too old which is ridiculous.

I'm 28 and a mum of 2. I feel behind my peers because I couldn't go to university when my friends did as my dad was elderly and my mum is autistic/learning difficulties so I've been working since I was 17. I've worked retail, call centre, admin etc all at NMW and there's nothing wrong with that but I've always wanted to work within the healthcare sector.

Once I was out of the house I did apply to university but then covid hit and I got pregnant, then my dad died, my mum needed a lot more care, I got MH issues and somehow another baby appeared so It had to take a bit of a backseat and it feels like years have passed me by and I'm in a similar position.

I just keep thinking oh I'll be 32 when I qualify, what's the point etc but I know that's like silly thoughts because I'm gonna be 32 anyway so I might as well be a 32 year old nurse but the thoughts just won't leave.

So please can people kindly share their achievements that were a little bit later on and how it feels, how it's going etc just for a bit of encouragement.

Thank you

OP posts:
Atnilpoe · 28/07/2023 01:06

My mum got her PhD at 70. You’ve got BAGS of time 😘

BringItOnxxx · 28/07/2023 01:08

My friend did an apprenticeship at 35 and is now lecturer. She had loads of energy and enthusiasm as her kids were a bit older when she started. You are totally the right age to be doing what you're doing. Many people change careers at all ages.

BringItOnxxx · 28/07/2023 01:11

Also, do you think you might have a bit of fear holding you back? Fear of change or fear of success? Because it seems like a golden opportunity and you are a great age to seize it with both hands.

SueVineer · 28/07/2023 01:11

Do you think 32 is “later in life”?

Chasetherainblownfearsaway · 28/07/2023 01:12

My husband got his PhD last year at 54. 28 is nothing!

Coyoacan · 28/07/2023 01:14

I started my degree at 30 and found that the mature students were often the most interesting and the ones who got the most out of it

AndyMcFlurry · 28/07/2023 01:16

If you think 28 is later in life, what age do you expect to die at? Do you have a life limiting illness ?

AlyssumandHelianthus · 28/07/2023 01:16

28 is really young! You've got 40 more years til retirement age, it's definitely worth making sure you're doing something you want to do.
Fwiw I did a master's at aged 36-38. One of the best things I've done.

4catsaremylife · 28/07/2023 01:17

BSc Hons at 52 and MSc at 53 now doing a professional role and although poorly paid I know that each day I make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in society

Original poster
CuriousLadyBird · 28/07/2023 01:22

No, I don't think 32 is later in life however I think it's later than 21/22 when most of my friends qualified as they were able to go to university at 18. I'm later in life than that as I'm a mum, have my own house, more responsibilities etc so that's what I mean about being later in life. If you don't want to answer the question that's totally okay.

@Atnilpoe that's amazing!

@BringItOnxxx I think you're right. I do have a form for putting myself down and giving up before doing something for fear of failure I think I guess you don't know until you try and I'd be very silly to give up an opportunity like this.

Thank you to others for sharing. I guess it's never too late to do anything. I just like hearing these kind of stories as I find them really inspiring.

OP posts:
853ax · 28/07/2023 01:32

From title I thought you were going to be 60+
Once you get going will realise plenty start into careers at 30+ many those who graduate at 20 decide it not the path they wanted and go for something else when older
Great opportunity best of luck.

JudgeRinderonTinder · 28/07/2023 01:34

It’s not a competition, OP. As the saying goes, ‘’It doesn’t matter when or how you get there, just that you do.’’ Don’t compare yourself, it’s the worst thing you can do, just be proud that you’ve come this far up to now and congratulations on the course! 🙂

blondey87 · 28/07/2023 01:40

I'm 36, will be 37 after Xmas and I'm applying for the same degree next year. Never too old

Myknewname · 28/07/2023 01:42

You have a goal which you’re aiming for. It doesn’t matter when you start or finish, going for it will be the achievement.

I left school with terrible GCSEs, retrained after my children were in nursery, retook my GCSEs, did a degree and have just become a qualified teacher. I will be 50 in October.

Groutyonehereagain · 28/07/2023 01:45

I did my nurse training aged 40. I went on to do a degree and a masters in teaching. You’re actually quite young. In my intake there were several my age and three older.

Very well done, you’re amazing. 👏

Canthave2manycats · 28/07/2023 01:51

Oh bless you, you are still very young!! Fair play to you for getting this opportunity for yourself - go for it!!!

I went to uni at 18, graduated at 22, but I went back to my studies after having three children. Youngest was 10 months when I embarked on my Masters, and I not only accomplished it, but I got a Distinction, and a prize from the uni.

Just go for it!! xx

Choux · 28/07/2023 01:58

With your 'maturity' (I'm way older than you!) and your life experience you are going to bring so much more to your career as a mental health nurse than an 18 yr old joining the course would. They will probably all look up to you. You are going to ace it. Congrats on being accepted.

Also you have been working go for the last 10 or 11 years. But after qualifying you will have 35 more years of your working life - a long time so you might as well get a qualification and do something you will find rewarding. Good luck with it.

decaffonlypls · 28/07/2023 02:01

I grew up in a lower working class area. Was told not to bother with uni by my parents as I wasn't clever enough and they wouldn't support me. I worked in hospitality met exh (who was abusive) at 18 and was pregnant at 21. Stayed together 10 years had another child. During that time I worked low wage jobs. We split when I was 28 , I bought him out of our house set up a full time business and supported my family, I got my degree at 36.

latenightpartyrings · 28/07/2023 02:12

Well done on your course acceptance.
I'm on the first year of a degree course in my 40s and know a couple of people doing their nursing training.
Still plenty of working life ahead of you!

I did do a degree at 18 but I've never used it and didn't know how to make the most of the experience in the way I can now.

TinaYouFatLard · 28/07/2023 02:27

Not me but my amazing DSis has just qualified as a midwife. It’s been her dream since school. She’s 49 next week.

Well done OP. Go for it!!

MinceAndTatties · 28/07/2023 02:37

Hey Curious

I completely changed career aged 40. I'd done something fun which I was really good at from about age 22 but it meant I was travelling a lot so when I had kids I made a complete break.

Starting again was scary but if you're keen and hard working it's completely brilliant and makes use of your life experience

Good luck!

CelineEdgar · 28/07/2023 02:55

I started registered nursing degree at 34, I'll be 37 when I graduate Smile

Time goes so fast. Also there are LOADS of mature students who are mums in the course

VeganFromSveden · 28/07/2023 03:09

Never too late or too old to learn.
Even if today was your last on Earth
Knowledge is power
The journey of learning is empowering
Seeking education in maturity, rather than having to sit in a classroom in youth is to be encouraged and applauded.
Congratulations on having an open mind and attitude…. those that seek to deride you, should be ignored.
Good luck and good wishes….

shiningstar2 · 28/07/2023 03:09

32 when you qualify op? An absolutely perfect age. You will bring to your career all the compassion, wisdom and maturity you probably didn't have at 18. Your children will be a bit older which will help and you will be all the more committed because you have had to wait so long. What's wrong with 32??? I was 42 when I qualified as a teacher. 20 years in a profession I loved with a reasonable pension at the end of it even though I came late. You will have far longer. Not much less than some who began earlier but took time out when they had kids. You have every chance of rising to a senior position and you will be a great role model for your kids. Go for it. Good luck. 💐