To ask what amazing things happened to you after age 36?! I feel like I’m old and there’s nothing fun anymore

[Burnoutqq]

Just that really. I know it’s silly. I just wish I had more knowledgeable of good things happening in late 30s onwards. I feel like all the exciting stuff is for younger people and I don’t feel too optimistic about the future. I’m a single parent to a 2 year old (so as not to drip feed). Her dad sees her almost every weekend and pays fairly etc. In case relevant.

😘

Oh, I meant to ask you about your two OU art history degrees. I would love to do an art history degree, also for fun — was it highly enjoyable? Did you do it very PT? Did you take assignments seriously and did you care about your grades as it was for fun?

Some fun stuff I've done since the age of 36:

Got my dream job
Won a national competition
Met my closest friend
Watched my dd grow up into the most incredible young woman
Been on a cruise
Gone interrailing
Star gazing in the Sahara dessert
Travelled to some amazing places
Become a charity trustee
Become a school governor
Done a master's degree
Learned how to meditate

I'm also way more confident than I used to be and not afraid to show vulnerability these days. 36 is still young... I'm in my fifties now and still have loads left that I'm planning and looking forward to!

How long have you got?

Yes, they were highly enjoyable. I took my assignments seriously. I was retired so I did each 60 credit module over one academic year and have NO idea how anyone can work/look after kids/both and still study - kudos to them. I absolutely cared about my grades. (Albeit a dreadful procrastinator.)

Anyone interested in a taster, including the OP, should look at the brilliant: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/

The only reason I'm not still studying is that government subsides were removed towards the end of my studies and a module that used to cost £700 now costs (wait for it) £3,000. Gah!

I had my 3rd child after 36, I took up running and have run marathons, I started a masters and changed career. I’m mid 50’s now and expect many more amazing things to happen.

Met my husband at 39, got married at 40, kids at 41 and 43.

Thanks, @CrystalSingerFan. Envy. Not retired, so not yet, but I have serious study plans for when I am!

Good luck with your plans! Depending on where you are, check out: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/online-history-of-art-courses

I live nearby so have done IRL courses, but they also do online stuff. Generally brilliant.

Only been 40 a short time but I've been to two new countries, have booked to go to a third in a few weeks. Took my DCs abroad on my own for the first time. Then a second time! I'm fitter and healthier than I've ever been. I'm sleeping well for the first time in my adult life. I've been performing well at work. Met new people. Went to Ibiza for the first time recently and hit the clubs. Good times 🙂

@adayofsuns

"I’ve been to my favourite country (Japan) three times!"

Fantastic! Japan is high on my travel list. How did you do it? An over-70 friend did a small group escorted tour and loved it. Friend's young and brave grandson took girlfriend and proposed under the cherry blossoms this year. I'm currently thinking about a cruise that includes Korea (S)… All advice appreciated.

Plus, for OP, when you reach a certain age, you may find you love cruising... And, right now, maybe your kids would?