Too late to start degree?

[TigerLilyMasie]

I am almost 55 and wondering if there is any point in doing a 2-year English Literature degree.

I never got the chance to go to Uni when I was young and have suffered from mental health issues and just difficult life situations in general.

It used to bother me a great deal that I hadn't got a degree. A few years ago I got a place at Uni but at that time it seemed like so many people around my age were falling ill or dying.

It made me feel like I may not have much time left and did I really want to spend 2 years studying for a degree?

I can now see I had lost perspective, somewhat and am reconsidering. My mental health is much improved and I am at a good place in life with a supportive husband.

Aside from the personal satisfaction I would undoubtedly gain from achieving a degree, could it possibly have any monetary or career benefit?

I would graduate at 56, just a few months before my 57th birthday.

What do you think?

I'm an academic by profession & always loved having mature students in my classes. The breadth of experience they brought was immense & they were always the most committed. My most rewarding teaching was without question my stint with the OU where I regularly taught people up to age 90!

Really pleased to see you are going for it - all the very best.

Good for you! My mum started her degree at 53, my dad at 62 - he then went on to do a Masters as well!

My friend completed a degree in mid 50s. Had mental health issues before that and a messy divorce. Turned her life around. Gained confidence and graduated top of her class due to great diligence. Not pressure to do that!!!
Then got a job as a tour guide. Hadnt worked for years but is now thoroughly enjoying it.

Go for it!!

THANK YOU so much to everyone for your encouraging words! It means so much to me.

I cannot tell you the mental anguish this issue has caused me over the years. The number of times I have secured a place at Uni and then not gone! Over the last few years, I just decided to put it to bed and forget about it but I just kept coming back to it.

I was flipping and flopping madly about it which is why I began this thread on Mumsnet. I was somehow terrified to commit to going. I can't really even say why.

The amazing thing is once I had emailed the department head I knew I was committed and since then I have felt so certain and so excited about going I can't believe it. It's like a great weight has lifted off me.