Advice needed....am I too old to start my degree and career at 41

[CatherineG1977]

Hi,
Long st
ory short...I have 2 girls 8 and 5. I'm a single mum. Prior to becoming single I put my own career to the back burner and relied solely on my husband...who left for someone else.

So now at the grand old age of 41, I want to date on my life experiences and reclaim my life and career. I would love to become a counsellor. And that means doing a short course, then a degree. It would mean I will be late 40s when I qualify. Am I too old for this? I have a degree already but not in anything relevant to this (engineering)...therefore would I qualify for financial assistance? I work part time.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

I would try and Work in engineering. Counsellors are two a penny, engineers are not. My friend has a degree in psychology but that does not, in itself, qualify her for anything. It’s one of those jobs where a little bit of knowledge is dangerous and getting knowledge is difficult with few openings. As a customer, which counsellor do you trust?

Good luck if you want to do it, but it seems very wishy washy as a career and everyone seems to want to have a go at it.

You are never too old to do anything. If you have the will and the health you can and should do whatever makes you happy. I know that sounds incredibly naff but it really is the truth.

I can’t think of one person who would be put off a particular counsellor because of their age.

I would try and Work in engineering. Counsellors are two a penny, engineers are not.

^Whilst there are a shortage of engineers it is not as simple as just getting an engineering degree

If you have had student finance before you can't get it again, only for a couple of shortage subjects. If that is not an issue go for it, not too old

I do know about engineering! Obviously a degree is just the start, but so is a degree in psychology! However, what makes you happy counts for a lot but so might the money you can earn! Grad engineers earn pretty well.

I am late 40s and re-training to start my third career. Go for it.