Should I bother to start a degree at 41?

[CatherineG1977]

erineG1977Fri 20-Apr-18 19:30:16

Hi,
Long story 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 draw 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.

Yes, do it, even if it was just for you that's good enough reason.

I'm planning on going back (already have a masters and PhD in one field) to do something I've developed an interest in. I'm mid thirties.

For jumping straight to postgrad as already have a degree, I looked at doing that. However even though I have a lot of academic experience and knowledge of the new field from the real world, I decided I would be missing out on the foundations of the subject taught in the undergrad, taking a moment to readjust to being in university as a grown up and the opportunity to study the various modules and find my specialist interests within the wider subject.

This depends on the subject area of course, some masters are more suited for any upgrade, others such as my own really need either an undergrad or such a ridiculous amount of professional experience that there would be no need for a degree as already highly successful in the field!

I think age and life experience will be an advantage over younger candidates when it comes to work later. I don't want to work with a counsellor who looks as if they could be my friend's teenager, where is the life experience, (appearance of) professional experience and generally being able to be comfortable trusting someone who feels like a child without feeling embarrassed or stupid? It may be fine for some but I absolutely wouldn't be comfortable or feel there was enough life experience. So I think age works in your favour on this:)

Yes, do it! 41 is not old and I agree that having life experience will stand you in good stead in that career. Good luck.