Thoughts on Returning to School and Changing Career Paths at 54.

29 Comments

1. KatchyJuly 24,2024 at 10:45PM UTC

   Go for it! I started a brand new career in software testing at age 52. No experience, however plenty of enthusiasm, detail-oriented and it showed in my work. I'm now several years in and so happy I didn't talk myself out of making the career move.

2. Focused119116July 24,2024 at 10:50PM UTC

   Do it! I opened a flower shop at 55. Loved it! I had no experience in flower design (took courses before I opened), but I had always loved flowers. Won some awards and found it a wonderful experience. Had to close after 18 years due to husband's health.

3. AnonymousJuly 25,2024 at 12:11AM UTC

   You’re speaking my language. Look for colleges that offer HR undergraduate programs and offer online options. Keep your job and commit to completing your UG degree. Then in the meantime get your PHR certification. See if your company offers educational reimbursement options and take advantage of that. I went back to school but the bank I worked for wouldn’t support my coming in early to get off early. There were no online courses then but I took evening courses and weekend 4 hour classes. I left the bank and worked in higher ed. Best decision ever. Who better to support the endeavor but those in higher Ed, see if you get a job at your local university or college if there’s one nearby. You can do this! I did it and worked full time.

4. AnonymousJuly 25,2024 at 12:14PM UTC

   Go for it! You have one life.

5. AnonymousJuly 25,2024 at 12:41PM UTC

   I did it—twice. I got my second Master's at 60 and just graduated with my doctorate at 68. I am currently working on my fourth career pivot. I keep telling my husband the day I quit learning is the day he scatters my ashes (if then).

6. Tina MorenoJuly 25,2024 at 12:48PM UTC

   I wouldn't look at it if starting over. Since you've always had HR duties, perhaps start with a certification (SHRM -CP). The majority of HR practitioners I know with 10 to 15 years experience in HR don't have a degree in business or human resources. They made their way through alternative paths. Once You really know HR is what you want to do, then then definitely consider an HR degree. That's what I'm doing... ???

7. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdJuly 25,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

   You're not starting over! You're evolving! And I commend you highly!

   I wasn't able to finish college right after high school. It wasn't until I was 40 that I felt confident in my work to also take on school. And my scholastic path has nothing to do with my current profession (been at my job 21 years). I graduated with a BS in Elementary Ed at the age of 45 from University of Phoenix in 2013.

   Since then, I've had the joy of being a part-time Independent Tutor. While my degree is for young children (and I also hold teaching certification), my students have been primarily college freshmen and sophomores. These are my people. So much so that in October 2021 I returned to school (this time, Capella University) to pursue a Master's in Adult Education. As of the time of this post, I'm 3 weeks into my final Capstone - and will complete my program on September 13. I'll have turned 57 by this point.

   My first position with this company was in their Customer Service department. Coming to the interview, I had 16 years experience back then. And yet... in the interview I was asked how I could be of benefit to the company over someone who had a degree. That showed me really quick that companies are putting stock in those who have a college education.

   I'm "old school" enough that I remember when work devotion and work history meant something. And it still does to some extent. But you're absolutely right. Education matters too. If you think going to college will make you happy, and give you opportunities you don't have now - then I say GO FOR IT.

   But... do it because you WANT to. Not because it'll make you marketable. As I said, my degrees have no bearing on my professional career and not sound like a jerk... I don't care. I didn't go to college because I want to better myself at my job (I'm Sales Operations these days). I have over 30 years experience - none of which any college program could've taught me. I went to college to pursue my dream.

   All the best!

8. Christine Hadley GarrisJuly 25,2024 at 2:53PM UTC

   Continuing to grow and learn is always good. I am in a very similar situation. No degree and it is often used as a way to justify age discrimination. Unfortunately I just have not been able to make sense of the money a degree will cost vs my potential earnings this late in the game. I work on my skills, just don’t have the paper. Robots don’t like me but recruiters that actually have a conversation do.

9. AnonymousJuly 26,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

   I am in your exact position but am looking for work due to being laid off in February. I know my resume is good and I get the interviews. I usually make it to the third round but when I come in and they see I am older they pass me over. The lack of degree I don't think is helping either : 0 (

10. AnonymousJuly 25,2024 at 5:18PM UTC

    Thank you all for your kind and wise words! I love the support of this community and I am definitely looking into the certifications some of you suggested. While I hope a degree will help me land a better, higher-paying position, that's not the only reason I want to return to school. Life moved pretty fast for me early on, and now I feel like I'm in a better position to get the additional education I've always wanted.

11. Cindy BettenJuly 26,2024 at 1:22AM UTC

    I went back 7 years ago to get a master's in behavior analysis at age 57. Finished 3 years ago. There is pressure if you have loans that must be repaid, like in my case. The learning curve in my field has been intense, but I never regret my decision. I say go for it! It has made me feel younger. Make sure that there is enough expected growth in the field you are considering. I started with 18K in debt. It's down to 10K. I'm getting there!

12. AnonymousJuly 26,2024 at 2:39AM UTC

    I'm getting another degree at 56. I was able to tie it to my job function and the company is paying my tuition. I still have many years to go in the workplace, why not get more education?

13. GirlBossanova934974July 26,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

    To be candid here, I am not exactly seeing a bright future in most HR jobs for the next year or so. Anything revolving around recruiting is pretty darn silent right now. There are many recruiters out of work. IF HOWEVER you plan to be on the BENEFITS side or ADMIN side of HR, you'll be OK. Please keep that in mind! Try and find an industry outside of TECH as well. Before you spent a lot of money on some expensive degree, you might check into some less costly alternatives such as certifications.

14. AnonymousJuly 26,2024 at 1:30PM UTC

    I wouldn't recommend formal secondary education yet.

    I recommend reading Designing Your Life - or the new book Designing Your Work Life by Burnett and Evans.

    Aim to find a job that uses your skills that either pays well and/or has perks such as education partnerships (if you work for higher education, they usually offer tuition reimbursement at their institution--and many companies - especially larger ones- have partnerships with area universities or e-learning subscriptions- for you to learn on their dime- leverage those perks). Look into micro courses/badging or certifications (Check out SHRM or HRCI). If there is a job and a secondary degree that is attractive to you, go for it. Good luck!

15. Lisa McCartneyJuly 26,2024 at 4:54PM UTC

    Here is a thought, if the new BA or Bach of Science (BS) is overly daunting, look into SHRM and becoming licensed through them. I know that the test at the end can be daunting~ however it is a lot less time and money. There are other less well known groups too that might be in your area. That would be my thought.

16. AnonymousJuly 26,2024 at 6:06PM UTC

    What is SHRM?

17. Lisa McCartneyJuly 27,2024 at 12:24AM UTC

    It is the national HR group. I forget what the S stands for, off the top of my head. S(omething) H(uman) R(esorce) M(anagement).

18. Sunanda DasJuly 27,2024 at 8:23PM UTC

    Its Society. Society for Human Resource Management

19. AnonymousJuly 26,2024 at 6:02PM UTC

    Why? Experience is way more valuable than any degree. Take the SHRM certification course and get that instead.

    Good luck, and hey age is just a thing, don't make it have any value in your search.

20. AnonymousJuly 28,2024 at 12:19PM UTC

    I am currently working on a certification which rounds out my degree received 26 years ago. In 2000, I was offered a position as an Engineer despite only having my BS in Economics. Not Engineering. Because of my strong math skills and analytical mind, I am still working in this capacity. When the micromanaging began, sending everyone’s stress levels through the roof, I decided to work at moving on to a different field. I realized that my versatility, education and strong analytic skills also make me an excellent candidate for any position outside of automotive. I don’t think that anyone born after 1964 can ever retire and I plan to start my second career at 58. I am physically and mentally solid and ready for the next chapter.

21. AnonymousJuly 28,2024 at 2:26PM UTC

    After a layoff this past year I decided now was the perfect time to go back and finish the degree I started more than 30 years ago. I too am in HR and am pursuing a BS in Business Administration with an HR concentration. I started this process as a goal solely to finish my degree and add the credentials to back up my 30 years of HR experience. What I have found is that my business courses are incredibly relevant, especially as I consider senior leadership roles in HR. I am attending a completely on-line program which allows me to manage my coursework around family and my job search.

    Simultaneously I got my SHRM-CP. I definitely recommend either that or the PHR certification for you.

    At 43 my mother started college and studied at the kitchen table while overseeing a household of a husband and 4 children. She got her Associates, Bachelors, and Masters and had a very rewarding career for 15 years until she retired. She is my inspiration for this. I just wish she were still alive to see me do this.

    You CAN do this! Do it for yourself. And take advantage of tuition assistance programs if they are available where you work.

22. Leslianne BraunsteinJuly 29,2024 at 1:03PM UTC

    Oh! Go for it. I graduated from college when I was 31 (night school) for pretty much the same reason. My best friend and I joke it took her 31 years to graduate. Turns out shortly after she graduated the company she worked for changed hands and everyone had to reapply for their jobs. Her position required a bachelor's degree. (Didn't when she was hired.) Getting your degree will be to your advantage no matter how the rest of your life plays out.

23. RachelJuly 29,2024 at 2:16PM UTC

    Do it!! It can only help. You still have a decade left (and possibly more) of work life left.

24. Melissa H. ByersJuly 29,2024 at 3:36PM UTC

    By all means, take the leap. I moved from a secure teaching position in Pennsylvania to a very insecure future in California at 53, started a whole new career path in web content management and production, and have recently retired from my second profession. I have never regretted taking the chance. There's a whole world out there waiting for you!

25. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 4:25PM UTC

    If you feel you are not given the opportunity due to lack of education, go for it! Age has nothing to do returning to school - I admire anyone that chooses to do so. If you are wanting to be in a formal HR role, major in HR for sure. You could also do a dual major if there is another area that interests you.

    Alternatively, given your years of experience, you could also go the certification route. You may consider doing this first so you can immediately put it on your resume - you can list anticipated date of completion so potential employers are aware of your efforts. You may even luck out and get the perfect position you were seeking (and I hope you do!). If that's the case, you could still work towards your degree. One thing to consider is the cost of cert vs. cost of degree.

26. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 6:07PM UTC

    Do it...age is just a number, and you will be happy that you did. I got my BS at 49.

27. AnonymousJuly 30,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

    Hi. Its never too late. I'm 55 and just started a Masters in management and HR. I wanted to stay relevant and get back in the workforce since we have been moving around for my spouses job and having to take care of my daughter. You may want to look into bachelor programs you can can admitted to from your work experience. There are many programs that will admit you based on your years of experience. Hope this helps. As one other person said… age is just a number?.

28. AnonymousJuly 30,2024 at 3:02PM UTC

    GO FOR IT! At your same age, 33 years after earning my bachelor's degree, I enrolled in a master's program I'd been considering for years. It took me two years, and I've never been prouder of myself! It was all on me, and I got the degree! I'm now pursuing my PhD, and I'll be 60 when I graduate (if all goes well). You will be so glad! I can understand the uncertainty. Don't think of it as starting over. Think of it as moving forward! It's never too late to improve your mind and circumstances. Don't listen to the doubters--they're just admirers in disguise.

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