Back to College at 40?
Brutally honest advice needed
I am 40 years old. I need to complete 42 credits to get my Bachelors Degree. I am on layoff / reduced hours due to Covid at a company that I've spent nearly 20 years at. It was an emotional decision but about a month ago, I decided it was time for me to move on from the company.
I've applied at a minimum of 2 jobs each day for the last 30 days. Nothing. No interviews, rejections, nothing at all. My LinkedIn is updated, I updated my resume. I've attended webinars and classes.
So....
Question 1) Will going back to college increase my employability, in a normal non pandemic world? (I realize the pandemic has created a very large pool of unemployed people looking for work - and this is not normal)
Question 2) Is going back to college going to affect my income at a new job?
If I were 20, the answer to both of the questions would be YES. But at 40? What is the return on investment?
Emotionally - I want to do it. I am 99% sure I will do it, for pride, confidence, personal dream/goal for myself.
I need the 1% reassurance that this this is a good financial investment. Especially at a time when money is tight.
Melissa Chaffin
Data Driven <> Analytical <> Planner
142
02/04/21 at 4:34PM UTC
Hello, 47 here and I'm back in uni to finish my Bachelor's. Like a lot of others have mentioned and most recently Christina Santoro you can be an elder 40's year old and not have it or be an elder 40's year old and have it. I returned because I left my last job in Jan 2020 - weeee Covid! Took 6 months trying desperately to find a job. Decided I needed something to do and since most jobs were dismissing me because I didn't have a degree, I was like "Okay! I get the hint!" Started slowly with 1 class in August to see if I still got it. But, really I'll feel better about myself - it's the one thing I didn't achieve in my youth that I "should" have. Do it - you can still search for jobs like I am while still getting closer to the end goal - a degree. I had an HR interview yesterday and have a 3 part interview on Friday. Good luck to you!
Christina SantoroWholesale Footwear Sales Executive
41
12/17/20 at 8:32PM UTC
If it takes you 2 years to do it, you can either be 42 and a college grad or 42 and wishing you were a college grad. What do you want to be??? I think the answer is clear!
Tamsen KoppApplication Development Manager
34
11/20/20 at 8:03PM UTC
As someone that finally finished her BA at almost 48 years old last year, and who is going into a Master's program this January- it's never a loss to invest in yourself. The piece of paper helps some types to 'see' you better (sadly, merit doesn't always get the respect it deserves), but it also shows everyone that you are willing to put in the work. Starting the process while you are 'in-between opportunities' also means you will have a bit more time upfront to adjust to any challenges returning to school later in life presents.
Best of luck!
Deb Gonzalez
12
11/20/20 at 4:56AM UTC (Edited)
Transitions come to our lives at many times, sometime expected others unexpected. Change is inevitable and sometimes full of unknowns, however they are opportunities. So we have to explore within ourselves about how our second act will go. So I encouraged you to ask yourself, Who am I? What do I want? What do I need? For who am I doing this? What am I good at? What do I like? What is my passion? What brings me joy? Education is important but when you invest your time and money you have to be sure that your investment is in the right place. I encourage you to sit with a career counselor to explore your opportunities!
Lise HouwelingHospitality Expert and People Lover
16
11/19/20 at 5:48PM UTC
I am in the same boat, I have worked in Hospitality for the past 15 years and I SOOOO burnt out! At 46 years old I am having the hardest time finding a new job as I left my last one in an emotionally broken place.....Covid has decimated the Hospitality industry and now there is so much competition for a handful of jobs. I am looking at getting my Associates degree and looking in to buying a franchise business and scheduled to take my SHRM-CP exam in a couple of weeks. I am enjoying my time off yet frantically applying to jobs, getting no where and freaking myself out all while trying to navigate this new "normal" world.. all this to say , you are not alone and I am going to following the comments to glean encouragement as well :)
Christina Izzi
15
11/17/20 at 2:47PM UTC
I think you would be doing yourself a disservice by not going back to school. Furthering your education and investing in yourself in the best thing you could ever do for yourself! And in times now where absolutely everything you have is crucial to set you apart, I believe you should. Now depending on your field, make sure if it is more of a technical field get more than a degree. Go to a College that enables you to get certifications while you are getting your degree.
Sweet Caroline
4.26k
11/12/20 at 3:10PM UTC
You did not mention if your degree would be in your field. In all honesty, a degree in Women's Studies would not add a lot of value if your industry is engineering or culinary services etc. Is a degree required for most of the jobs you are applying for? I am not a big proponent of degrees vs. life experience. I would never overlook a candidate for a role because they don't have a degree. I do find value in candidates who have degrees in their area of specialty, say nursing or engineering.
Dawn Hougland
12
11/12/20 at 4:56AM UTC
Now is a great time to go back. If you like e-learning many schools have a lot of remote options now due to Covid. Accelerated programs are great but make sure you’re getting a fully accredited university to get the most out of the experience. I’d recommend talking to an admissions counselor at the schools you are considering so you can get the most direct path to your goal. Institutional fit is so important, especially for returning adult students, so make sure you have a good support structure at your school
Anonymous
11/05/20 at 2:20PM UTC
I would said that yes it would benefit you. You should do it. I am in my late 40's and have decided to slowly go back and get my MBA. I am finding that in order for me to do some things like teach in my field of accounting at the college level, I need my MBA. Good luck!!
LISA MCCARTNEYDegrees in Business Management and Marketing.
300
11/05/20 at 2:13AM UTC
I started my double BA when I was 30 and graduated at 33. I then started my MBA at 36 and finished when I was 38 or 39. Best thing I ever did. Did I get a job right away? No, but it never hurts to learn, i am using those degrees now and i am happier than I have been in a long time.
