Is it pointless to go back to college for 10 years at 30 yrs old?

1. 93

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Is it pointless to go back to college for 10 years at 30 yrs old?
   
   It's been a crazy year for me with a lot of really weird events. Plus with me turning 30 this year I started looking at my life. I always wanted a degree in Archaeology or Anthropology but never got it. I am now seriously considering going back to school, but it will likely take me 10 years to finish. Is it even worth it at this point?

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2. 38

   ChristinSposted 11 years ago

   Yes it is. You talk like you're almost dead - you're only 30.  I went back to school at 35, it's ok.  You'll be far from the oldest person there trust me.  Many people change careers or go to college for the first time a little older, it's totally normal.  Why should your physical age dictate what you do with your life? If you want to be an archaeologist or anthropologist, you are certainly smart enough - and now you are mature enough to handle the workload.  Go for it .
   
   One of my closest pals that just graduated last year just turned 59, it was her first degree and she got a job.

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   1. 93

      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks. I guess my concern would be that I'd be 40ish before getting done and that just seems a bit late for such a big career change!

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   2. 38

      ChristinSposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I don't think so at all. I'll be 40 next month, and I've thought about going back yet again I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up .

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3. 94

   LongTimeMotherposted 11 years ago

   When you turn 50 you'll probably be saying "If I'd gone back to school when I was 30 I'd have had ten years in my new profession already."
   
   I think you should chase the degree. If you don't start it, you'll never finish it.  Good luck.

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      AGREED!

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4. 0

   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   No peeples, it is not pointless. Anything that is your passion is not pointless in this life. We only have one, live it to the fullest.

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      WE are in TOTAL CONCURRENCE and AGREEMENT on THIS ONE, JT.

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you gm.

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5. 82

   gmwilliamsposted 11 years ago

   
   
   NEVER,  you are NEVER TOO OLD to return to college.  30 years old is YOUNG, my young woman.  Age is a state of mind, not a number.  Many adults in their 20s and 30s decide to commence attending college or return to college.   Furthermore, you have life lessons and experiences under your belt.  You have more concrete and solid goals when you were younger.   I advise you to continue your education and pursue your goals.   Age should NEVER deter one from achieving his/her dreams and lifepath.

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      gmwilliamsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I meant that you have more concrete and solid goals now THAN when you were younger.

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6. 72

   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   Do you know how many people go back to school? In community colleges, you see tons of students who are late in their years. Even grandmother's in math courses. At universities, there are some students who are changing careers. But they are not as commonly found. You're almost half-way in your life point, not near retirement. Get on your education!

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7. 73

   CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years ago

   I had a friend who went to college and got a Master's in Science.  After about a year of working in that field, he quit and went back to become a Vet.  That was like another 8 years of school.
   
   The only down side was that his wife worked 2 jobs to support his educational pursuits.  He was never home.  They had difficulty coming to terms with their schedules.
   
   I think it's never too late to pursue your dreams!

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8. 60

   fpherj48posted 11 years ago

   I firmly believe that education is NEVER pointless.   Quite the contrary.  Going to school (or as you say, "BACK" to school) is a positive move, for anyone, at almost any age.  Certainly, 30....is young.  Many people have made the effort to earn a Master's or perhaps PhD. in their 50's!   
   The reasons for the time lapse are numerous.....to include parents who have postponed their own education until after successfully raising children.   Often, as in your case, the motivation is to fulfill a longtime desire.
   I would encourage you to go for it.  No matter how many years it may take you to see this through.....in the end, I predict you will feel enormously happy and proud.  Add to this, the excitement of embarking on an entirely new career, at an age when it will make your mid-life so meaningful and productive!   Wish you the best!

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9. 60

   joym7posted 11 years ago

   You know, it is really a question of how important this is for you. It will be a great idea to kind of prioritize things in your life and see if going back to school takes priority over everything. More plainly I'd say if you don't have too many responsibilities (read children or marriage or other things), it might actually be a great idea to do what you have always wanted to do. Then again you should consider the rising costs of college tuition and how you're going to fund it. It's a huge decision that will probably shape up the rest of your life. Just take time to think things through and then just go ahead with whatever you decide without remorse. All the best!

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10. 72

    moonfairyposted 11 years ago

    Do it!!!! I decided to go to college when I was 33 years old. I had a full time job and was raising my family so my only option was to go full time at night. At first the adjustment was challenging but 4 years later I graduated with a bachelor's degree and a GPA of 3.34, which is pretty good considering all the other things I was juggling in my life. I was so proud of myself for my accomplishment and you will be to! Go ahead and chase that dream...it's worth it.
    Don't focus on the "10 years" part....take one step at a time and enjoy the process and before you know it you'll have earned that degree!!!!
    I wish you the very best of luck!!

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11. 91

    MizBejabbersposted 11 years ago

    Go for it, girl! You are still young. I went back to college at age 43, graduated at 50 and then went on for my masters. My only regret is that I didn't go back after a divorce at age 30. Well, actually my main regret is dropping out in the first place.
    I found college to be much easier the second time around, and the younger students in my journalism classes looked to me as a mentor. That was a great feeling to complete my education and help others in the process.

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12. 0

    Mklow1posted 11 years ago

    I guess the best question to ask is: "Is it worth spending the rest of my life doing something I don't want to do or just spend 10 years to go back to school so I can do something I love."
    
    This is what my father asked me before I started a degree at 39. The answer is pretty simple when put in that perspective.

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