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I went back to school at 44 and finished a BS in business and then an MS in Human Development, and then my hubster decided to go back at 50, and he did not stop until he got his MS. For both of us it was both energizing and lucrative, as we both survived right sizing, downsizing and took on career changes at a later date than many people would consider. We are considering retiring next year, he will be 66 and I will be 62. But, by no means will we stop! We are both interested in doing something different again, and if it means school, so be it. Although, we don't need the 'credits' so lifelong learning or something like that would be good. We both remain curious and ( I still don't) know everything so maybe a class or two will be in the mix. We are still paying for his degrees, but most of my continuing education was paid for by the company I worked for. I would not let my age ever stop me from learning something new, my husband and is the same. The sky is the limit.
I'm 64 and plan on going back next year. In my area seniors can take several classes for free each semester. I also am eligible for free education through the VA.
eok - I'm sorry your educational experiences have not been productive. I love going to lectures and talking to the people there about the subject matter. Perhaps you would do better in a seminar type of instruction setting.
At 50 I went back to school and got my MBA and I still take an occasional class either for professional development or (gasp!) just because the subject matter interests me.
Yep, I second this.
I went back to school full-time when in my late 40's, and from there went on to get my MA when I was 52.
I continue my education now in 2 other fields which will hopefully turn into a nice income when I retire from corporate.
Never too old to learn. While I agree that some things are best learned through experience, it all depends on who you look to as your teachers; life experience alone is circular, and must be guided by solid academic research, an apprenticeship with a knowledgeable professional, and/or a guided mentorship. I would never dismiss the classroom experience; whether or not you enjoy it, you will learn something, just maybe not what you think, and there is no substitute for at least initially being academically challenged by someone with credentials in your field of interest.
School is an inefficient way to learn. Use Wikipedia, etc., and life experience. Not dumb old boring professors who have nothing better to do than put students to sleep with dry lectures.
Sour grapes. If you equate Wikipedia with real education, I can only feel sorry for you.
Just to be clear, I, too, use Wikipedia. It is a quick and convenient resource for information if one does not need the information to be in-depth, sophisticated, or nuanced. It gives us the Cliff Notes version of things, so to speak.
Did any of you folks go back to school this close to the finish line? Perhaps I am looking at this wrong but when i turned 50 I started looking forward to retirement in another decade or so not going back to school.
I came to Northern Virginia (NOVA) as an economic refugee from the Northeast ten years ago. I'd had good corporate managerial jobs in F100 companies who were going everything they could to downsize their presence in highly taxed New England. In the Northeast, the sweet spot is Finance and Insurance.
Imagine my surprise when I got to NOVA and none of that mattered. Metro DC is an IT, Engineering and Procurement town.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, I always say. I found a decent job. However, in order to converse as an equal with decision-makers, I had to have creds. I (UGH) worked full time and got an Engr M.S. at night in my 50's. Most painful and extended marathon I've ever pulled, job-wise.
My handlers look at me funny every so often ("WHAAAA? Is she frickin' NUTZ???!!!). However, now I speak as an equal and I have not been right-sized. I've got to say, I get a kick out of being accorded respect in a tough town.
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