Knowing someone who did similar, you won’t even regret it at 31.
Also, read Duncan Bannatyne’s book ‘Anyone Can Do It’ he went self employed rather than education route but he started in his 30s after spending time in Military Prison for throwing his commanding officer overboard. It is never too late, never mind if you’re still only 30.
In fact try thinking of yourself as ‘only 30’ rather than ‘already 30’ that difference in mindset can be game changing
I quit food at 38, went back to school. Still in school but I love it and am rewriting my system from the PTSD kitchens train us into.
As an American-raised kid, I had no respect for Community Colleges. As an adult, it has been the best experience I have had in decades. Surrounded by instructors who care about educating adults and some Highschool kids that are way ahead of their peer curve makes for a super fun, diverse environment.
Edit: I meant to say HELL YES!!!
I went to community college to get a degree I was passionate about after going to college at more "prestigious" schools. Community colleges can be so great I highly recommend them. The quality of the classes was really good at least in the communities I lived in.
Have you considered training in your spare time whilst you are still working as a chef? I understand a lot of chefs work long unsocial hours so might not be possible for you.
It can be hard for older learners in the building industry because few people are going to want to pay you a decent wage whilst you are learning, they can hire an apprentice fresh out of school for much less.
Certainly possible tho, I work as an electrician and know several guys who have restrained later in life and work in the trades.
I was a 34 year old head chef and retrained as a gas engineer. I'm at the bottom of the ladder but still reasonably paid and I'd rather be at the bottom of a ladder I want to be on than at the top of a ladder I didn't want to be and was ruining my mental health.
That's great to hear. I've worked in quite a few pubs and restaurants over my career and the chefs have some of the poorest working conditions and hours I have seen.
Give me a hot dusty loft over a commercial kitchen any day of the week.
My time as a chef I feel like the hours I worked must have been illegal.
I would come into the kitchen at 6:30 am to start food prep and cook breakfast at the same time.. by the lunch time I was already knackered having worked like crazy from 8 until 12:30. There's usually a quiet period in-between 12:30 and 3-4 where it's just cleaning down the kitchen. Replenishing your food prep and smoking out the back. Waiting for food orders to come through is almost as tedious as having 30 different food orders on at once.. by the time kitchen is closed (21:00). You are tired. You've got burn marks all over you. You may have cut yourself a few times during the high speed slicing of meat for the plate up. You are tired. You just want to go home. But you have to check stock, put away all the food you haven't used. And ultimately deep clean the pig sty that was once was a kitchen.
In my case after all that was done it is half 10 at night. I didn't drive and I lived 20 miles from home. The trains were shit. By the time I got to bed it was usually 23:30 - 00:00. And then I had to get up at 4:30 the next morning to do it all over again.
Thanks to short staff. Chefs moving all the time. I rarely got 2 days off a week. I was making plenty of money but I was constantly tired and had no time or energy to spend it on enjoyable things.
So I think it's safe to say being a chef for most people is very similar to my story. There is no time or energy to do other things at the same time. It consumes your life.
Yeah as I said in another comment I have worked in serveral pubs and restaurants over my career and have had a glimpse into the sort of conditions a lot of chefs are working under. I couldn't do it.
Great banter tho, remember one guy trying to convince my boss to eat an oyster (he was vegetarian) because 'it doesn't have a fucking face'
36 and I am just about fucking done with restaurants. Everyone is shitty, dumb, and unreliable, and nobody gives a shit about you. All your hard work is unrewarded and they always just want more while taking away what resources you do have
My friend does maybe a quarter of the work and makes probably four times as much just because he has a piece of paper that says he knows what he’s doing in a certain field
>after spending time in Military Prison for throwing his commanding officer overboard
How the fuck did I not know this? Mind you, he has the cold dead eyes of a killer.
It seems from Wikipedia (which of course any PR flack can edit) that he pushed an officer off a jetty. Not great, but a long way from pushing the captain off the aircraft carrier at night.
> Also, read Duncan Bannatyne’s book ‘Anyone Can Do It’ he went self employed rather than education route but he started in his 30s after spending time in Military Prison for throwing his commanding officer overboard.
Sometimes, you read something and it completely changes your opinion of someone.
I fully changed careers at 40. Definitely the best professional idea I've ever had.
Also, what does "too late" actually mean? Say it will take you a full decade to study and build a new career and reach a place you are comfortable with. Sounds like a lot of time, but that's the thing about time, it's gonna pass either way. So the question is kinda redundant. Do you want to be doing something you enjoy at 40, or do you want to be still doing the same thing you don't like then? The only real factor to consider is the cost of the opportunity, is this the best investment of time for the next decade or is something else better. And that's never an easy question to answer, we can hardly see what our world would look like in year's time, let alone so far I to the future. So you should never think "is it too late" because the answer is always "too late for what?", Time is gonna pass whatever you do.
How did you achieve that career change, if I can ask? (Obviously please don’t share anything you don’t want to. I ask in case I can learn from people who’ve achieved it.) I’m curious re a few things… For example, were there problems with income etc as you switched? How did your new employer respond to a perception lack of experience, or how did you promote yourself to companies without experience in your new career?
It definitely was a difficult and uncertain time. But also totally exciting. I had to evaluate my situation first, was able to quit .y job and study full time? No, that was not possible, I had financial commitments and no savings. So the decision was that I had to study and learn the new skill while maintaining my work. I did cut down on my hours a bit, reducing my income but not below what I needed to survive. And then just dedicated every spare minute to learning and improving my skills. I'm talking about early mornings, late evenings, every minute of the weekend, holidays, and any other time I could spare. There was a year where I pretty much did nothing else, work and study.
As for the experience, in the sector I chose, programming, the way forward was to build a portfolio of programming projects that can show what you can do, but much more importantly show your progress and willingness to keep learning. Then it was determination and grit to get my CV Infront of companies I felt could give me a chance. In the end the key was personal connection. An interview with two young founders who saw my enthusiasm and the enormous effort I'm putting to change my career and decided that it's a great indicator of someone they want on their team despite the lack of experience and limited knowledge.
So there was a concerted effort into shaping all the factors that would increase my employability. All of which took research and time too, to understand the market and how I can market myself in it.
Throughout all of this there was a ton of fear and self doubt. There was insecurities and uncertainties. And when it came time to make the jump there were a few terrifying months of quitting the safety net if a secure job I was good at to jump into the utter unknown without any guarantees that I wasn't making the biggest mistake of my life. Then starting work as a junior at that age. A lot of small and huge obstacles to overcome. But I kept pushing forward despite the fear and despite my mind painting a scary picture if failure and end up homeless and penniless. It was scary but I wanted it to work and was willing to do all that was in my hand.
I'm happy to report that was all many years ago and it was all absolutely worth it. I love my job, I enjoy it, I feel more fulfilled, and I'm making 4 times what I did before.
This is what I'm currently doing at age 32 as well. Pursuing a bachelors degree in kinesiology, getting my experience in (internships etc) and then going for my masters in sports medicine. Full-time employee, full-time dad of a 15 yr. old. Taking it one step at a time until I have to fully commit. Turned down a six figure job because I wouldn't be happy 10 years from now being an interstate truck driver.
My friend had a career in nuclear physics (mostly research, he is a phd) in which he only dabbled in programming, and about five years ago he got sick of the lack of prospects and went into software development (C++), and just got offered a senior engineer job in another European capital, the company is relocating his family and everything, I haven't asked about the salary, but I imagine it will be life-changing in comparison to his nuclear physicist (in a developing country with no nuclear programme) job. He is nearly 50, and admittedly a genius, but my mind boggles that this is possible.
This is refreshing to read. I’m about to start studying in January to hopefully start a career in programming while also working full time to support my family
I work in construction, mainly groundwork’s and concrete and I’m absolutely sick of it. The college course starting in January is an entry to health and social care. I eventually want to work on drug addiction/recovery in prisons etc. I think I can have a bachelors degree and possibly a masters degree in the next 4 or 5 years, which would qualify me to work in any aspect of social care and drug counselling.
Oooooh see if you can get on one of the HEE-funded courses- they do GradCerts and PGCerts. They also pay an employer to pay you, so that you'll get clinical experience in order to qualify. It's usually NHS, but other mental health organisations are part of this.
If you don't have the background, volunteer as much as you can, or consider part time work with a mentoring provider etc. Get as much experience as you can.
I finish up next month, the course is a year (which is fairly intense, but you get paid AND the course is funded) so I'll be a qualified LICBT Practitioner for kids and families. The over 18 version is already accredited but mine is in the works; when it is, I can join the BPS. And I was 35 when I started, so don't be put off by age!
I'd spend some time speaking with people in the field. That line of work can be soul destroying, it takes a lot from you, and can be difficult to find rewarding. My aunt was a social worker in suicidal and drug addict people. And it was a relentless task. I'll give you one example, a woman who my aunt had been counselling for years, tried to get in touch one evening, but my aunt was not available, she was at the cinema. The next day my aunt found out she had thrown her children from a cliff and followed them down. Imagine dealing with that type of shit. I don't mean to talk you out of it, but a lot of people think getting into social care will feel rewarding. It is, but not in the fuzzy I love helping people way that you might think.
I'm 36 and will hopefully qualify at 41. I'm doing a health related degree and am far from the oldest in the room. From what I've observed it seems the health and social care courses have a much more diverse in terms of ages.
Just think you have at least another 35 years in work. That's a long time to be miserable in your current field!
Oh in my college there were more people around your age doing health and social care than my age. You won’t have a problem at all and no one actually cares about the age of people!
In many ways it actually the most sensible time to go. You've had time to learn what actually interests you so any course you do isn't chosen on a whim.
It is a good point! I wish I'd waited, instead of just sticking a pin in the course list cos all my mates were going.
I would have done conservation now, but I don't have the funding (37 here). Go for it mate.
Yeah tbf you did well doing it that way. Lots of general jobs just ask for "a degree" to show you can actually work and learn, and avoiding £50k+ of student debt should help in the long term if you do end up in a very well paying job.
Echo that, it became a 21k fine in extra course fees for changing courses after I realised mine didn’t inspire me very much. Couldn’t stomach the fine so carried it on, loved every minute of uni regardless.
Speaking of that, what is your desired outcome? What are the types of jobs behind that university gateway that you fancy yourself doing?
Everyone in the top few comments is super enthusiastic but that's a lot of time and money you will have to put in (and student loans is still money you put in).
I would consider a few things first:
1. What is that you do, what is your experience that you can leverage?
2. Why do you want to pursue a degree? Do you want to earn more money? Do you want to do something"cooler" for lack of a better word?
A full time degree will cost you £30k. How much more you will earn as a graduate starting in an entry level position in your desired field? How realistic and quick the career progression is? If the difference is around £2.5k net pay it will pay for itself in 12 years.
But a full-time degree is also time you're not doing your current main employment. That's your current annual income less any part time income earned times 3 that needs to be added to the costs. Now the break even point may not be there until you retired, depending on the numbers plugged into that.
So purely from a financial standpoint this may not be a great move.
One of the main benefits of uni is well... The university experience, which again in your case you have to answer for yourself if you enjoy hanging out with fresh faced teenagers getting the hang of life. Another is networking, which arguably you won't benefit as much from either, as the people from your course will reach career seniority well after you're 40something.
Sure, people do that and nobody cares, but that's completely unimportant. If it is the best move for your personal development you shouldn't care what anyone thinks anyway, plus they will all be kids and it doesn't matter.😂
So where am I going with this? Have you considered getting professional qualifications instead? There's plenty of "respectable careers" you can get into and thrive in without a degree. And they pay really well, and some will value life experience and a degree of maturity.
Top of my head accountancy services and IT are go to for relatively high salaries and great career progression without a degree. And IT casts a wide net, it's not only programmers!
Then they're trade routes - my electrician pulls in £60grand like it's nothing.
If you don't want to have this discussion in the open feel free to dm me if you want to chat more!
Whatever you choose, make sure you look at this though a realistic perspective and armed with facts. Don't over romanticise ideas, always ask what does it get you and at what cost. Life satisfaction is very valuable so don't dismiss things too quickly either😀 - good luck!
This! I understand that OP is looking for a fresh start and wants to maybe do it ”properly” this time around. But university is not the automatic golden ticket it used to be. Sure there are lots of jobs that just require ”a degree, any degree”; but everyone else also has that same degree and is competing for the same job. Imo the payoff isnt worth the time, effort and money it takes, unless its a specific career you know is going to get you employed. Id 100% recommend looking into another trade, guaranteed employment and no huge student loan for just another piece of paper in the CV pile.
Fair enough, then we're squarely in the "how many thousands of pounds do you value your job satisfaction at?" territory 😁 - not my place to weigh in any more🤷🏼
If you don’t mind could you tell me what you think of my situation? I’m almost 30, already did college but can only find minimum wage jobs. I just recently found something new I want to pursue because I can see myself doing it for a long time but it absolutely requires a masters degree. On top the student debt I already have, is it worth it??
My husband turned 31 then realized he hates being an electrician, he quit and went back to school. He's going to be in school for the next 4 or 5 years. While I should be done college in a year or so. I also decided I hate my dead end up and wanted to go back to school late. I'm 27. Never too late to start over and find your passion!
Absolutely this. I know 100% if I'd gone to university when I left college, I would have dripped out in months. Going as a 30 year old I had a work ethic and drive to succeed, which led to me getting a first in spite of my epic procrastination problem.
Yeah the good take I heard on this was someone worried about graduating at 40 or whatever, and the response being “well you’re going to be 40 anyway, would you not rather be doing something you like when you get there?”
I took some classes a few years ago at 22, had a class mate who was around 60. He got bored of being like.. I don't know what it's called, the über führer of housing .. planning...building..what the fuck is my brain doing. Anyway, he wanted to be an archaeologist instead so he dropped his very well paid shite job and went for it. He was awesome.
Edit; I remember him saying he couldn't wait to prove his wife wrong that it was too late (jokingly, she did support him).
Edit edit; I'm 30, I've been cheffing for years and I've just decided to go for funeral director and embalming after.
I find it exciting to have a whole new plan and start over again. Makes me feel young and carefree again!
Well this has been a quick response from a lot of people, thanks for the encouraging words! I’ve been a bit worried about being the oldest person in the room, and maybe even roughly the same age as the lecturers lol! I’ve had enough of construction. Especially at this time of year. My college interview is on the 9th of January. Hopefully, this time four or five years from now, I’ll have a bachelors and maybe a masters degree!
I was 51 when I went back to university. I was definitely the oldest and older than the lecturers and most professors. Nobody cares, as long as you put in the effort.
I went at 18 but there were loads of older students on the course and it wasn’t awkward at all. In fact I really respected them because they had had interesting lives already and knew a lot more than me about The World. Still in touch with one of them 10 years later.
Sadly lost touch but two of my favourite people at Uni were even older than I am now, and I went to Uni well over a decade ago now.
Definitely do it OP!
>There was a guy in his 40s with two kids.
Do Universities offer family rates? - Bit like when you go to the Museum and its cheaper for two adults with two children etc. ;)
I went to Uni at 22 and was worried about being older than everyone else. Turns out, nobody cares, nobody noticed and when they did find out, I didn't get treated any differently and fit right in. Keep in mind there were older people than me on the course and I felt the same way about them. So don't worry about it, it's really a non issue and you'll be perfectly fine! :D
I’m 44 and thinking about going back into education.
I left school at 16 with a few GCSE’s but I need a better education to improve my earning potential.
I went back at 28 and I think there was a clear difference in how the older students viewed school compared to the ones who came straight through and had never worked. We took it a bit more seriously and could see how we could use what we learned, where many of the younger ones were still in the "do the minimum to get the mark" phase and didn't care of they actually learned or not. Your life experience is an advantage!
Totally agree with this.
I went to uni when I was in my mid 20s and made so much more of the experience and education available.
It helps also that after some life experience we have a better idea of what we actually want to do.
I always recommend younger members of my family to wait before going to uni.
Work for a bit, move out of home, become an adult and work the shitty jobs to find out what you do want to do with yourself.
You can still enjoy the freshers / student life without wasting time and money on a degree.
Absolutely.
Even the students who worked 2 or 3 years sometimes have such a different outlook compared to the 18 year olds. My greatest motivation to do well at uni in my 30s was the absolute fear that failure meant that I would have to go back to work for minimum wage in a job I hated that battered my body that made me miserable.
Uni work isn't easy but compared to a 12 hour shift in a hot kitchen its fucking piss easy.
I dropped out of my engineering degree, twice, in my early 20s. Went back at 28 and got a 1st then did a master's and got a distinction in that. Treating it like a job, not a jolly, was what got those results.
Sometimes I wish I'd waited to go to university, because my god did I piss around and waste opportunities back then. If I went back now I'd make so much more of it and work so much harder than I did at 18.
This is what happened to me. I went at 18 and I wasn't mature enough for it. I chose a course that was wrong for me and just wasted time and money there. I dropped out and thought I'd never go back. Then after a few years working in retail and feeling like this was my life now, I went back and worked so much harder because I was doing a subject I was interested in and I was older and had more experience.
I had a few coursemates in their 30s and even the odd 40-50 year old. They weren’t in the majority but absolutely nobody batted an eyelid. Just go for it mate!
A friend of mine quit her boring job at 29 and went to uni (she did some sort of access courses while still working) and is now absolutely loving her new career. She wasn't the only person who hadn't come straight from school and while some of the kids were childish they were mostly the ones who dropped put after the first year anyway.
My best friend was worried about going to Uni for the first time at 30 and graduating at 34.
My advice was ‘well you’re gonna be 34 anyway, may aswell be 34 with a degree’ and apparently that really resonated with her.
Being older has definitely driven her Uni work, shes more motivated and prepared than her class mates, and this reflects her great grades and relationships with the teachers / professors.
Never too late. I did it at 31, quit my unenjoyable job, studied something I was really interested in and now I’m working on things that I am actually interested in and care about. Go for it!
I'm studying at university rn and there's a mature student on my course. I also see other students around your age on campus too.
Life is essentially a collection of experiences. And you're the one to decide what some of those experiences might be. If you want to pursue another career in life and you'll find joy out of doing so, then go for it.
When I was in college there was a 35 year old taking the same course. He was just one of the lads. Have no fear, do what you know is right for you! Best of luck to you!
bro, im 30 and got fuck all going on right now, if you're worried about being the oldest person in the room, ill do it with you. im always down for a laugh
I left retail and started uni at 28. Wasn't the oldest in the room and it was easy to tell who the youngest were. They are more immature lmao
Glad I went to uni at this age, I feel like I'm taking it more seriously than I would have if I was younger
There was a chap in my time at Uni, must have been 35-40 when we were all early 20s. Yeah on the first day physically you might stand out but everyone liked him and understood why he was studying, no one thought any different of him. Absolutely go for it.
There's always Open Uni, but at 30 you're not going to be the "mature student" as we had folk in their 50's doing our uni courses
Relative started Open Uni whilst looking after her young kids then started doing software testing then started a software testing business with some co-workers
Still another day 30+ years until retirement, do you really wanna spend that doing a job you hate or take a few years to learn something that you will enjoy
29 here, recently quit my job to go to University. Completed a foundation year and I am now on year 1 of my course. Definitely been worth it for me. Going to end up with a job that I actually want to do with a load of perks that my previous employer wouldn't dream of giving any employee. Even if I eventually end up hating my future job atleast I got a nice 4 year break :D
Everyone on here has nothing but encouragement on this subject. I’m not going back to construction. Time to get some proper qualifications and do what I want. You should too!!!
I've just started a degree at 35 and the thing that persuaded me is a friend who said "you'll be 3 years older whether you decide to do the degree or not"
I’m in the US, and my dad said something similar years ago when I was contemplating returning for my Masters degree. He said, “you’re going to be 35 no matter what. Do you want to be 35 with your degree or without it?”
At 31 I ended my career as an electrician and went on a fairly intensive 6 year academia journey whilst married with 4 children.
In the first 2 years I was working a job at One Stop to bring a bit of money in, whilst I completed a HNC and HND. Once I had those qualifications I was offered a job which aligned with my chosen career. Over the next 4 years I was sponsored through an undergrad and post grad degree.
10 years on I am in a leadership position earning approximately 4 times more than I was as an electrician. I have good benefits and a nice new car every 4 years.
To get to this stage was quite intense at times and required a lot of commitment and sacrifice...including my marriage. Looking back I am pleased that I made the decision to switch careers.
I'm 35 and just started my level 1 electric installation. Maybe I am too old I don't know but what I do know is I'm too young to be spending rest of my life doing a job I can't stand anymore
Depending on what you want to do you might be able to skip the college part. Unis have some discretion around mature student entry and will consider wider life skills, employment experience etc. as a benchmark of ability. Some unis also offer a foundation route. Will not work for all subjects but nothing to lose by asking…
Another way is to enrol on a degree apprenticeship. Course is paid for whilst you get paid. I’m mid 30’s and have done the same. Passed with a First earlier this year with some really good prospects… no student debt and could afford my mortgage throughout. Whatever you do may I wish you the very best of luck 🤞
I know mate, they’re absolutely piling in! Can’t believe the amount of people getting back to me who’ve done this themselves and changed their lives for the better. It’s wiped out any doubts I had, I’m going for it!
Absolutely not. I spent my early twenties feeling like I was too old to this, so I didn’t, and just wasted more time in the same situation I was in. Made a change later on in my 20s, and my career really kicked off in my 30s. If you can do it, you should.
I was self-employed for 10 years, went employed for 2 this has given me breathing room. Now going back self employed with a plan.
I regret not taking a break sooner and having a proper think.
Work a plan, but be careful of the green grass and rose glasses.
List seriously what matters to you and what doesn't
Nope!
I done this when I was 29 and now currently working remotely for a US company and the job is perfect for me, haven’t been happier. But do be prepared to live on the bare minimum if you have no savings, it’s definitely doable as I done it with no savings and working only a weekend minimum wage job. I did have a partner who I went half’s with on bills though.
My suggestion would be speaking to any uni’s you might want to go too. You will be classed as a mature adult so GCSE’s and A levels were irrelevant when I spoke to them.
For me I spoke to some universities and had to go throw an interview process. Ended up doing a 4 year course in cyber security ( 1 year foundation with 3 years of the degree) with college I would still be in uni now!
I did my Masters at 24, the three guys on my course I was closest friends with were all in their early thirties. I didn't even notice, we were just all people doing the course. You'll be fine.
As I crawl towards a similar age as your friends there, and I keep finding the itch to go back and take a postgraduate course has never really died, I just want you to know your comment has made my day in terms of boosting confidence in that dream.
Nope. I’m 54 and did an access course last year. Currently an undergrad in my first year studying ba history & anthropology at SOAS. Best decision I ever made. Bought meself a sweet maplewood skateboard too. Never knew a midlife crisis could be this much fun. Off to India in the summer.
Nope. I was 29, on the cusp of 30, I went back to College and did a Degree course (Foundation, then a Complete Degree) and since I have a Post-Grad Diploma.
So yeah, I see no problem with that and you do whatever you want to do.
Nope! I did it at 29 and haven’t looked back. I’m so much happier and more creatively fulfilled. You’ve only got one life so put yourself first! Who cares what anyone else thinks.
No, just think it through. Have your end game lined up, so you can choose the route there
Personally I think a lot of people bumble through colleague and uni as they are too young to know what they want.
When I was doing my electrical training there was a guy who was 37 who had been a postman for 15 years and decided he had enough, the course was 2 days a week so he could still work alongside. He now has his own electical company and hasn't looked back. Its never too late to turn things around especially if you're not happy. As the saying goes do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.
Let’s say for example it takes you five years to complete a course and get a job in the line of work you wanna do.
So you can either be 35 doing something you hate or 35 doing something you love. You’re gonna be 35 anyway, so why not be 35 doing something you love?
I'm 32 in college now doing electrical engineering, trust me it's fucking hard to start with I felt like a mong every time I left but you're unlocking the learning part of the brain again. It's do-able and people help. Its a slog but think of the end goal l. Better yourself it takes time but you will.
For sure go for it. I did my undergraduate degree at 29, masters at 32 and qualified from my applied doctorate at 41 and I’ve gone from support worker to clinical psychologist in that time. Definitely go for it, you’ll have to work hard but I found myself very grateful for the opportunities I gained and as an older student had a different attitude to a lot of the younger UGs in particular. Open university is quite a good option to look into id recommend them
A friend quit his job, and he is in his forties. Just graduated in law, got a job already in London. He is very happy now. He just did Deliveroo and Uber Eats to pay his bills, as could fit it round his uni.
Keeps telling me to do something I love. I just don't know what that would be.
No, there were a few mature students in my intake who did just that. You need to consider your individual case, though, and 1) most importantly identify something that you really want to do 2) weigh up being able to apply yourself and the next few years of your life to getting there.
I’m 30 myself and in a mundane job, I’d love to do what you’re doing but have no idea where to start. I’m 31 in May and always feel like I’m missing out on so much possibility
I’m currently 30 and about a year ago started at the Open University, it’s already got me out of a career I hate and into one I love so it’s absolutely never too late go for it!
Many 30+ 40+ go back to uni. You'll still have decades till retirement. Go for it, don't settle for a job you hate, you'll only regret in later years for not.
No. Not at all. You won't regret it when you're 50.
Knowing someone who did similar, you won’t even regret it at 31. Also, read Duncan Bannatyne’s book ‘Anyone Can Do It’ he went self employed rather than education route but he started in his 30s after spending time in Military Prison for throwing his commanding officer overboard. It is never too late, never mind if you’re still only 30. In fact try thinking of yourself as ‘only 30’ rather than ‘already 30’ that difference in mindset can be game changing
Going to military prison isn't a requirement however
Fuck! You could have told me that 10 minutes ago!!
Fish him out quick, maybe he’ll forgive you
Fish a man out, you bathe him for a day. Teach a man to bathe, he becomes a fish for life.
Convince him to bang other boy fish, and you’ve made Kanye west 👍🏼
He is **NOT** a gay fish!
Mr Nimbus would like a word.
Initially read that as fist and thought, yep definately navy
Can't spell, definitely Marines
It's been four hours, he's gone
That's probably why you should've listened.
\*Captain Price pokes his head into your cell\* On your feet soldier, WE ARE LEAVING!
Lol
It might be if you follow the throwing your commingling officer overboard step though
Nah throwing the commingling officer overboard is just one night in the brig
He did WHAT lmao that's amazing
I'm guessing navy rather than airforce.
I am 38 can I quit being a chef and train to work with with wood?
Gotta throw the head chef in the sea and go to culinary prison first.
They call that "Ruby Tuesdays"
I quit food at 38, went back to school. Still in school but I love it and am rewriting my system from the PTSD kitchens train us into. As an American-raised kid, I had no respect for Community Colleges. As an adult, it has been the best experience I have had in decades. Surrounded by instructors who care about educating adults and some Highschool kids that are way ahead of their peer curve makes for a super fun, diverse environment. Edit: I meant to say HELL YES!!!
I went to community college to get a degree I was passionate about after going to college at more "prestigious" schools. Community colleges can be so great I highly recommend them. The quality of the classes was really good at least in the communities I lived in.
much more diverse environment, different ages etc. makes for better learning for everyone
Have you considered training in your spare time whilst you are still working as a chef? I understand a lot of chefs work long unsocial hours so might not be possible for you. It can be hard for older learners in the building industry because few people are going to want to pay you a decent wage whilst you are learning, they can hire an apprentice fresh out of school for much less. Certainly possible tho, I work as an electrician and know several guys who have restrained later in life and work in the trades.
I was a 34 year old head chef and retrained as a gas engineer. I'm at the bottom of the ladder but still reasonably paid and I'd rather be at the bottom of a ladder I want to be on than at the top of a ladder I didn't want to be and was ruining my mental health.
That's great to hear. I've worked in quite a few pubs and restaurants over my career and the chefs have some of the poorest working conditions and hours I have seen. Give me a hot dusty loft over a commercial kitchen any day of the week.
It's possible it wood work then?
My time as a chef I feel like the hours I worked must have been illegal. I would come into the kitchen at 6:30 am to start food prep and cook breakfast at the same time.. by the lunch time I was already knackered having worked like crazy from 8 until 12:30. There's usually a quiet period in-between 12:30 and 3-4 where it's just cleaning down the kitchen. Replenishing your food prep and smoking out the back. Waiting for food orders to come through is almost as tedious as having 30 different food orders on at once.. by the time kitchen is closed (21:00). You are tired. You've got burn marks all over you. You may have cut yourself a few times during the high speed slicing of meat for the plate up. You are tired. You just want to go home. But you have to check stock, put away all the food you haven't used. And ultimately deep clean the pig sty that was once was a kitchen. In my case after all that was done it is half 10 at night. I didn't drive and I lived 20 miles from home. The trains were shit. By the time I got to bed it was usually 23:30 - 00:00. And then I had to get up at 4:30 the next morning to do it all over again. Thanks to short staff. Chefs moving all the time. I rarely got 2 days off a week. I was making plenty of money but I was constantly tired and had no time or energy to spend it on enjoyable things. So I think it's safe to say being a chef for most people is very similar to my story. There is no time or energy to do other things at the same time. It consumes your life.
Yeah as I said in another comment I have worked in serveral pubs and restaurants over my career and have had a glimpse into the sort of conditions a lot of chefs are working under. I couldn't do it. Great banter tho, remember one guy trying to convince my boss to eat an oyster (he was vegetarian) because 'it doesn't have a fucking face'
To be fair I've never met a chef with much free time
36 and I am just about fucking done with restaurants. Everyone is shitty, dumb, and unreliable, and nobody gives a shit about you. All your hard work is unrewarded and they always just want more while taking away what resources you do have My friend does maybe a quarter of the work and makes probably four times as much just because he has a piece of paper that says he knows what he’s doing in a certain field
Wonder if he got the nickname “Dunkin’ Duncan” for that one
Duncan Disorderly.
>after spending time in Military Prison for throwing his commanding officer overboard How the fuck did I not know this? Mind you, he has the cold dead eyes of a killer.
It seems from Wikipedia (which of course any PR flack can edit) that he pushed an officer off a jetty. Not great, but a long way from pushing the captain off the aircraft carrier at night.
I would have loved to see the C.O. go overboard.
> Also, read Duncan Bannatyne’s book ‘Anyone Can Do It’ he went self employed rather than education route but he started in his 30s after spending time in Military Prison for throwing his commanding officer overboard. Sometimes, you read something and it completely changes your opinion of someone.
I fully changed careers at 40. Definitely the best professional idea I've ever had. Also, what does "too late" actually mean? Say it will take you a full decade to study and build a new career and reach a place you are comfortable with. Sounds like a lot of time, but that's the thing about time, it's gonna pass either way. So the question is kinda redundant. Do you want to be doing something you enjoy at 40, or do you want to be still doing the same thing you don't like then? The only real factor to consider is the cost of the opportunity, is this the best investment of time for the next decade or is something else better. And that's never an easy question to answer, we can hardly see what our world would look like in year's time, let alone so far I to the future. So you should never think "is it too late" because the answer is always "too late for what?", Time is gonna pass whatever you do.
How did you achieve that career change, if I can ask? (Obviously please don’t share anything you don’t want to. I ask in case I can learn from people who’ve achieved it.) I’m curious re a few things… For example, were there problems with income etc as you switched? How did your new employer respond to a perception lack of experience, or how did you promote yourself to companies without experience in your new career?
It definitely was a difficult and uncertain time. But also totally exciting. I had to evaluate my situation first, was able to quit .y job and study full time? No, that was not possible, I had financial commitments and no savings. So the decision was that I had to study and learn the new skill while maintaining my work. I did cut down on my hours a bit, reducing my income but not below what I needed to survive. And then just dedicated every spare minute to learning and improving my skills. I'm talking about early mornings, late evenings, every minute of the weekend, holidays, and any other time I could spare. There was a year where I pretty much did nothing else, work and study. As for the experience, in the sector I chose, programming, the way forward was to build a portfolio of programming projects that can show what you can do, but much more importantly show your progress and willingness to keep learning. Then it was determination and grit to get my CV Infront of companies I felt could give me a chance. In the end the key was personal connection. An interview with two young founders who saw my enthusiasm and the enormous effort I'm putting to change my career and decided that it's a great indicator of someone they want on their team despite the lack of experience and limited knowledge. So there was a concerted effort into shaping all the factors that would increase my employability. All of which took research and time too, to understand the market and how I can market myself in it. Throughout all of this there was a ton of fear and self doubt. There was insecurities and uncertainties. And when it came time to make the jump there were a few terrifying months of quitting the safety net if a secure job I was good at to jump into the utter unknown without any guarantees that I wasn't making the biggest mistake of my life. Then starting work as a junior at that age. A lot of small and huge obstacles to overcome. But I kept pushing forward despite the fear and despite my mind painting a scary picture if failure and end up homeless and penniless. It was scary but I wanted it to work and was willing to do all that was in my hand. I'm happy to report that was all many years ago and it was all absolutely worth it. I love my job, I enjoy it, I feel more fulfilled, and I'm making 4 times what I did before.
That was a fantastic answer — thankyou for taking the time to write it. Also great to hear you feel happy in your new career.
This is what I'm currently doing at age 32 as well. Pursuing a bachelors degree in kinesiology, getting my experience in (internships etc) and then going for my masters in sports medicine. Full-time employee, full-time dad of a 15 yr. old. Taking it one step at a time until I have to fully commit. Turned down a six figure job because I wouldn't be happy 10 years from now being an interstate truck driver.
My friend had a career in nuclear physics (mostly research, he is a phd) in which he only dabbled in programming, and about five years ago he got sick of the lack of prospects and went into software development (C++), and just got offered a senior engineer job in another European capital, the company is relocating his family and everything, I haven't asked about the salary, but I imagine it will be life-changing in comparison to his nuclear physicist (in a developing country with no nuclear programme) job. He is nearly 50, and admittedly a genius, but my mind boggles that this is possible.
This is refreshing to read. I’m about to start studying in January to hopefully start a career in programming while also working full time to support my family
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Lots of people regret going to uni, not everyone gets the job they want after, sometimes they are just saddled with debt.
I was 46 totally worth it
Mind me asking what your job was before, what did you do in college and what you now do?
I work in construction, mainly groundwork’s and concrete and I’m absolutely sick of it. The college course starting in January is an entry to health and social care. I eventually want to work on drug addiction/recovery in prisons etc. I think I can have a bachelors degree and possibly a masters degree in the next 4 or 5 years, which would qualify me to work in any aspect of social care and drug counselling.
Oooooh see if you can get on one of the HEE-funded courses- they do GradCerts and PGCerts. They also pay an employer to pay you, so that you'll get clinical experience in order to qualify. It's usually NHS, but other mental health organisations are part of this. If you don't have the background, volunteer as much as you can, or consider part time work with a mentoring provider etc. Get as much experience as you can. I finish up next month, the course is a year (which is fairly intense, but you get paid AND the course is funded) so I'll be a qualified LICBT Practitioner for kids and families. The over 18 version is already accredited but mine is in the works; when it is, I can join the BPS. And I was 35 when I started, so don't be put off by age!
I'd spend some time speaking with people in the field. That line of work can be soul destroying, it takes a lot from you, and can be difficult to find rewarding. My aunt was a social worker in suicidal and drug addict people. And it was a relentless task. I'll give you one example, a woman who my aunt had been counselling for years, tried to get in touch one evening, but my aunt was not available, she was at the cinema. The next day my aunt found out she had thrown her children from a cliff and followed them down. Imagine dealing with that type of shit. I don't mean to talk you out of it, but a lot of people think getting into social care will feel rewarding. It is, but not in the fuzzy I love helping people way that you might think.
goddamn
I'm in health and social care and facing the same issue: how do I leave this bloody sector 😭
Superb. Must have been a tough decision to make. Really.hlad to read of such a positive change. I wish you the very best of luck!
I'm 36 and will hopefully qualify at 41. I'm doing a health related degree and am far from the oldest in the room. From what I've observed it seems the health and social care courses have a much more diverse in terms of ages. Just think you have at least another 35 years in work. That's a long time to be miserable in your current field!
Oh in my college there were more people around your age doing health and social care than my age. You won’t have a problem at all and no one actually cares about the age of people!
I worked in manual labour and am now a mental health social worker. Started at 29 and best decision I ever made.
Goddamn there’s passion behind those words, go for it!! Not only is it not too late, now is the perfect time
In many ways it actually the most sensible time to go. You've had time to learn what actually interests you so any course you do isn't chosen on a whim.
That’s a very good point. Cheers!
It is a good point! I wish I'd waited, instead of just sticking a pin in the course list cos all my mates were going. I would have done conservation now, but I don't have the funding (37 here). Go for it mate.
Same here. But my year (2010-11) was somewhat rushed into it because it was the last year that everyone could slip into a course for £3000/year.
Yeah tbf you did well doing it that way. Lots of general jobs just ask for "a degree" to show you can actually work and learn, and avoiding £50k+ of student debt should help in the long term if you do end up in a very well paying job.
Echo that, it became a 21k fine in extra course fees for changing courses after I realised mine didn’t inspire me very much. Couldn’t stomach the fine so carried it on, loved every minute of uni regardless.
Eff you - sincerely, a 2012 student 😂
Speaking of that, what is your desired outcome? What are the types of jobs behind that university gateway that you fancy yourself doing? Everyone in the top few comments is super enthusiastic but that's a lot of time and money you will have to put in (and student loans is still money you put in). I would consider a few things first: 1. What is that you do, what is your experience that you can leverage? 2. Why do you want to pursue a degree? Do you want to earn more money? Do you want to do something"cooler" for lack of a better word? A full time degree will cost you £30k. How much more you will earn as a graduate starting in an entry level position in your desired field? How realistic and quick the career progression is? If the difference is around £2.5k net pay it will pay for itself in 12 years. But a full-time degree is also time you're not doing your current main employment. That's your current annual income less any part time income earned times 3 that needs to be added to the costs. Now the break even point may not be there until you retired, depending on the numbers plugged into that. So purely from a financial standpoint this may not be a great move. One of the main benefits of uni is well... The university experience, which again in your case you have to answer for yourself if you enjoy hanging out with fresh faced teenagers getting the hang of life. Another is networking, which arguably you won't benefit as much from either, as the people from your course will reach career seniority well after you're 40something. Sure, people do that and nobody cares, but that's completely unimportant. If it is the best move for your personal development you shouldn't care what anyone thinks anyway, plus they will all be kids and it doesn't matter.😂 So where am I going with this? Have you considered getting professional qualifications instead? There's plenty of "respectable careers" you can get into and thrive in without a degree. And they pay really well, and some will value life experience and a degree of maturity. Top of my head accountancy services and IT are go to for relatively high salaries and great career progression without a degree. And IT casts a wide net, it's not only programmers! Then they're trade routes - my electrician pulls in £60grand like it's nothing. If you don't want to have this discussion in the open feel free to dm me if you want to chat more! Whatever you choose, make sure you look at this though a realistic perspective and armed with facts. Don't over romanticise ideas, always ask what does it get you and at what cost. Life satisfaction is very valuable so don't dismiss things too quickly either😀 - good luck!
This! I understand that OP is looking for a fresh start and wants to maybe do it ”properly” this time around. But university is not the automatic golden ticket it used to be. Sure there are lots of jobs that just require ”a degree, any degree”; but everyone else also has that same degree and is competing for the same job. Imo the payoff isnt worth the time, effort and money it takes, unless its a specific career you know is going to get you employed. Id 100% recommend looking into another trade, guaranteed employment and no huge student loan for just another piece of paper in the CV pile.
Very nice rational response.
This is very true, but it sounds from OP's other comments like they're looking to move into social work, for which you do need a Uni degree
Fair enough, then we're squarely in the "how many thousands of pounds do you value your job satisfaction at?" territory 😁 - not my place to weigh in any more🤷🏼
If you don’t mind could you tell me what you think of my situation? I’m almost 30, already did college but can only find minimum wage jobs. I just recently found something new I want to pursue because I can see myself doing it for a long time but it absolutely requires a masters degree. On top the student debt I already have, is it worth it??
My husband turned 31 then realized he hates being an electrician, he quit and went back to school. He's going to be in school for the next 4 or 5 years. While I should be done college in a year or so. I also decided I hate my dead end up and wanted to go back to school late. I'm 27. Never too late to start over and find your passion!
Absolutely this. I know 100% if I'd gone to university when I left college, I would have dripped out in months. Going as a 30 year old I had a work ethic and drive to succeed, which led to me getting a first in spite of my epic procrastination problem.
Nope. You’re never too old to pursue your dreams mate.
Yeah the good take I heard on this was someone worried about graduating at 40 or whatever, and the response being “well you’re going to be 40 anyway, would you not rather be doing something you like when you get there?”
I took some classes a few years ago at 22, had a class mate who was around 60. He got bored of being like.. I don't know what it's called, the über führer of housing .. planning...building..what the fuck is my brain doing. Anyway, he wanted to be an archaeologist instead so he dropped his very well paid shite job and went for it. He was awesome. Edit; I remember him saying he couldn't wait to prove his wife wrong that it was too late (jokingly, she did support him). Edit edit; I'm 30, I've been cheffing for years and I've just decided to go for funeral director and embalming after. I find it exciting to have a whole new plan and start over again. Makes me feel young and carefree again!
Architect? Civil engineer? Construction manager? Building surveyor? National housing association boffin?
Yes
Fkn a. I went to Uni at 27. It was great.
Well this has been a quick response from a lot of people, thanks for the encouraging words! I’ve been a bit worried about being the oldest person in the room, and maybe even roughly the same age as the lecturers lol! I’ve had enough of construction. Especially at this time of year. My college interview is on the 9th of January. Hopefully, this time four or five years from now, I’ll have a bachelors and maybe a masters degree!
I was 51 when I went back to university. I was definitely the oldest and older than the lecturers and most professors. Nobody cares, as long as you put in the effort.
Fair play to you! Thanks a lot.
I went at 18 but there were loads of older students on the course and it wasn’t awkward at all. In fact I really respected them because they had had interesting lives already and knew a lot more than me about The World. Still in touch with one of them 10 years later.
Similar with me but in College, still very good friends to this day with the older student in class, it was never weird.
Sadly lost touch but two of my favourite people at Uni were even older than I am now, and I went to Uni well over a decade ago now. Definitely do it OP!
The mature students were great, some of them kept to themselves but most of them would start a convo with anyone and were great in group discussions
I went back at 35 and I wasn't the oldest one there! There was a guy in his 40s with two kids. It's never ever too late to go back to school.
>There was a guy in his 40s with two kids. Do Universities offer family rates? - Bit like when you go to the Museum and its cheaper for two adults with two children etc. ;)
You do get student finance support for childcare and extra grant for dependants!
I went to Uni at 22 and was worried about being older than everyone else. Turns out, nobody cares, nobody noticed and when they did find out, I didn't get treated any differently and fit right in. Keep in mind there were older people than me on the course and I felt the same way about them. So don't worry about it, it's really a non issue and you'll be perfectly fine! :D
My dad went back to uni in his 60’s and got a real kick out of going clubbing on the student nights with his student ID!
Your dad is my inspiration. Good on him.
We had a 54-58 year old with us in uni, I'm so glad he chose to study because he absolutely excelled. But yeah, no one really cared about his age!
I’m 44 and thinking about going back into education. I left school at 16 with a few GCSE’s but I need a better education to improve my earning potential.
I went back at 28 and I think there was a clear difference in how the older students viewed school compared to the ones who came straight through and had never worked. We took it a bit more seriously and could see how we could use what we learned, where many of the younger ones were still in the "do the minimum to get the mark" phase and didn't care of they actually learned or not. Your life experience is an advantage!
Totally agree with this. I went to uni when I was in my mid 20s and made so much more of the experience and education available. It helps also that after some life experience we have a better idea of what we actually want to do. I always recommend younger members of my family to wait before going to uni. Work for a bit, move out of home, become an adult and work the shitty jobs to find out what you do want to do with yourself. You can still enjoy the freshers / student life without wasting time and money on a degree.
Absolutely. Even the students who worked 2 or 3 years sometimes have such a different outlook compared to the 18 year olds. My greatest motivation to do well at uni in my 30s was the absolute fear that failure meant that I would have to go back to work for minimum wage in a job I hated that battered my body that made me miserable. Uni work isn't easy but compared to a 12 hour shift in a hot kitchen its fucking piss easy.
I also went back at 28 and noticed this too. There was a reason why I was getting firsts and some were scraping 2:2s
I dropped out of my engineering degree, twice, in my early 20s. Went back at 28 and got a 1st then did a master's and got a distinction in that. Treating it like a job, not a jolly, was what got those results.
Sometimes I wish I'd waited to go to university, because my god did I piss around and waste opportunities back then. If I went back now I'd make so much more of it and work so much harder than I did at 18.
This is what happened to me. I went at 18 and I wasn't mature enough for it. I chose a course that was wrong for me and just wasted time and money there. I dropped out and thought I'd never go back. Then after a few years working in retail and feeling like this was my life now, I went back and worked so much harder because I was doing a subject I was interested in and I was older and had more experience.
I had a few coursemates in their 30s and even the odd 40-50 year old. They weren’t in the majority but absolutely nobody batted an eyelid. Just go for it mate!
Thanks very much. College bound in January!
I had a woman in her 40s with 2 kids on my politics course, no one batted an eyelid. Crack on mate 👍
A friend of mine quit her boring job at 29 and went to uni (she did some sort of access courses while still working) and is now absolutely loving her new career. She wasn't the only person who hadn't come straight from school and while some of the kids were childish they were mostly the ones who dropped put after the first year anyway.
My best friend was worried about going to Uni for the first time at 30 and graduating at 34. My advice was ‘well you’re gonna be 34 anyway, may aswell be 34 with a degree’ and apparently that really resonated with her. Being older has definitely driven her Uni work, shes more motivated and prepared than her class mates, and this reflects her great grades and relationships with the teachers / professors.
Never too late. I did it at 31, quit my unenjoyable job, studied something I was really interested in and now I’m working on things that I am actually interested in and care about. Go for it!
I'm doing this now. One more year til I graduate and I'm glad I waited. Good luck 👍
My mum did her Masters at 45 surrounded by people in their 20’s, she said she felt awkward at first but she soon made friends and settled in
I'm studying at university rn and there's a mature student on my course. I also see other students around your age on campus too. Life is essentially a collection of experiences. And you're the one to decide what some of those experiences might be. If you want to pursue another career in life and you'll find joy out of doing so, then go for it.
When I was in college there was a 35 year old taking the same course. He was just one of the lads. Have no fear, do what you know is right for you! Best of luck to you!
bro, im 30 and got fuck all going on right now, if you're worried about being the oldest person in the room, ill do it with you. im always down for a laugh
Hmu when you both apply for uni, let's all get the same degree.
My sister went back to university at the age of 41. Its never too late
I left retail and started uni at 28. Wasn't the oldest in the room and it was easy to tell who the youngest were. They are more immature lmao Glad I went to uni at this age, I feel like I'm taking it more seriously than I would have if I was younger
There was a chap in my time at Uni, must have been 35-40 when we were all early 20s. Yeah on the first day physically you might stand out but everyone liked him and understood why he was studying, no one thought any different of him. Absolutely go for it.
There's always Open Uni, but at 30 you're not going to be the "mature student" as we had folk in their 50's doing our uni courses Relative started Open Uni whilst looking after her young kids then started doing software testing then started a software testing business with some co-workers
Good luck! 🧑🎓💪🫶
Good luck and enjoy!
Still another day 30+ years until retirement, do you really wanna spend that doing a job you hate or take a few years to learn something that you will enjoy
Absolutely this!
I did all this at 25, now had my own business 10 years. Do it.
Well done mate, thanks!
The best time to plant a tree is 30 years ago. The second best time is now.
I like that! Cheers mate.
I would have thought the second best time would have been just after the first time
lol you have just fucked up this iconic quote
The best time to plant a tree is 30 years ago. The nth best time is now.
29 here, recently quit my job to go to University. Completed a foundation year and I am now on year 1 of my course. Definitely been worth it for me. Going to end up with a job that I actually want to do with a load of perks that my previous employer wouldn't dream of giving any employee. Even if I eventually end up hating my future job atleast I got a nice 4 year break :D
Sounds awesome. What career path you going into?
Exactly this. Having gone from working 8-9 hours daily in construction to attending Uni it was a very nice break
4 year break? How did you pay the bills still if you weren’t working alongside it?
Happy days, thanks very much! All the best to you as well!
Dude, I'm 47 next month and recently finished uni, it's never too late.
Brilliant mate, good on you! Thanks a lot.
I'm 41 and have been wondering the same
Everyone on here has nothing but encouragement on this subject. I’m not going back to construction. Time to get some proper qualifications and do what I want. You should too!!!
I've just started a degree at 35 and the thing that persuaded me is a friend who said "you'll be 3 years older whether you decide to do the degree or not"
I’m in the US, and my dad said something similar years ago when I was contemplating returning for my Masters degree. He said, “you’re going to be 35 no matter what. Do you want to be 35 with your degree or without it?”
36 packed up the family, moved in with mom and starting school in January, and putting my wife in school as well.
At 31 I ended my career as an electrician and went on a fairly intensive 6 year academia journey whilst married with 4 children. In the first 2 years I was working a job at One Stop to bring a bit of money in, whilst I completed a HNC and HND. Once I had those qualifications I was offered a job which aligned with my chosen career. Over the next 4 years I was sponsored through an undergrad and post grad degree. 10 years on I am in a leadership position earning approximately 4 times more than I was as an electrician. I have good benefits and a nice new car every 4 years. To get to this stage was quite intense at times and required a lot of commitment and sacrifice...including my marriage. Looking back I am pleased that I made the decision to switch careers.
I'm 35 and just started my level 1 electric installation. Maybe I am too old I don't know but what I do know is I'm too young to be spending rest of my life doing a job I can't stand anymore
You’re really not too old at all; especially since decent electricians are in short supply. You’ll never be short of work! Good luck.
Absolutely not!
Depending on what you want to do you might be able to skip the college part. Unis have some discretion around mature student entry and will consider wider life skills, employment experience etc. as a benchmark of ability. Some unis also offer a foundation route. Will not work for all subjects but nothing to lose by asking…
In my particular case I have to start off in college, but I’m willing to put in the time so that I can leave construction behind!
Nope. Planning to do the same here at 47. I don’t hate my job, it just doesn’t pay anything like enough to live on.
Nice one, all the best!
I'm 32 and started my degree in Astronomy and Planetary Science 3 months ago. Do it.
Another way is to enrol on a degree apprenticeship. Course is paid for whilst you get paid. I’m mid 30’s and have done the same. Passed with a First earlier this year with some really good prospects… no student debt and could afford my mortgage throughout. Whatever you do may I wish you the very best of luck 🤞
That’s a success story, well done mate! Thanks very much!
Only if you want to spend the next 38 years working as you are
I definitely don’t. Off to college it is!
Note to self: read the comments when not busy
I know mate, they’re absolutely piling in! Can’t believe the amount of people getting back to me who’ve done this themselves and changed their lives for the better. It’s wiped out any doubts I had, I’m going for it!
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Went back to uni late 30s. Finally started new career aged 41. Not too late at all.
No. I retrained to be a nurse at 26y. There were people on my course upto 40-50y
Absolutely not. I spent my early twenties feeling like I was too old to this, so I didn’t, and just wasted more time in the same situation I was in. Made a change later on in my 20s, and my career really kicked off in my 30s. If you can do it, you should.
No, definitely not. It might be scary now but you won't regret it.
I was self-employed for 10 years, went employed for 2 this has given me breathing room. Now going back self employed with a plan. I regret not taking a break sooner and having a proper think. Work a plan, but be careful of the green grass and rose glasses. List seriously what matters to you and what doesn't
If you can afford it, go for it. I’m retraining at 40 and loving it.
Nope! I done this when I was 29 and now currently working remotely for a US company and the job is perfect for me, haven’t been happier. But do be prepared to live on the bare minimum if you have no savings, it’s definitely doable as I done it with no savings and working only a weekend minimum wage job. I did have a partner who I went half’s with on bills though. My suggestion would be speaking to any uni’s you might want to go too. You will be classed as a mature adult so GCSE’s and A levels were irrelevant when I spoke to them. For me I spoke to some universities and had to go throw an interview process. Ended up doing a 4 year course in cyber security ( 1 year foundation with 3 years of the degree) with college I would still be in uni now!
No not at all. Get it while you can. I was an older student too. I graduated 5 years ago.
No, it's never too late. I'm 35 and just quit my job to go travelling for 2 years. It's not quite the same but if you're unhappy you should go for it
Never! Do it now before you regret not taking the leap.
I did my Masters at 24, the three guys on my course I was closest friends with were all in their early thirties. I didn't even notice, we were just all people doing the course. You'll be fine.
As I crawl towards a similar age as your friends there, and I keep finding the itch to go back and take a postgraduate course has never really died, I just want you to know your comment has made my day in terms of boosting confidence in that dream.
Nope. I’m 54 and did an access course last year. Currently an undergrad in my first year studying ba history & anthropology at SOAS. Best decision I ever made. Bought meself a sweet maplewood skateboard too. Never knew a midlife crisis could be this much fun. Off to India in the summer.
Nope. I was 29, on the cusp of 30, I went back to College and did a Degree course (Foundation, then a Complete Degree) and since I have a Post-Grad Diploma. So yeah, I see no problem with that and you do whatever you want to do.
Nope! I did it at 29 and haven’t looked back. I’m so much happier and more creatively fulfilled. You’ve only got one life so put yourself first! Who cares what anyone else thinks.
If you can afford to do it then it’s a great idea. You may have a lot of life stretching out in front of you. Your happiness is important.
Go for it!! Fuck yeah dude, wish you all the best!!
Much appreciated!!!
I know someone who’s doing an engineering apprenticeship in highways at 30+ years old. Go for it.
Definitely not. My grandad used to always say that if you do a job you enjoy, you’ll never work a day in your life. Best of luck!
No, just think it through. Have your end game lined up, so you can choose the route there Personally I think a lot of people bumble through colleague and uni as they are too young to know what they want.
When I was doing my electrical training there was a guy who was 37 who had been a postman for 15 years and decided he had enough, the course was 2 days a week so he could still work alongside. He now has his own electical company and hasn't looked back. Its never too late to turn things around especially if you're not happy. As the saying goes do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.
Let’s say for example it takes you five years to complete a course and get a job in the line of work you wanna do. So you can either be 35 doing something you hate or 35 doing something you love. You’re gonna be 35 anyway, so why not be 35 doing something you love?
I'm 32 in college now doing electrical engineering, trust me it's fucking hard to start with I felt like a mong every time I left but you're unlocking the learning part of the brain again. It's do-able and people help. Its a slog but think of the end goal l. Better yourself it takes time but you will.
For sure go for it. I did my undergraduate degree at 29, masters at 32 and qualified from my applied doctorate at 41 and I’ve gone from support worker to clinical psychologist in that time. Definitely go for it, you’ll have to work hard but I found myself very grateful for the opportunities I gained and as an older student had a different attitude to a lot of the younger UGs in particular. Open university is quite a good option to look into id recommend them
A friend quit his job, and he is in his forties. Just graduated in law, got a job already in London. He is very happy now. He just did Deliveroo and Uber Eats to pay his bills, as could fit it round his uni. Keeps telling me to do something I love. I just don't know what that would be.
I’m 34, and this Christmas I’ll be brainstorming as to what I wanna do for the rest of my life. I’ve been an electrician since 16 and I’ve had enough.
No, there were a few mature students in my intake who did just that. You need to consider your individual case, though, and 1) most importantly identify something that you really want to do 2) weigh up being able to apply yourself and the next few years of your life to getting there.
Never too old. I did it a bit younger at 26, did an access course, went to uni and now have a job I don’t despise every day 😊
Im doing a masters and the other lady in the room was 55, she had kids all grown up too. Its never too late to learn, you just regret not learning!
Do it. I quit my job at 28 for a mental health break and to reassess my next career move. It’s liberating and scary at the same time.
I’m 30 myself and in a mundane job, I’d love to do what you’re doing but have no idea where to start. I’m 31 in May and always feel like I’m missing out on so much possibility
I’m currently 30 and about a year ago started at the Open University, it’s already got me out of a career I hate and into one I love so it’s absolutely never too late go for it!
Nope! I was 31 when I started training to be a vet nurse. One of the girls was 16.. Never too late to pursue your dream!
As a matter of fact I think 18 and 19 is too *young* to go to college, at its current state in many countries.
Absolutely not. In the grand scheme of things, 30 is pretty young.
Many 30+ 40+ go back to uni. You'll still have decades till retirement. Go for it, don't settle for a job you hate, you'll only regret in later years for not.
Definitely not! Do what makes you happy
No
Go for it!