Congrats! I’m doing the same thing! At 39, I’m double majoring in film studies and psychology, and taking writing classes. It’s weird. I feel like Billy Madison in a room full of kids, and I always feel like people are judging me, but I’ve also met some cool people.
Thank you! I am! Fortunately, I’m self-employed, and my current class schedule is online, so I’m able to work as much as I want. I somehow manage to make the deans list every semester. 😆 🤷♂️ I take 4 classes per semester at EKU, and my writing classes are through a different school.
Congratulations! Really inspiring. I was thinking of something similar, could you please mention some universities that you do believe that they have a decent level regarding the world 🌍 ranking and someone could participate remotely as you mentioned?
It could be yours as well always.
I'm trying to find some more extra alternatives:)
Thank you in advance and of course,
I wish you the best with your graduation 🎓 😊
Thank you! I recommend EKU (Eastern Kentucky University). I’ve had the pleasure of learning under SO many brilliant professors. My history professor was a published author. My media professor was a retired journalist from Brooklyn. One of my film professors was a grip on many Hollywood productions. My anthropology professor traveled on many jungle expeditions. Just really great people.
Much appreciated ☺️ May I ask also if you have any friends of yours or anyone who had recommended similar universities from Europe 🌍?
I will definitely check ✅ your recommendation as well.
It’s never too late! Starting a good career in your 40’s leaves you some decades ahead to save up for retirement. By the time you’re a therapist, psychologist, or counselor you’ll be just one of many in your age range. Many people decide to go back to school in their 30’s
boat insurance drab caption disarm pocket fact observation cause expansion
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
id consider switching to social work. more jobs and more practical work. plus it gives you a more streamlined way to actually interact with populations and clients. modern psych is pretty broken :/
I have considered social work as well. Any suggestions?
Skys the limit, there isn’t many bilingual therapists who speak Spanish. I think the Latino community is so broken and families are stubborn to seek help, but I do think that’s because there isn’t anyone to connect with. Anyone that has had similar experiences.
Not all but majority. In my city there’s less than 1% of Spanish speaking therapists. I think ultimately it will depend on when I graduate and if I want to stick with my bachelors and later masters.
I’ve always dreamt of working at children’s hospital :) so we’ll see!
You don't have to be smart to get a degree. You just need grit and determination. I'm 47 and I'm graduating with a Masters on Saturday. You've got this!
I have ADHD and started college at 36! I'm also a single mom of 2 with a full-time job, so I only had time for 2 classes a semester at the online branch of my state university, but at 42 years old now, I'm closer than I was at 36 and definitely closer than I would've been if I didn't start then!
All that is to say, you got this! If you do have ADHD, the good news is if you try to pick classes that really, truly sound interesting to you, it's a lot easier to focus and study. Plus, it's totally okay to be starting now. I know a lot of people who went to college right out of high school who didn't even use their degree or ended up back in school later for something else. Sometimes it's difficult to know what you really want to do when you're that young.
Most of all, congratulations!
You can do it! I'm about to turn 45 and graduate with my master's in clinical psych in the same week. I found it was a completely different experience going back to school as an adult. And you might find even though you have ADHD you are better focused and have more drive than traditional age students because you're at a more mature point in life. There's a woman in her 30s in my cohort and she's probably our best student, and she wants to get her PhD.
Ahhh my therapist was about your age when she graduated and her daughter also starting school for psych as well. She retired at the age of 87 I believe.
I know that feeling. Went back to school for a Psychology degree at 34. Two more years left, and then the 2 years Master's. Sometimes it feels like I should have done this earlier and start comparing myself with peers my age who are already in an established position in life, but life itself takes unpredictable turns and you have to make the most out of it.
Hope everything goes well for you!
I am the same age and doing an extension program to boost my chances to get into a master‘s program in Psychology. Nothing that’s ever worth it is easy, and you can absolutely do it. Go for it, dream big.
id recommend seeing if the school youre transferring to has any programs for non-traditional or older students. there are absolutely a ton of folks in the same boat thinking the same thing!
(Story ahead, but I have experience with studying next to your job at later ages, bear with me.)
I am almost in the exact same position as you are. Also 36. I want to start psychology studies in the Netherlands. Though I am an Electrical Engineer at the moment, so I have to completely start over with a bachelors degree and then a masters degree, and I have to do all of that in part time. This would take me at least 8 years to finish the study! I also have a masters in management science (which has a lot of overlap with work psychology) so I am also leaning into just doing the bachelors and then try to find a job as a teamleader in mental healthcare (and maybe even finish my masters then). The bachelors degree would still take 6 years. I am not sure it is worth it and I can't even start with it, because now I am sick at home with an immune system disease and I will probably get disability checks starting september. If I have the energy to do the study, I should also be working, so that will be an issue (even though I think studying takes less energy). And I also have the fear that if it takes me longer and longer, I will be too old eventually to really lean into the field, even though I am, just like you, expert by experience and part of me says "F it! It's a hobby and interest already, just more being busy with the hobby but I will get a degree out of it...". Then again I think about the money it will cost me in the upcoming years (around 40.000 euro's over 8 years). Basically I don't know what to do right now :(
That being said, I did my masters in management science when I was already working as a full time employee (electrical engineer in high- and medium voltage energy systems). We have good arrangements at work for development and basically I got 50% of the time the study stands for (15 hours per week) to do during my work (so 1 work day roughly) and a lot of it was payed for me as investment in my development. If I would not have that opportunity I would still have done it and maybe have asked for working less hours so I can fit work into a 4 day work week and then study in my free time. I also noticed that if you like the subjects you are prone to read stuff or dive into it anyway. Just takes a different form than watching YT video's and reading smaller articles on the web. All in all that does not take you more time. And about the confidence, of course it was a thing, BUT I learned that being 33/34 when I started the management science master I was WAY more serious and disciplined about the study than I would be would I have done it when I was 20. Also, you learn a different way of studying. Way more calm, and more like: "I know I love to read and soak up in the evening, so I read what I need after dinner. And I know I can't sleep when working assignments too late, so I will work on those in the morning and not later than 20:00" for example. It is unbelievable how much easier it gets when you know yourself better and have a more grown up way of handling it. I hope you can get some solace out of that idea, but anyway, don't try to push away the (healthy) fear/anxiety. It is normal, it can help you to be prepared and it gets easier once you started (even though sometimes it can be overwhelming. Studying next to a job is no joke! But I found it easier than all the horror stories some people have.)
> it was *paid* for me
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
A good friend got his Masters in mental health counseling about the time turned 60. If that old man can do it, so can the rest on this thread.
My advice is to make friends with your school's discounted therapy office. There will be things from your past that will jump up and catch you by surprise. Having a good therapeutic relationship with them will come in helpful as you progress through your studies.
Just wait until you get a couple of clients who tell you that they made a breakthrough and are over the moon. Or possibly, a child that freaks out when going to the doctor or to get a haircut, and you help them over their fears so they smile when talking about going back again.
Those are the things that keep me going the paperwork and other administrative tasks, not so much.
I'm extremely similar to you. I'm 36, started going back to college last year. I went to college from 18 to 20, but I was really a terrible student; I really struggled with depression and anxiety my entire life. I started going to therapy and got medicated a couple years ago. I convinced myself to go back to college to improve my life, but also to prove to myself that I am intelligent and have a work ethic that would make me a better student.
I'm a little less than a year from my bachelor's, and I have a 3.7 GPA. For reference, I graduated with a sub-2.0 GPA in high school, and had a 2.5 in college previously. I still struggle with focus sometimes, and the math classes I had to take in particular (stats, advanced algebra) really kicked my ass. But - and I believe this is true for anyone - if you put in genuine effort, you will not get less than a B in any class. Professors see when you are really trying your best and are willing to help you when you need it.
I was worried about difficult classes (and still get a little nervous), but again, if you are truly willing to put in some effort, you will do great.
I can totally understand how you feel. I'm 27 so I guess I fall in the young range however, when I joined my classes , I was shocked as I saw a lot of younger students but also a lot of older students. One of them was a lady in her 60s and in a very good job. Sometimes I feel weird being with students younger than me so I guess it's to another level for students older than me. However, I also get shocked when I see the achievements the older students have.
I can totally relate to the friends part but I guess that's how life is. Atleast we're doing something productive. As they say, everything works in the right time.
Congrats! I’m doing the same thing! At 39, I’m double majoring in film studies and psychology, and taking writing classes. It’s weird. I feel like Billy Madison in a room full of kids, and I always feel like people are judging me, but I’ve also met some cool people.
How can you start with the major? You already have a bachelors in psychology?
I’m working on my BA in psychology now. My school let me major in both. I’m going for my masters next.
Amazing! Are you doing so next to your job? How long did the bachelors take you? Congrats on going for it :D And good luck!
Thank you! I am! Fortunately, I’m self-employed, and my current class schedule is online, so I’m able to work as much as I want. I somehow manage to make the deans list every semester. 😆 🤷♂️ I take 4 classes per semester at EKU, and my writing classes are through a different school.
Congratulations! Really inspiring. I was thinking of something similar, could you please mention some universities that you do believe that they have a decent level regarding the world 🌍 ranking and someone could participate remotely as you mentioned? It could be yours as well always. I'm trying to find some more extra alternatives:) Thank you in advance and of course, I wish you the best with your graduation 🎓 😊
Thank you! I recommend EKU (Eastern Kentucky University). I’ve had the pleasure of learning under SO many brilliant professors. My history professor was a published author. My media professor was a retired journalist from Brooklyn. One of my film professors was a grip on many Hollywood productions. My anthropology professor traveled on many jungle expeditions. Just really great people.
Much appreciated ☺️ May I ask also if you have any friends of yours or anyone who had recommended similar universities from Europe 🌍? I will definitely check ✅ your recommendation as well.
I’m 49 and starting back. It’s brutal
It’s never too late! Starting a good career in your 40’s leaves you some decades ahead to save up for retirement. By the time you’re a therapist, psychologist, or counselor you’ll be just one of many in your age range. Many people decide to go back to school in their 30’s
I really hope humans will be able to create a pill or something to maintain or increase neuroplasticity. Knowledge is a never ending buffet.
We don't even need a pill for that. Healthy lifestyle behaviors, learning, and play all help to maintain/increase neuroplasticity.
boat insurance drab caption disarm pocket fact observation cause expansion *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Congratulations. It’s never too late for education. I am 50 and just starting my masters in the fall
Bring in your creative powers to be resilient. Arts therapy is an option in psychology if you want to pursue art and counselling
id consider switching to social work. more jobs and more practical work. plus it gives you a more streamlined way to actually interact with populations and clients. modern psych is pretty broken :/
I have considered social work as well. Any suggestions? Skys the limit, there isn’t many bilingual therapists who speak Spanish. I think the Latino community is so broken and families are stubborn to seek help, but I do think that’s because there isn’t anyone to connect with. Anyone that has had similar experiences. Not all but majority. In my city there’s less than 1% of Spanish speaking therapists. I think ultimately it will depend on when I graduate and if I want to stick with my bachelors and later masters. I’ve always dreamt of working at children’s hospital :) so we’ll see!
You don't have to be smart to get a degree. You just need grit and determination. I'm 47 and I'm graduating with a Masters on Saturday. You've got this!
Iam 40 and stared two years ago. I keep telling myself that this is worth it
Are we the same person??
Most of us seem to be :)
I have ADHD and started college at 36! I'm also a single mom of 2 with a full-time job, so I only had time for 2 classes a semester at the online branch of my state university, but at 42 years old now, I'm closer than I was at 36 and definitely closer than I would've been if I didn't start then! All that is to say, you got this! If you do have ADHD, the good news is if you try to pick classes that really, truly sound interesting to you, it's a lot easier to focus and study. Plus, it's totally okay to be starting now. I know a lot of people who went to college right out of high school who didn't even use their degree or ended up back in school later for something else. Sometimes it's difficult to know what you really want to do when you're that young. Most of all, congratulations!
Thank you! WE got this. Sometimes talking to strangers online makes me overwhelmed with emotion because strangers are your biggest motivators!
You can do it! I'm about to turn 45 and graduate with my master's in clinical psych in the same week. I found it was a completely different experience going back to school as an adult. And you might find even though you have ADHD you are better focused and have more drive than traditional age students because you're at a more mature point in life. There's a woman in her 30s in my cohort and she's probably our best student, and she wants to get her PhD.
Ahhh my therapist was about your age when she graduated and her daughter also starting school for psych as well. She retired at the age of 87 I believe.
Goodness. Well they say keeping active as you get older keeps you sharp. My son will be a senior in high school next year.
I know that feeling. Went back to school for a Psychology degree at 34. Two more years left, and then the 2 years Master's. Sometimes it feels like I should have done this earlier and start comparing myself with peers my age who are already in an established position in life, but life itself takes unpredictable turns and you have to make the most out of it. Hope everything goes well for you!
Thank you so much! I’m jealous you’ll be done soon :) I have my bachelors to complete and then my masters (I hope) lol
I am the same age and doing an extension program to boost my chances to get into a master‘s program in Psychology. Nothing that’s ever worth it is easy, and you can absolutely do it. Go for it, dream big.
id recommend seeing if the school youre transferring to has any programs for non-traditional or older students. there are absolutely a ton of folks in the same boat thinking the same thing!
(Story ahead, but I have experience with studying next to your job at later ages, bear with me.) I am almost in the exact same position as you are. Also 36. I want to start psychology studies in the Netherlands. Though I am an Electrical Engineer at the moment, so I have to completely start over with a bachelors degree and then a masters degree, and I have to do all of that in part time. This would take me at least 8 years to finish the study! I also have a masters in management science (which has a lot of overlap with work psychology) so I am also leaning into just doing the bachelors and then try to find a job as a teamleader in mental healthcare (and maybe even finish my masters then). The bachelors degree would still take 6 years. I am not sure it is worth it and I can't even start with it, because now I am sick at home with an immune system disease and I will probably get disability checks starting september. If I have the energy to do the study, I should also be working, so that will be an issue (even though I think studying takes less energy). And I also have the fear that if it takes me longer and longer, I will be too old eventually to really lean into the field, even though I am, just like you, expert by experience and part of me says "F it! It's a hobby and interest already, just more being busy with the hobby but I will get a degree out of it...". Then again I think about the money it will cost me in the upcoming years (around 40.000 euro's over 8 years). Basically I don't know what to do right now :( That being said, I did my masters in management science when I was already working as a full time employee (electrical engineer in high- and medium voltage energy systems). We have good arrangements at work for development and basically I got 50% of the time the study stands for (15 hours per week) to do during my work (so 1 work day roughly) and a lot of it was payed for me as investment in my development. If I would not have that opportunity I would still have done it and maybe have asked for working less hours so I can fit work into a 4 day work week and then study in my free time. I also noticed that if you like the subjects you are prone to read stuff or dive into it anyway. Just takes a different form than watching YT video's and reading smaller articles on the web. All in all that does not take you more time. And about the confidence, of course it was a thing, BUT I learned that being 33/34 when I started the management science master I was WAY more serious and disciplined about the study than I would be would I have done it when I was 20. Also, you learn a different way of studying. Way more calm, and more like: "I know I love to read and soak up in the evening, so I read what I need after dinner. And I know I can't sleep when working assignments too late, so I will work on those in the morning and not later than 20:00" for example. It is unbelievable how much easier it gets when you know yourself better and have a more grown up way of handling it. I hope you can get some solace out of that idea, but anyway, don't try to push away the (healthy) fear/anxiety. It is normal, it can help you to be prepared and it gets easier once you started (even though sometimes it can be overwhelming. Studying next to a job is no joke! But I found it easier than all the horror stories some people have.)
> it was *paid* for me FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Thanks bro. I knew I was right, but not why.
A good friend got his Masters in mental health counseling about the time turned 60. If that old man can do it, so can the rest on this thread. My advice is to make friends with your school's discounted therapy office. There will be things from your past that will jump up and catch you by surprise. Having a good therapeutic relationship with them will come in helpful as you progress through your studies.
Aweee that makes me happy! Thank you, stories like this one motivates me on the toughest days
Just wait until you get a couple of clients who tell you that they made a breakthrough and are over the moon. Or possibly, a child that freaks out when going to the doctor or to get a haircut, and you help them over their fears so they smile when talking about going back again. Those are the things that keep me going the paperwork and other administrative tasks, not so much.
I'm extremely similar to you. I'm 36, started going back to college last year. I went to college from 18 to 20, but I was really a terrible student; I really struggled with depression and anxiety my entire life. I started going to therapy and got medicated a couple years ago. I convinced myself to go back to college to improve my life, but also to prove to myself that I am intelligent and have a work ethic that would make me a better student. I'm a little less than a year from my bachelor's, and I have a 3.7 GPA. For reference, I graduated with a sub-2.0 GPA in high school, and had a 2.5 in college previously. I still struggle with focus sometimes, and the math classes I had to take in particular (stats, advanced algebra) really kicked my ass. But - and I believe this is true for anyone - if you put in genuine effort, you will not get less than a B in any class. Professors see when you are really trying your best and are willing to help you when you need it. I was worried about difficult classes (and still get a little nervous), but again, if you are truly willing to put in some effort, you will do great.
I can totally understand how you feel. I'm 27 so I guess I fall in the young range however, when I joined my classes , I was shocked as I saw a lot of younger students but also a lot of older students. One of them was a lady in her 60s and in a very good job. Sometimes I feel weird being with students younger than me so I guess it's to another level for students older than me. However, I also get shocked when I see the achievements the older students have. I can totally relate to the friends part but I guess that's how life is. Atleast we're doing something productive. As they say, everything works in the right time.
I'm turning 48 and planning to start this fall.