Would You Go Back To School In Your Forties? And What Would You Study?

@gtargirl (5376)
United States
October 9, 2007 2:57pm CST
A lot of my friends are going back to school. Yes, we are in our late thirties and forties. And we are loving it. Most of us are taking writing/journalism classes. How about you, or perhaps a family member? Is going to school an option now, or maybe finishing up what was started years ago?
15 people like this
38 responses
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I did go back to school in my 40's. Was a great, rewarding experience. I don't believe anyone can ever learn too much. My major was psychology. I didn't complete four years as circumstances with aging parents forced me into a position that I needed to take care of them along with our children. Should have gone back once again but did not. My mistake! Good luck and much success if you return to school.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
10 Oct 07
Hopefully one day soon you'll get a chance to complete that psychology degree. That is if you still want to, of course. I know how life happens. But it was important to look after family. Thanks Carolbee for your input.
1 person likes this
@laurika (4532)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I don't think that there is wrong age, when you shouldn't go to the school.I have freidn who is 42 and is study again.And he looks like he is very happy about it.So I think I would go too, I just think it can be very different and I would be not able to learn new things soo fast like now when I am still young.
3 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
10 Oct 07
Oh, I think you could do it, Laurika. Perhaps just take one or two classes per semester and focus on something that you would like to study. That's what I say anyway. Thanks for dropping by, good luck, and have a terrific Wednesday morning.
1 person likes this
@whywiki (6066)
• Canada
9 Oct 07
I'm in my forties (eek) and I have thought about going back to school for the last 22 years! My friend that just hit 60 just completed a course at the college and has gotten a better paying job. I think that once I have the time I would like to go back just for the sake of knowledge. I sure regret not going to university after high school but I don't think it is ever too late to go back all the more power to you.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
10 Oct 07
Okay, my friend, after 22 years of thinking about it, it's got to be time to go. Knowledge is good, better paying job is excellent and more power to you too. Have a wonderful Tuesday evening.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I have been thinking about going back to school, but have no idea what to take, I did look at the local community college book, but nothing seemed to be of interest at this time, but I hope that maybe something will come up soon..:) Oh, and I am in my mid forties..
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
9 Oct 07
Yes, that would be something one has to decided on. What to actually study when going back. Sometimes the local JCs don't quite have the list of classes that would be of interest to us. But keep looking, or thinking about it, something will come up. I guess you could list some of your passions. Know what I mean? Have a wonderful day.
1 person likes this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
9 Oct 07
My uncle went to college in his 60's and got his Bachelor's Degree. He loved it. I already have my degree in journalism but wouldn't mind taking some courses in other areas. I am 43 and have no hesitations about going back to school with the young kids. I just have to decide what I want to focus on, probably something computer and writing related. I think it is great to see people going back to school and educating themselves at any age. It's getting to be where older students make the best ones since they aren't in school to party but to learn.
3 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
10 Oct 07
That is so cool about your uncle getting his Bachelor's Degree. What an inspiration for all of us. And you're right about older students--seems like learning is a priority. Thanks, my friend, hope you have a great Wednesday morning.
1 person likes this
@Margajoe (4709)
• Germany
9 Oct 07
Yes, I am 41 and need to be going back to school soon. My back is worn out. I was a machine operator. Cannot do that anymore. So , when my contract ends, that is the end of this month. I will be going back to school. First they are going to teach me how to speak german. Then I can go on from there. Have a nice day.
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
10 Oct 07
Well, school is something to look forward to. I hope your back is not all too bad. And how come you have to learn how to speak German. Don't you live there? LOL. Have a nice day also.
1 person likes this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
12 Oct 07
Ah, hoe gaat het met jouw Marga? Berlin is erg mooi en de mensen zein lief. Ik ben van Beverwijk. Maar ik was en kleine griet toen. Oy, that's my second grade Dutch. LOL. My German is just as good. Hehehe. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great.
1 person likes this
@Margajoe (4709)
• Germany
12 Oct 07
Lol, yes I have been living here for almost one year. German I can understand, I can read it.But to talk it is a whole different thing. Most people understand me, but some keep asking me to talk slower. Dutch ís quite simular to german, I have talked dutch for over 20 years. I was born in Canada, so my first language is English. Thanks, but my back did not get better but worse. I slipped on the stairs. The bottom of my back is worn out. 10 years ago I had a hernia operation. And know it is finished. No more hard work, no more work. That is why it is important for me to learn how to speak german properly. Or go back to Holland. But, I have learned to like it here in Berlin. I did not expect the people to be so nice. Thank you for your respons. Take care.
2 people like this
@spoiled311 (5500)
• Philippines
10 Oct 07
i dunno...it depends...maybe if it is a creative writing class, i will take it. or maybe acting or dancing lessons. or culinary school. but if it is regular school, no way! i have been dying to graduate when i was still in school, why would i want to go back? hehehe
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
23 Oct 07
I hear ya, my friend. But at least now we can go to school on our own terms. Besides, I think you've made yourself a nice list of classes to take. Culinary school sounds a little hard to me though. In any case, thanks for your input. Have fun and stay cool, as in hip or something like that.
@pendragon (3350)
• United States
10 Oct 07
I have thought about this a lot actually, I am 38. and live in a college town, I myself have never been to college. I would love to go, and maybe finally have some fun and learn something in a schoolastic environment.
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
23 Oct 07
I think you should finally go for it.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
10 Oct 07
I got my GED when I was forty then I took a medical billing course when I was in late 50s and Took a welding course in early 50 s only thing I got to work at was the welding and I had a blast
2 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
12 Oct 07
yup Welding and I loved it after I go tcertified I worked at a place that made horse trailers I welded the the doors that seperate the horses from one another great fun . and good luck on your AA lots of work there. hugs
1 person likes this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
12 Oct 07
Welding? That's awesome. I would like to get my AA degree also. Well done.
1 person likes this
@wisedragon (2325)
• Philippines
10 Oct 07
degree - it's never too late to get a degree
I wouldn't be ashamed to go back to school even when I'm old, because learning is a continuous life-long process. I just don't know what course to take up. It could be accounting, business, nursing, or maybe an advanced degree in physical therapy.
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
23 Oct 07
That's quite a nice list to choose from. Really couldn't lose with any of those choices. Thank your WiseDragon for giving us your wise counsel. :)
@beauty_ph (2749)
• Philippines
9 Oct 07
Well I am taking up my masters. I will probably take up my doctoral degree or if not I will be taking up law or medicine. I always think going to school is great. It keeps my brain storming on the new ideas and technology this world have. I just wonder how difficult it is for me to memorize knowing how poor I am in memorizing even during my younger years.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
10 Oct 07
Wow! You are one smart lady. Both law and medicine would be an honored profession. But oh, the sleep you'll miss. LOL. And as far as memorizing stuff, there's got to be a way to do that. There's probably quite a few books written on the subject. Oh no, more things to memorize. Sorry. LOL. Have a great week.
1 person likes this
@beauty_ph (2749)
• Philippines
19 Oct 07
I am just like most average men and women who loves to study hehehe. I think at forties I will no longer love sleep as much as I love now. LOL. Law and medicine are few of the most challenging courses for me which I'd love to study even before I finished my engineering degree. I was one of the unfortunate not to be able to take those courses because of financial reasons. I am claiming to finish one of the course at forties with financial stability. God knows how I truly desire to become a lawyer or a doctor, but I am very much grateful knowing that He made me an engineer!
@ctrymuziklvr (11057)
• United States
10 Oct 07
40's??? I went back to school in my 50's! Ever sincy my granddaughter was born with Downes Syndrome 14 years ago I wanted to get into the Developmental Disabilities field so I decided to go to the college in my city. I almost finished but had to put that on hold because of personal obligations. I will go back soon since I only have a few classes to finish to get my Assoc. Degree....I was getting all A's by the way!
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
23 Oct 07
Yay! You are way too awesome! I hope you get to go back soon and finish that degree. I know how life can turn directions once in awhile. With all A's you better get back there soon. :)
@sandwedge (1339)
• Malaysia
10 Oct 07
i spent almost half my life in school or rather trying to get out of. thats one place i am not going back too.
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
23 Oct 07
Heheehee, you're the second person that's told me so. Hope you're enjoying life outside of school now.
@Sharon38 (1912)
• Jamaica
10 Oct 07
I am almost 40 and preparing to do my second diploma. However thi sone willlead me into my Bachelors degree - paralegal studies. I am 38.
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
23 Oct 07
Wow! So you'll be the brains behind those lawyers.
@anup12 (4177)
• India
10 Oct 07
Yes I will go back and study how happiness is achieved. I think that is the greatest thing which we need to learn when we are in our fourty's
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
23 Oct 07
Ah yes. Not too many schools will teach you how to be happy though. That would come from God Himself, everlasting joy I do believe is His to give and ours to just receive. I know, that's a general statement and we could go on with this lesson, but that's all I got for now. So be happy.
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
10 Oct 07
I'd love to go back to school and at some point I'm hoping I'll be able to...I'd like to study criminology, abnormal psychology and sociology....A writing class would be interesting as well and I'd be up for that too and photography LOL...
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
22 Oct 07
Except for writng everything else sounds a little scary but most interesting. I would love to take up photography as well. Thanks, my friend for dropping in on us.
• United States
10 Oct 07
I was 38 years old, when I started college. The day after I turned 40, I started my nursing program. Right after I turned 41, I became an LPN. In January, I will start classes to become an RN. I don't intend on stopping until I am an RN, BSN, which is a bachelor's degree in nursing. This is my lifelong dream, and I will not be happy until I complete it! I don't want to settle for less.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
22 Oct 07
Awesome, awesome, that is a wonderful dream and you, no doubt, will achieve it. Thanks for your input.
1 person likes this
@katkat (2378)
• Philippines
10 Oct 07
I am not yet in forties but I do plan to go back to school. I've finished an Architecture degree but I als have an interest in web design. I hope to take that course next year. Education should be confined by your age. Afterall learning is a continuous process. Kudos!!!
2 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
23 Oct 07
Kudos to you too! I agree, learning is a continuous process and it's kind of fun too.
@foxygirle (376)
• Philippines
10 Oct 07
yep, i for one is also thinking if i should go back and get a degree in psychiatry or child development. though somehow i feel its going to be a bit more challenging than when we were during our teen-twenty years when we only worry about studying. Now we have to juggle between family,business,and school life. Will see.
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
22 Oct 07
For sure, foxygirle. Juggling family, business and a school life is a challenge. But hey, what's life without challenges. Keeps us alert. It's all good. Thanks for your input. Have a wonderful Monday.
@fineartist (1217)
• United States
10 Oct 07
What you and your friends are doing is fantastic. I started a second career in my 30's and am glad that I did. :) It is never too late to enhance our lives and fulfill our dreams. Great going! :-)
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
22 Oct 07
Thanks, my friend. I hope to have a fullfilling second career also. Thanks again and have a wonderful Monday afternoon.