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A masters degree after age 50??
I am 52 and have decided to 'reinvent' myself. I have been in retail management for 25+ years and have hated every minute. I've regretted both NOT going into the military and NOT obtaining a college degree. Last year, after much debate, I decided to pursue college again (I have taken courses hear and there, but no degree). I want to do something more fulfilling, to help others, and to make a difference. I have chosen social work, specifically in the school systems. My questions are; am I wasting my time? It will take about 3+ years for a BSW and an additional 3 more for an MSW. Not to mention the money. Although there are hundreds of companies listed on the AARP website that seek out employees over 50 (in my case it will be 56), but I am really concerned about having a degree in hand yet no one will give me the time of day.
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In addition to the excellent advice that the others have given, I'd like to add one thing:
Much as we would all like to be able to pursue our dreams, sometimes it just isn't feasible. For example, I would love to go back to university after a long illness prevented me from completing my post-secondary education, but I just can't afford the tuition.
As adults, we have to make decisions that take into account not only what we want, but also whether it makes sense or not. Make sure that you take into consideration the rather unromantic logical arguments for and against getting the degree you're looking at.
This includes:
- The money you'll lose by not being able to work full-time for 6 years
- The cost of tuition / student loan interest
- What your salary will be after graduation, assuming you find a job in your chosen field.
- What your salary would be if you continue in your chosen career path.
- If you have a spouse / partner, are they on board with your decision?
There are lots of ways to reinvent yourself, and I would always suggest furthering your education as a great way to do so. There are ways that cost little to no money, and while they may not catapult you into a new career, they can provide interest and variety in your life.
Other options include taking courses at a local community college or taking free courses online using Coursera or another free university level course provider.
Another way to get you the path to helping others is volunteer work. It doesn't have to be soup kitchen duty: if you want to get involved in children's lives, why not volunteer with Big Brothers / Big Sisters, or help out at a kids' homework help program? There are lots of ways to help out in the community, and it doesn't necessarily mean the total upheaval of your life.
Whatever you decide, in the end it's your life. Only you can make the right decision for you, and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
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Furthering your education is never a waste of time. Before I retired my motto was if I did not learn something new each day then I wasted that day. To me learning is power and power extends our abilities to grow and expand. Having a degree, in your case a Masters Degree, in a Field you desire is not a waste of time.
That degree opens a whole field of opportunities for you and not just in the field of Social Work. To be concerned that doors will not be open is a valid concern but should not stop you from obtaining your dream. There will always be doors that are closed to us regardless of our educational background. The object for us is to find and open door that will allow us to use the knowledge we have and what we have learned to its best advantage.
My advice is not to worry about closed doors, you will find an open one if you look hard enough for one. Go back to school and get the degree you have been wanting.
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As far as pursing a career, I think it's a fantastic idea. It is never too late to go back to college and get an education in what you desire. I have read a few times where people get a degree at 90+
We live once life, We have one shot at making life be about what we want it too be. As long as you have education and a degree then you are a candidate for a potential hiring position. Nobody can turn you away because of your age, This is discrimination and a company can be charged for turning you away for that reason.
A person who would be likely not to stand a chance would be someone with no experience, degree or any sort of education despite their age.
I have in my lifetime been in counseling and one of my main request I had for the resource center was to work with someone who was older. I felt they had more wisdom and life experience then those who were young with little experience. I have been a client for over 10 years, I have had both young and older social workers and I have benefited way more from the older people rather then people who were in their 20's and 30's. So, You are very much an important person in this field. Don't feel you aren't, Enter with confidence, Do your work with confidence because I feel you will do fantastic.
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