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Am I too old to study?
HuntSmacker
Firstones Ambassador to Starcraftia
in Zocalo v2.0
So, a brief history first. I attended high school, for the most part, but took my exams a year late. I then got into college (not university) and studied 2 years for a computer related double-A level. After that two years was up, I had plans to go into university the following year - But, I got sick... And was stuck at home for months, and on tablets for nearly a whole year. I was scared of doing anything, because I felt so uneasy about my stomach. Combined with phobia of becoming sick again, it took me a long time to recover and feel normal again without worrying about simple daily things (like laying down in bed, I couldn't lay on my side at all). For the past year, I've been doing some jobs here and there, but mostly the regular kind of office jobs that offer no room for promotion / raises / better status. Just temporary stuff. I'm happy to do that for saving money, but I'm not happy for that to be a career. Granted, not everyone gets what they want in life, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to achieve your goals in life.
I'm 22 now, and nearly 23. I've been seriously thinking of going to university now (studying abroad) - But, it would cost a lot of money and take about 3-4 years of my life. But, I know from this I can expand job prospects enormously. That might sound silly, but where I'm going it really is the case. Even if I can't find that perfect job, it can guarantee a job in a field that'll provide me with a stable future for myself and a future wife. This I know with 100% certainty. And from doing this, I'm doing something I love, not just for the heck of it. I'm sure everyone out there has a passion of somekind, be it in computers, tennis or whatever - If you had the chance to pursue that, wouldn't you? It seems in life, it's ok to fail an exam, so long as you give it your best.
Money is ofcourse, one of the major problems for students, especially throwing in living expenses. But my old man has lots of money, and he makes more money in one single week than my entire bank account (and my account is pretty good). The problem is, he's the tightest SOB I've ever met. His car is a good 15 years old, the TV over ten years old (both of which always brake down, but he doesn't replace them.. Because he doesn't want to spend..) - So it's a bit difficult to persuade for help in this matter. But I know, he was willing to send me to university after college, but I know this subject pisses him off now. Why? What's changed? Just because I'm a little older? Surely in life the goal is not only to find your goals, but to also ensure you have a stable future. I'm doing this for a stable future. Because I know deep down, I cannot have a happy future with my current line of work. I need to get back on the path in my life. If I had no choice, and no money, and a poor family, I would accept that and move on. But it seems to me, with a wealthy dad, am I not entitled to at least a chance to follow my passions? And ofcourse, for any financial help I get, I can payback eventually. It's better than getting a loan!
Is 22, nearly 23, really too old, even with all this *possible* financial support?
I'm 22 now, and nearly 23. I've been seriously thinking of going to university now (studying abroad) - But, it would cost a lot of money and take about 3-4 years of my life. But, I know from this I can expand job prospects enormously. That might sound silly, but where I'm going it really is the case. Even if I can't find that perfect job, it can guarantee a job in a field that'll provide me with a stable future for myself and a future wife. This I know with 100% certainty. And from doing this, I'm doing something I love, not just for the heck of it. I'm sure everyone out there has a passion of somekind, be it in computers, tennis or whatever - If you had the chance to pursue that, wouldn't you? It seems in life, it's ok to fail an exam, so long as you give it your best.
Money is ofcourse, one of the major problems for students, especially throwing in living expenses. But my old man has lots of money, and he makes more money in one single week than my entire bank account (and my account is pretty good). The problem is, he's the tightest SOB I've ever met. His car is a good 15 years old, the TV over ten years old (both of which always brake down, but he doesn't replace them.. Because he doesn't want to spend..) - So it's a bit difficult to persuade for help in this matter. But I know, he was willing to send me to university after college, but I know this subject pisses him off now. Why? What's changed? Just because I'm a little older? Surely in life the goal is not only to find your goals, but to also ensure you have a stable future. I'm doing this for a stable future. Because I know deep down, I cannot have a happy future with my current line of work. I need to get back on the path in my life. If I had no choice, and no money, and a poor family, I would accept that and move on. But it seems to me, with a wealthy dad, am I not entitled to at least a chance to follow my passions? And ofcourse, for any financial help I get, I can payback eventually. It's better than getting a loan!
Is 22, nearly 23, really too old, even with all this *possible* financial support?
Comments
As for how to pay for it, I'm not sure how financial aid works in the UK, but in the US almost anyone can get enough money for higher education. You don't have to pay the loans back until after you graduate and it's not uncommon to be paying back college loans until your late 30s or 40s. The interest is low, as are the payments. It's also a "good" kind of debt because banks see that you can make regular payments, thus increasing your credit score.
I would tell your Dad that his investment is in a better position now- better opportunity for return as well... than before because you know what you want to do and instead of going to uni before and bumming around you are more mature and ready to sit down and do the work.
let me know if you need help researching schools on this side of the pond
She is actually really enjoying it, except she does occasionally have to deal with some idiot 18 year old kids, but thankfully, the teachers seem to put them in their place.
Married, no kids, acreage and home paid for, I'm in a much better place to get to it now. But... do I really want to lock the next 10+ years or so down for it?
I'll be 55 by the time I'm done, and a green horn compared to those I might work with. So the question becomes do I do it for my own personal needs?
Get's to be an expensive proposition in time and money just to have a piece of paper saying "yeah, he's a geologist".
I might just stick to the arm-chair... A whole lot cheaper.
By the way, don't think for one second that the degree will land you a job that is around forever. There really isn't a 20-30 year career job position anymore at most levels of employment.
Being able to adapt is the key.
I still see many a B.A./B.S. graduate humping fast food to get by...
Cynical I know, but you have to take a lot of things into consideration.
;)
Its a totally different system in Sweden of course, we can borrow money and recieve financial aid for 5 (+3) years.
This is of course after compulsory and secondary education.
And no, you are not too old to get a degree! If anything they'll chalk up your age to experience and you'll be a more reliable asset to your future employer.
[URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_learning"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_learning[/URL]
The only battle I gotta fight now is the money issue. With my money I can only afford to put myself through a single year. And the best, safest source of money is my father. But to to make my dad understand is no easy task... He's very Victorian / Dynasty / Ancient style.
My parents wouldn't cosign for me. cost me $100,000 American in the increase in home prices ( ok condo ). Got a state lone, took me a year.
What do parents think we'll think of them?
So age is not an issue.
If your father is retticent to finance you, maybe you can tell him that you are willing to pay for your first year (since you said you could do it), to show your commitment. He would only have to commit to paying for the rest of your studies.
Of course I'd leave that deal as a final offer, I wouldn't want to spend my savings unless I had to.
Hope you can work it out.
As far as your dad, I don't know if he is the business type, but I would be explicit about how, when and at what rate you plan to pay him back. Amortize the amount of X number of years at an interest rate that is better than say some of the money markets and other inverstment accounts that are out there. That way, he at least knows his money is working for him. Even go so far to sign a paper agreement.
Jake
You need to approach your dad from his point of view. Make him see that you're thinking about it the way he does, rather than just as something that will benefit you.
JackN: A Masters shouldn't take you 10 years. It's 1 year here (we use the Scottish system, which is similar to the English system). I understand that the US is somewhat slower in postgraduate studies, but as I recall it's still only 2 years full-time (4 years part-time) for a Masters. If you go for a PhD, that's where the time goes. :) Also, what does it matter about the job that comes out the end, if any? Do it for your love of geology, not to get a job in it. I'm sure you'll find it far more rewarding than just reading about rocks you found by the lake on the Internet, even though that's fun and easy.
So definatly not!
@ JackN: I also agree with the prevailing opinion. The masters shouldn't take you ten years. My masters program is 51 credits but that's for 2 degrees. If I would have stuck to my original plan, it would have been only 30, which equals out to be 3 semesters and a summer course if you go full time. Part time, obviously, would take longer, but not 10 years.
By the way, don't think for one second that the degree will land you a job that is around forever. There really isn't a 20-30 year career job position anymore at most levels of employment.
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Yeah, I'm aware of that. But - I've got a Plan B if things don't work out. And Plan B is guaranteed, believe it or not. I just have to give this a shot first :D