"Am I too old?" - the story of a 40-something student

As my farewell to The Student Room after 4 years of being an extra-mature student, I wanted to share my story for everyone who asks "am I too old?" or "is it too late to change career?"

If you want to, and can afford to, then do it! We only have one life, so live your best one.

I'm 45 and have spent the last 4 years studying full-time for a BEng and an MSc. I got a 1st for my degree and barring any dissertation disasters, I should get a Distinction for my Masters. This was part of a complete career change for me, aiming to get into an industry I had no prior experience of and with a heavy emphasis on maths, a subject I used to intensely dislike and thought I was 'bad' at. Unfortunately, as recently as the 1990s, women were not encouraged into construction-related professions, so at that time I chose another path. I wish I had made the change years ago, but at least I have done it now when I still have 20+ years of work ahead before retirement.

I already have 2 degrees and a PGDip so I wasn't entitled to any funding for my undergraduate degree. I paid for it by selling my home and buying somewhere cheaper. Drastic? Maybe, but it will pay off in the long run and I am not leaving uni saddled with huge debts. I worked part-time throughout my studies.

Studying in your 40s is hard. My memory used to be photographic, but now I sometimes wonder where I left it (back in the 2000s, I think). Processing and understanding takes longer than it used to, and learning new tech takes more time and frustration than I would like it to. At times I have cried and the stress levels have rocketed, especially when multiple assignments have been due at the same time. So if you are returning to studying at a more 'advanced age' - allow yourself more time for everything. This means that there will be times when you see little of your friends and family, and times that you will be studying 7 days a week.

Also, going from full-time to part-time income really sucks. Having to think carefully about what I really need to buy has actually been helpful - I was not much of a consumer to begin with, but I have really learned what matters to me (cake!) and discovered some amazing charity shop finds. However, when unexpected expenses come up or friends plan something you cannot afford to do, it's hard.

I was the only very mature student on my course and didn't really make 'friends' on my course as such (as in, seeing them outside of the uni setting) because I barely had time to see the poor neglected friends I already have! But I really enjoyed chatting to my coursemates and learned a lot about what it is to be a young adult in the current times (and a lot of slang which I had to surreptitiously look up in urban dictionary - or just ask for a translation!) They also helped me a lot with long forgotten maths. I never felt like I didn't fit in after the first few weeks of entirely self-inflicted self consciousness about my age. My coursemates respected the fact that I say exactly what I think, I could talk to the lecturers as equals and wasn't afraid to challenge, and I was often seen as a source of 'wisdom' (and suspect I might have disappointed a few people who expect older people to know better...)

My Masters experience has not been so positive. I have spent most of the last year studying alone, other than a few precious weeks last October, and have not had the chance to get to know or learn from my coursemates or lecturers. I have found it boring, isolating, and frankly quite miserable. This is not an issue with the uni who I think have done their very best to try to adapt, but for me learning is a shared rather than a solo experience. I sympathise with everyone else who has been in this position this year. Do I regret it? Slightly, but it has helped me to get a job, so overall it is worthwhile.

TSR has helped me to stay sane and feel part of a community, and to know I am not alone in these feelings (with a big credit here to @the bear's daily pun thread and the regular punners).

I'm currently writing my Masters dissertation and in September, I am back to full-time work. I've found employers to be very interested in my story and despite my fears of being 'too old' I've secured a place on a graduate scheme with a large, multi-national, well-respected employer in my chosen field which I cannot wait to start.

So, it can be done. You are not too old and it is not too late. But don't dither about it for years like I did. My only regret is not doing this years ago. If you know what you want, go for it - and good luck!

As my farewell to The Student Room after 4 years of being an extra-mature student, I wanted to share my story for everyone who asks "am I too old?" or "is it too late to change career?"

If you want to, and can afford to, then do it! We only have one life, so live your best one.

I'm 45 and have spent the last 4 years studying full-time for a BEng and an MSc. I got a 1st for my degree and barring any dissertation disasters, I should get a Distinction for my Masters. This was part of a complete career change for me, aiming to get into an industry I had no prior experience of and with a heavy emphasis on maths, a subject I used to intensely dislike and thought I was 'bad' at. Unfortunately, as recently as the 1990s, women were not encouraged into construction-related professions, so at that time I chose another path. I wish I had made the change years ago, but at least I have done it now when I still have 20+ years of work ahead before retirement.

I already have 2 degrees and a PGDip so I wasn't entitled to any funding for my undergraduate degree. I paid for it by selling my home and buying somewhere cheaper. Drastic? Maybe, but it will pay off in the long run and I am not leaving uni saddled with huge debts. I worked part-time throughout my studies.

Studying in your 40s is hard. My memory used to be photographic, but now I sometimes wonder where I left it (back in the 2000s, I think). Processing and understanding takes longer than it used to, and learning new tech takes more time and frustration than I would like it to. At times I have cried and the stress levels have rocketed, especially when multiple assignments have been due at the same time. So if you are returning to studying at a more 'advanced age' - allow yourself more time for everything. This means that there will be times when you see little of your friends and family, and times that you will be studying 7 days a week.

Also, going from full-time to part-time income really sucks. Having to think carefully about what I really need to buy has actually been helpful - I was not much of a consumer to begin with, but I have really learned what matters to me (cake!) and discovered some amazing charity shop finds. However, when unexpected expenses come up or friends plan something you cannot afford to do, it's hard.

I was the only very mature student on my course and didn't really make 'friends' on my course as such (as in, seeing them outside of the uni setting) because I barely had time to see the poor neglected friends I already have! But I really enjoyed chatting to my coursemates and learned a lot about what it is to be a young adult in the current times (and a lot of slang which I had to surreptitiously look up in urban dictionary - or just ask for a translation!) They also helped me a lot with long forgotten maths. I never felt like I didn't fit in after the first few weeks of entirely self-inflicted self consciousness about my age. My coursemates respected the fact that I say exactly what I think, I could talk to the lecturers as equals and wasn't afraid to challenge, and I was often seen as a source of 'wisdom' (and suspect I might have disappointed a few people who expect older people to know better...)

My Masters experience has not been so positive. I have spent most of the last year studying alone, other than a few precious weeks last October, and have not had the chance to get to know or learn from my coursemates or lecturers. I have found it boring, isolating, and frankly quite miserable. This is not an issue with the uni who I think have done their very best to try to adapt, but for me learning is a shared rather than a solo experience. I sympathise with everyone else who has been in this position this year. Do I regret it? Slightly, but it has helped me to get a job, so overall it is worthwhile.

TSR has helped me to stay sane and feel part of a community, and to know I am not alone in these feelings (with a big credit here to @the bear's daily pun thread and the regular punners).

I'm currently writing my Masters dissertation and in September, I am back to full-time work. I've found employers to be very interested in my story and despite my fears of being 'too old' I've secured a place on a graduate scheme with a large, multi-national, well-respected employer in my chosen field which I cannot wait to start.

So, it can be done. You are not too old and it is not too late. But don't dither about it for years like I did. My only regret is not doing this years ago. If you know what you want, go for it - and good luck!

As my farewell to The Student Room after 4 years of being an extra-mature student, I wanted to share my story for everyone who asks "am I too old?" or "is it too late to change career?"

If you want to, and can afford to, then do it! We only have one life, so live your best one.

I'm 45 and have spent the last 4 years studying full-time for a BEng and an MSc. I got a 1st for my degree and barring any dissertation disasters, I should get a Distinction for my Masters. This was part of a complete career change for me, aiming to get into an industry I had no prior experience of and with a heavy emphasis on maths, a subject I used to intensely dislike and thought I was 'bad' at. Unfortunately, as recently as the 1990s, women were not encouraged into construction-related professions, so at that time I chose another path. I wish I had made the change years ago, but at least I have done it now when I still have 20+ years of work ahead before retirement.

I already have 2 degrees and a PGDip so I wasn't entitled to any funding for my undergraduate degree. I paid for it by selling my home and buying somewhere cheaper. Drastic? Maybe, but it will pay off in the long run and I am not leaving uni saddled with huge debts. I worked part-time throughout my studies.

Studying in your 40s is hard. My memory used to be photographic, but now I sometimes wonder where I left it (back in the 2000s, I think). Processing and understanding takes longer than it used to, and learning new tech takes more time and frustration than I would like it to. At times I have cried and the stress levels have rocketed, especially when multiple assignments have been due at the same time. So if you are returning to studying at a more 'advanced age' - allow yourself more time for everything. This means that there will be times when you see little of your friends and family, and times that you will be studying 7 days a week.

Also, going from full-time to part-time income really sucks. Having to think carefully about what I really need to buy has actually been helpful - I was not much of a consumer to begin with, but I have really learned what matters to me (cake!) and discovered some amazing charity shop finds. However, when unexpected expenses come up or friends plan something you cannot afford to do, it's hard.

I was the only very mature student on my course and didn't really make 'friends' on my course as such (as in, seeing them outside of the uni setting) because I barely had time to see the poor neglected friends I already have! But I really enjoyed chatting to my coursemates and learned a lot about what it is to be a young adult in the current times (and a lot of slang which I had to surreptitiously look up in urban dictionary - or just ask for a translation!) They also helped me a lot with long forgotten maths. I never felt like I didn't fit in after the first few weeks of entirely self-inflicted self consciousness about my age. My coursemates respected the fact that I say exactly what I think, I could talk to the lecturers as equals and wasn't afraid to challenge, and I was often seen as a source of 'wisdom' (and suspect I might have disappointed a few people who expect older people to know better...)

My Masters experience has not been so positive. I have spent most of the last year studying alone, other than a few precious weeks last October, and have not had the chance to get to know or learn from my coursemates or lecturers. I have found it boring, isolating, and frankly quite miserable. This is not an issue with the uni who I think have done their very best to try to adapt, but for me learning is a shared rather than a solo experience. I sympathise with everyone else who has been in this position this year. Do I regret it? Slightly, but it has helped me to get a job, so overall it is worthwhile.

TSR has helped me to stay sane and feel part of a community, and to know I am not alone in these feelings (with a big credit here to @the bear's daily pun thread and the regular punners).

I'm currently writing my Masters dissertation and in September, I am back to full-time work. I've found employers to be very interested in my story and despite my fears of being 'too old' I've secured a place on a graduate scheme with a large, multi-national, well-respected employer in my chosen field which I cannot wait to start.

So, it can be done. You are not too old and it is not too late. But don't dither about it for years like I did. My only regret is not doing this years ago. If you know what you want, go for it - and good luck!

Studying in your 40s is hard. My memory used to be photographic, but now I sometimes wonder where I left it (back in the 2000s, I think). Processing and understanding takes longer than it used to, and learning new tech takes more time and frustration than I would like it to. At times I have cried and the stress levels have rocketed, especially when multiple assignments have been due at the same time. So if you are returning to studying at a more 'advanced age' - allow yourself more time for everything. This means that there will be times when you see little of your friends and family, and times that you will be studying 7 days a week.

‘young’ 50+….no saga holidays or blue rinse yet 😉

As my farewell to The Student Room after 4 years of being an extra-mature student, I wanted to share my story for everyone who asks "am I too old?" or "is it too late to change career?"

If you want to, and can afford to, then do it! We only have one life, so live your best one.

I'm 45 and have spent the last 4 years studying full-time for a BEng and an MSc. I got a 1st for my degree and barring any dissertation disasters, I should get a Distinction for my Masters. This was part of a complete career change for me, aiming to get into an industry I had no prior experience of and with a heavy emphasis on maths, a subject I used to intensely dislike and thought I was 'bad' at. Unfortunately, as recently as the 1990s, women were not encouraged into construction-related professions, so at that time I chose another path. I wish I had made the change years ago, but at least I have done it now when I still have 20+ years of work ahead before retirement.

I already have 2 degrees and a PGDip so I wasn't entitled to any funding for my undergraduate degree. I paid for it by selling my home and buying somewhere cheaper. Drastic? Maybe, but it will pay off in the long run and I am not leaving uni saddled with huge debts. I worked part-time throughout my studies.

Studying in your 40s is hard. My memory used to be photographic, but now I sometimes wonder where I left it (back in the 2000s, I think). Processing and understanding takes longer than it used to, and learning new tech takes more time and frustration than I would like it to. At times I have cried and the stress levels have rocketed, especially when multiple assignments have been due at the same time. So if you are returning to studying at a more 'advanced age' - allow yourself more time for everything. This means that there will be times when you see little of your friends and family, and times that you will be studying 7 days a week.

Also, going from full-time to part-time income really sucks. Having to think carefully about what I really need to buy has actually been helpful - I was not much of a consumer to begin with, but I have really learned what matters to me (cake!) and discovered some amazing charity shop finds. However, when unexpected expenses come up or friends plan something you cannot afford to do, it's hard.

I was the only very mature student on my course and didn't really make 'friends' on my course as such (as in, seeing them outside of the uni setting) because I barely had time to see the poor neglected friends I already have! But I really enjoyed chatting to my coursemates and learned a lot about what it is to be a young adult in the current times (and a lot of slang which I had to surreptitiously look up in urban dictionary - or just ask for a translation!) They also helped me a lot with long forgotten maths. I never felt like I didn't fit in after the first few weeks of entirely self-inflicted self consciousness about my age. My coursemates respected the fact that I say exactly what I think, I could talk to the lecturers as equals and wasn't afraid to challenge, and I was often seen as a source of 'wisdom' (and suspect I might have disappointed a few people who expect older people to know better...)

My Masters experience has not been so positive. I have spent most of the last year studying alone, other than a few precious weeks last October, and have not had the chance to get to know or learn from my coursemates or lecturers. I have found it boring, isolating, and frankly quite miserable. This is not an issue with the uni who I think have done their very best to try to adapt, but for me learning is a shared rather than a solo experience. I sympathise with everyone else who has been in this position this year. Do I regret it? Slightly, but it has helped me to get a job, so overall it is worthwhile.

TSR has helped me to stay sane and feel part of a community, and to know I am not alone in these feelings (with a big credit here to @the bear's daily pun thread and the regular punners).

I'm currently writing my Masters dissertation and in September, I am back to full-time work. I've found employers to be very interested in my story and despite my fears of being 'too old' I've secured a place on a graduate scheme with a large, multi-national, well-respected employer in my chosen field which I cannot wait to start.

So, it can be done. You are not too old and it is not too late. But don't dither about it for years like I did. My only regret is not doing this years ago. If you know what you want, go for it - and good luck!

Really inspirational post, thank you. I'm also contemplating new beginnings - I did work as an engineer for 10 years but being a mother of 4 with a forces husband made me move to education as fitting better with lone parent responsibilities. Other half left me a month before he retired for his (it turns out) mistress for 14 years and I'm left at 57 with a (nearly) clean sheet to plan on. Now the initial gut punch of betrayal is over it's scary yet exciting.

Good luck.

As my farewell to The Student Room after 4 years of being an extra-mature student, I wanted to share my story for everyone who asks "am I too old?" or "is it too late to change career?"

If you want to, and can afford to, then do it! We only have one life, so live your best one.

I'm 45 and have spent the last 4 years studying full-time for a BEng and an MSc. I got a 1st for my degree and barring any dissertation disasters, I should get a Distinction for my Masters. This was part of a complete career change for me, aiming to get into an industry I had no prior experience of and with a heavy emphasis on maths, a subject I used to intensely dislike and thought I was 'bad' at. Unfortunately, as recently as the 1990s, women were not encouraged into construction-related professions, so at that time I chose another path. I wish I had made the change years ago, but at least I have done it now when I still have 20+ years of work ahead before retirement.

I already have 2 degrees and a PGDip so I wasn't entitled to any funding for my undergraduate degree. I paid for it by selling my home and buying somewhere cheaper. Drastic? Maybe, but it will pay off in the long run and I am not leaving uni saddled with huge debts. I worked part-time throughout my studies.

Studying in your 40s is hard. My memory used to be photographic, but now I sometimes wonder where I left it (back in the 2000s, I think). Processing and understanding takes longer than it used to, and learning new tech takes more time and frustration than I would like it to. At times I have cried and the stress levels have rocketed, especially when multiple assignments have been due at the same time. So if you are returning to studying at a more 'advanced age' - allow yourself more time for everything. This means that there will be times when you see little of your friends and family, and times that you will be studying 7 days a week.

Also, going from full-time to part-time income really sucks. Having to think carefully about what I really need to buy has actually been helpful - I was not much of a consumer to begin with, but I have really learned what matters to me (cake!) and discovered some amazing charity shop finds. However, when unexpected expenses come up or friends plan something you cannot afford to do, it's hard.

I was the only very mature student on my course and didn't really make 'friends' on my course as such (as in, seeing them outside of the uni setting) because I barely had time to see the poor neglected friends I already have! But I really enjoyed chatting to my coursemates and learned a lot about what it is to be a young adult in the current times (and a lot of slang which I had to surreptitiously look up in urban dictionary - or just ask for a translation!) They also helped me a lot with long forgotten maths. I never felt like I didn't fit in after the first few weeks of entirely self-inflicted self consciousness about my age. My coursemates respected the fact that I say exactly what I think, I could talk to the lecturers as equals and wasn't afraid to challenge, and I was often seen as a source of 'wisdom' (and suspect I might have disappointed a few people who expect older people to know better...)

My Masters experience has not been so positive. I have spent most of the last year studying alone, other than a few precious weeks last October, and have not had the chance to get to know or learn from my coursemates or lecturers. I have found it boring, isolating, and frankly quite miserable. This is not an issue with the uni who I think have done their very best to try to adapt, but for me learning is a shared rather than a solo experience. I sympathise with everyone else who has been in this position this year. Do I regret it? Slightly, but it has helped me to get a job, so overall it is worthwhile.

TSR has helped me to stay sane and feel part of a community, and to know I am not alone in these feelings (with a big credit here to @the bear's daily pun thread and the regular punners).

I'm currently writing my Masters dissertation and in September, I am back to full-time work. I've found employers to be very interested in my story and despite my fears of being 'too old' I've secured a place on a graduate scheme with a large, multi-national, well-respected employer in my chosen field which I cannot wait to start.

So, it can be done. You are not too old and it is not too late. But don't dither about it for years like I did. My only regret is not doing this years ago. If you know what you want, go for it - and good luck!

As regards "I wish I'd done this years ago", I think its a very easy trap for us mature students to fall into, and its a thought I entertained once I'd started my course. But the more I think about it the more I realise that doing it sooner wouldn't have worked as well.

My circumstances are a bit unusual in that I'm eligible for a loan for most of it having only done one year of a Humanities degree previously many years ago... Wondering if it's better to take loan or pay off without the interest accumulating?