College Degree After 50
Is attaining a college degree after 50 years of age worth the effort and expense?
There is a lot of conversation about whether higher education is worth the money.
Make sure and read the many comments on this post below. The comment portion of this post is longer than the original post.
This post was originally published in March of 2015 and was updated in February of 2020.
Robert Reich wrote a piece for Salon.com titled:
Robert Reich: College gets you nowhere
The Author writes:
This is the time of year when high school seniors apply to college, and when I get lots of mail about whether college is worth the cost.
The answer is unequivocal yes, but with one big qualification.
A college degree no longer guarantees a good job. The main reason it pays better than the job of someone without a degree is the latter’s wages are dropping.
Listen to the most recent episode
If this applies to a high school senior, what about a 50+-year-old who has seen their industry or profession disappear? We have seen in study after study that staying employed after the age of 50 can be quite difficult. The Urban Institute study stated:
We find that about one-half of full-time, full-year workers ages 51 to 54 experience an employer-related involuntary job separation after age 50 that substantially reduces earnings for years or leads to long-term unemployment.
Should you go back to college to have a better shot at staying employed? The answer is maybe as it all comes down to what you expect to gain from attaining the degree.
For More: 5 Things to Consider Before a Midlife Career Change
Preservation or Reinvention?
Are you trying to preserve or re-invent your career? These are very different targets for going back to school.
Preservation of Your Current Career
I have heard of many going back to school and getting a master’s degree in their chosen profession. As long as their current employer supports and/or funds the degree program, it usually proves to be successful. A good example is getting a Masters in Education, for those in the K-12 education field.
It is used to be that attaining an MBA was a sure-fire way to spark and hopefully preserve your career. I am not sure that is true anymore. Especially, if you are going to invest $100K of your own money. I have one client who received her MBA from a prestigious executive MBA program, and it has done nothing for her. Of course, she received it during the great recession.
In updating this post, that same former client has found that getting the MBA was professionally beneficial in that it made her more competitive. On the other hand, she has seen no financial benefit other than helping her stay employed. Her former employer paid the bulk of the $100K of tuition and she has no student loan debt from getting the degree. If she had paid the tuition she would be part of the group age 60 to 69 who owe $85.4 billion in student debt altogether.
In my research for writing this post, I have found nothing that says getting an MBA after 50 makes sense financially.
If you think differently, please comment below.
Reinvention
Reinvention is most commonly done in incremental steps or pivots. For most of us in the 2nd half of life, we have these things called obligations like mortgages, funding our children’s education and growing our retirement nest eggs.
I spent 30 plus years as a computer engineer and if I decided to become a pastry chef, I am certainly not going to be able that transition in a single step.
I might be able to get hired as an engineer for a food product company. Maybe I could then shift to working directly in food production. At the same time, I could be acquiring training and possibly certifications that get me closer to my goal.
If you are reinventing your career, my experience is that getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree after 50 is not a good investment, especially, if you are taking out student loans!
I have talked to dozens of individuals over the last couple of years who obtained their college degree after 50. Almost all of them told me it did not give them the competitive edge they needed.
If you are entering a new field after 50 years of age, you will be competing with others much younger than you. The same issues of age discrimination that you found in your old field will likely apply in the new one.
It does not make sense (most of the time) to get a college degree after 50 in order to reinvent your career.
However, getting a college degree after 50 can work for preserving your career, if – and it is a big if – you plan carefully.
You must do your research. Find others who have successfully forged the trail before you embark on getting your college degree after 50.
For More: Career Reinvention – A Model for Change
Free Tuition After 65 and Possibly Younger
In the last few years, every state in the U.S. has started to offer either free or reduced-cost higher education to seniors. The definition of “senior” varies from state to state. Some start as early as age 60.
These courses are offered at state universities and community colleges.
Take a moment to check out these resources:
- Senior Citizens Can Go to College for Free or Cheap in All 50 States – The Penny Hoarder
- Free & Cheap College Classes for Senior Citizens (By State & University) – MoneyCrashers
For more just search google or your favorite search engine with “free tuition for seniors.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs offered at many community colleges are much less expensive and time-consuming. For example, Austin Community College offers certificate programs in non-profit management. If you want to make the leap from for-profit to non-profit, this a cost-effective means of gaining skills and will give you some street cred in your new field.
If you are interested in learning more about whether getting a certificate makes sense check out my post Certification – Is It Worth It? It Depends! [Updated]
Online Courses
There are now many online educational resources that are low cost or free.
Online training resources include:
- MOOC.org
- edX.org
- Udacity
- General Assembly
- SkillCrush
- Lynda.com now LinkedIn Learning
- Coursera
- SkillShare
- Udemy
These online courses are a very good value, take far less time than a college degree and extremely relevant to the job market today.
Example
Back in 2015 I talked with Christine Jensen, whom I discovered through her article on PBS NextAvenue website called RIF’d at 59: The Lessons She Learned.
Christine is now a freelance writer. She is considering going to her local community college for a photography certificate. It is affordable and she can pick and choose what to take. She may not even pursue a certificate if she obtains the skills she needs without completing the program.
I just reached back out to Christine to see what she ended up doing. She wrote me back saying:
Five years ago, I was at the start of a major transition period. I did take a photography class at the local community college and enjoyed it very much. I also worked a series of short-term contract jobs for companies such as The Grossman Group and Wells Fargo.
One of those short-term gigs—teaching at Iowa State University—turned into a longer-term position. Today I am an assistant teaching professor at ISU in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. My teaching assignments for the past four years have focused on public relations, which allow me to share my 30 years of experience with aspiring professionals. I have thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of the ISU faculty and the opportunity to interact regularly with young adults.
Now I find myself entering a new transition period. At my request, my teaching load this year was reduced to just one class each semester. This change allows me to spend more time on creative pursuits, volunteer work, and my grandchildren.
For the foreseeable future, I hope to continue teaching and to do more freelance writing.
She made the transition without getting an advanced degree.
It all comes down to – doing your research!
Have you pursued your college degree after 50? Was it worth it?
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I am 53 and I have been a long yet substitute teacher since college. I currently teach at a government agency and I’ve decided to attain a Masters degree I Organizational Management. My gut tells me to walk away, it’s a dream and a trap. I believe student loans are going to consume me in my senior years. I am not comfortable taking this path.
Lynette,
The key is the cost. It probably makes no sense from a professional perspective but from a personal perspective it may make sense if you can keep the cost down.
Hi Marc,
I want to study 3D art and Illustration, I am 49 and I had been working in laboratories as a quality control inspector for the last 10 years but I don’t like my job, I never like the biotech field and I want to do something that I like and I know that I have talent for 3D art and Illustration -modesty aside-.
Something that is killing me is the short time that I have, my age, how will be outside? Do I have to take the risk? 2 years or 4 years of classes? It is a good idea considering that loans are high? In the future I will have the chance to find a descent job ?How safe can be or should I die in my job in which I am not making too much? I need advice pls. Thank you.
Carlo,
You will live until you are 100. You have plenty of time. 8^))
Can you study part-time and see if it really what you want to do? Where will you go to school? Please do not tell me it is one of the Art Institutes which are for-profit schools. I saw the Art Institute name pop up all of the time and the very high cost.
Marc
Hi Carlo, I’ve been in advertising for 25 years and worked with 3D studios, illustrators and designers. It’s great fun but have in mind that it’s a young industry and ageism exists. Try to talk to freelancers over 50’s in the industry and see what the say. I’m sure you can be a great 3D artist and there’s nothing better than doing what you’re good at, but try to plan your next 25 years of professional income.
I have been working in this 3rd major job of my career for 14 1/2 years as an analyst. I have a Master’s in Education that is really not in this field of work that I am in. I am constantly passed over for leadership, higher raises beyond the normal 2 and 3% as well as manager positions. Recently, my coworker who has no master’s degree was promoted over me and she’s worked here for 5 years. She had a supervisorship in her prior position. Now I’m thinking, maybe going to school and getting a Master’s in Business Analytics would be a good idea. It’s the $28k price tag that’s really giving my second thoughts.
Van,
You really have to understand why you are being passed over. Most of the time what degree you have becomes a non-factor just a few years into your career. I believe that most masters degrees are worthless today as things move so fast. If you consider getting a certification that YOU KNOW will get you ahead then that is different.
Hi thanks for this article. Iam at age 51. I studied part 1 of ACCA and fortunately I have wide experience but i can be called a certified accountant because I didn’t finish the last 2 parts. The reason iam contemplating to do the last 2 parts is for recognition and not for employment or better peaks. Kindly advise. Evans Maunda, Lusaka Zambia
Hi Van,
If they wanted to advance you they would had regardless of your degree just as they did with your coworker. The problem is more likely office politics and not lack of education. Find another job in the position that you are trying to obtain at your present job. Often times you have to move on to move up. Don’t waste time and money on another degree. Find another employer who appreciates you.
Hi Marc my English & Literature BA (Hons) degree I am told is a decade too old. I thought of doing my MAs in Business Management soon after, but couldn’t afford it. Why Business? A polar opposite to literature, I hear you ask. Everyone else was getting a promotion and a managerial position, whilst I was stuck in an administration & customer service role being paid peanuts. I’ve recent turned 50 and the thought of finally going for that elusive MAs is tempting, but it is the massive tuition fees repayment -that’s what’s worrying. If only there were guarantees of landing that dream managerial position without the experience! As you’ve said, there is the problem of age discrimination to think about as well. What say you? Thanks Marc.
Maria,
Getting a degree after 50 will not guarantee anything.
Who do you want to manage?
Marc
I want to manage a happy team. Be the boss for a change — a boss that makes a difference; enhance the staff duties, roles and responsibilities; make the office environment more conducive to work whilst achieving company goals objectives. I want to manage people who are hardworking, dedicated and committed and have the drive, motivation and zeal to succeed. I want my staff to be happy to have me as their team leader, because happy staff = objectives met; goals achieved. Happy staff keep the wheels of industry turning. Happy staff are excited to get up in the morning to get to work. Happy staff are proud to work for a great company whose managers recognise their strengths and reassure them by sweeteners and promotions -and higher pay package. I want to manage a strong, conscientious, zealous team who find me approachable, helpful, supportive, sympathetic and kind; not intimidating, fierce and harsh. I want to work alongside these happy members of staff as part of a great team, not Lording it over them from a distance – and if that means I have to get my hands dirty, then so be it. I want to be the manager who stands united with her team through every challenge that comes our way. I want to make a difference.
What industry and skill level?
Maria,
I hope you are speaking in company platitudes and that you don’t really expect any of what you said. If the world was filled with ideal situations, there would be no shortage of qualified people to serve in management.
Your rose colored glasses have not gone unnoticed in your workplace. They are part of what blocks your path to success. Take them off. Go after a management job no one really wants with less than perfect staff and fewer resources than ideal . Those positions are much easier to get, and performing well at them impresses those above you more.
Hi , Mr. Marc Miller
I am a lawyer , 53 year old , with 20 years of experience . I am planning to do a Master course in International Arbitration and Business , I want to know , if it is worth to apply for . As you know , in law firms age limitation is not a problem , but I don’t know I can get a job in European low firms after getting a master degree. With regarding this point that without a master degree I can not develop my career prospects , however I have to compete with young lawyers .
Could you please send me your kind answer and comment
Thank you
Behnaz,
The only way to know to go ask someone who has already done this. Either ask the university that you want to apply to for someone who has walked this path before you or search LinkedIn for someone.
I will tell you in the US I have known a number of lawyers and judges who have tried to break into arbitration unsuccessfully.
Marc
I got my RN/BSN at the age of 55…I am now 69 and I have been working in health care since I graduated! Going back to college for me was a win/win!
Dee,
One of things that has happened in the last 15 years is college costs have escalated sharply. It costs a lot more to get that RN/BSN now than in the late 90s.
Another issue that all these programs are very competitive and hard to get into especially after 50.
Kevin,
If you are referring to nursing programs, you are correct.
Marc
Good for you… this brings you joy, to help others and you proved that people over age 50 can do what they set out to do !
I know that you made the right choice for you.
My late Mom got her nurses degree after turning 50. She had years of experience as a phlebotomist and a blood bank tech in a large hospital.
Not everyone can be a nurse… kudos to you.
Hi Marc. I just turned 45, and do not have a degree at all — but I have had huge success in the IT field my entire adult life. I count myself lucky, but I work incessantly to stay ahead of the curve.
Now I am looking at college to add the missing pieces to my education. I don’t particularly care about the degree, but over the years, I’ve observed that there is a huge knowledge gap between a “programmer” and a “computer scientist” and I find myself very much wanting to become one of the latter.
I think about it every day, and despite every signal that it’s impractical, I still want to get that education. Am I just nuts?
Drew,
You are not nuts. It all depends on why you want it and what it will cost. If you want it because it is exciting, professionally motivating or a personal goal then go for it AS LONG as you can afford it.
It probably does not make sense financially at this time in your career but if you have the money go for it.
Marc Miller
I studied Computer Science and obtained a degree with honors and had a lot of success obtaining coveted positions. In my experience the degree is a good sign you are dedicated and gives a broad range of basic knowledge. However if you are very dedicated such as yourself and continue to educate yourself and obtain up to date certifications it can be just as, if not more valuable than a degree combined with on the job knowledge plus wisdom.
Hey Marc,
I work in the Entertinment Industry doing royalty accounting. I have long needed a change. I have been contemplating going back to school for either a certificate in accounting or IT audit. I have also considered pursuing something in the healthcare field. Any suggestions?
John,
The key is to get the organization that is providing the training to show you someone who “looks, smells and tastes like you” who has completed the program and is employed.
You want examples of their graduates success but those graduates should be like you.
Make sense?
I just completed my bachelor’s degree at age 54. Was it worth it? Well as you pointed out, it depends on what you are looking to get out of it. And what I was looking to get out of it was 1. an educational experience, which I missed in my 20s, and 2. a degree, which I always wished I had. I got both of those things, so yes it was worth it. Has it enhanced my career? Well I don’t expect to make more money than I did in my former career. I decided to pursue an area of interest (public history) to fulfill a passion rather than to increase my earning potential. Call it a midlife reinvention, or whatever, but I am at a time in my life where personal fulfillment is more important to me than climbing the corporate ladder. I now have credentials in an academic oriented field that I love and in which I can work for at least the next 20 years.
Lisa,
Congratulations. It sounds like you made a good choice.
Marc
WOW, why couldn’t you say “Congratulations” to Dee rather than “………..in the last 15 years is college costs have escalated sharply.”
This post is about getting a degree today later in life. Comparing to getting a degree 15 years ago to today is comparing apples with oranges.
I agree with you.
I agree with you, Bonnie
Hey Marc, I’m a 46 year old with no college education who successfully changed careeers from a sales position to digital marketer about 8 years ago. Now I’m the director of marketing for a very large global corporation, making a pretty good salary.
I’m considering moving though and see that this job position in other companies seeks someone with a college degree or masters. I wonder how much experience can make up for lack of a formal degree in the eyes of the hiring personnel…guess I’ll find out soon!!
Johnathon,
Having a formal degree is becoming less important but your network is becoming more and more important. Having a proven track record with demonstrated successes is far more important.
Marc
Having a formal degree is very important at least in Europe – I’m 50 now and lost my job because I didn’t finish a college education – my salary was always smaller, I couldn’t make any progress on my carrier and now I decide to earn my degree -at least I’m going to try. There are several top Universities out there who are offering programs for the nontraditional mature students – Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Brown, etc – and they are offering a huge financial aid as well. My opinion is – Yes, it’s worth it!
Gala,
If you can get someone else to pay for it then go for it.
Would you be willing to share links to the programs you found?
Marc
I would be interested in those links as well as I am considering adding a degree to at nearly 50.
I had a major life crisis at 45. I thought I was set for retirement. I left NYC, sold my apt and quit a fantastic job to move to Spain because of marriage. Well that lasted all of a few months and it was January 2010. So what to do? My Spanish wasn’t good enough, I was old and unemployment was 25%. I went to France and studied French at a university hoping to land a job in my old field in France. Nope. My immigration status for work only applied to Spain. I faced the same dilemma in the UK. I tried to get a job in the USA but I had to be “local.”
I thought, ” I know 6 languages and have lived in 7 countries, so why not get into something along intercultural consulting !?” I took certification classes in teaching English , in obtaining certification in German as well as to prepare for a go at a masters. It seemed many jobs required it or the people in the field had one.
Studying in many European universities is free or minimal. I didn’t want to rack up student loans. Now after 3.5 years of study and the need to find an internship it is dawning on me what a mistake it was. I should have bit the bullet and moved back to the US and to an area where I could find work in my field. NYC was out due to costs.
My field is very narrow and there isn’t much choice. I should have invested the time and money into upgrading my tech/digital skills.
The big worry I have, which is hard for my acquaintances here in Europe to grasp, is retirement issues — especially medical. That’s one reason I stayed here under the false hope of using a very good and efficient universal health care system. I tremble at the thought of returning to the US and dealing with the horrors of the system..huge bills.
So yes I regret going for my masters which I may not even complete since who hires a 52 yr old intern…unless you are Robert de Niro in a movie?
Ron,
I understand your issues. I am very worried about what the US will do to medical care, especially for those over 50. I now have a crappy high deductible ($13K) policy for well over $1K per month.
What field did you pursue your masters?
Marc
Hi Marc. I am looking to jumpstart career at age 48. I earned a BA in communications in ’94 at 24, a MPA in ’98 at 28 and a law degree in 2002 at 32. I then failed the bar three times and moved on to work in an analyst capacity or as a law clerk for a large portion of my career. I have also been plagued by chronic unemployment from 2003 to date. I have a generalist background with strong skills in writing, research and analysis. I want to beef up my skill set for today’s workforce, particularly given I live in Silicon Valley. With three kids, two of whom will soon be college bound, an advanced degree is out of the question. I have considered certifications. For example I would like information on an affordable certifications program in EEO. It could expose me to performing the completion of EEO reports, performing adverse impact studies and providing recommendatjons using EEO data. What are your thoughts?
Anthony,
There are lots of options with online classes. I will drop you an e-mail to setup a time to chat. I bet we can brainstorm an idea or two fairly quickly.
Hi Marc,
I will be turning 50 this summer and have applied to go back and get my Masters in nursing, which will lead to Nurse Ptactioner. It will cost me about 37k and take 2 years part-time. I am waiting to hear if accepted. Part of me will be relived if not, but the other part of me is excited. A friend of my who owns a medical practice said I had a job when I get out and they pay well. I will have to get a loan. I’m worried. Is it worth it? Can I get a loan or even grants if I make around 63k a year? My husband is very supportive, my brother worries because of the financial burden.
Some insight would be great.
Anna
Anna,
Here is my concern.
Yes, you will probably be able to get a decent paying job. The challenge is can you physically do the job? My wife is a former nurse and worked in both the hospital and home care units. You will be on your feet a lot and a lot of nursing can be physically challenging (moving patients…)
Are you prepared physically? By the way, when I went to teach high school math, a lot of the men and women who were my age in my certification cohort did not make it because of being on concrete floors all day standing.
Marc Miller
Hi Marc,
I’ve been working as a nurse since 1994 and physically fit. Let’s just say I’m a young 49 and do 12 hr shifts in a hospice home. I’m not worried about that. Is it worth the financial burden? When I get out the pay starts in the 90s, compared to low 60s, which is my income now.
Thanks
Anna
PS sorry about typing errors. I’m sending from my phone
Anna,
After I left the comment I went to your LinkedIn profile and saw you were already a nurse. so duh…
It all comes down to running the numbers. How long will it take to pay off the debt? How long do you intend to work before retiring? Lastly, how will your job change? Will it be more enjoyable or rewarding?
I hope that helps.
Marc
Hello
I appreciate the article. I am 51 and am currently considering enrolling in a three year concurrent MPP/MSW program at Berkley. If I do enroll, I will not actually start it until I am 53 since I missed the deadlines for the current cohort. I chose the program because my entire professional career has been in social work at the non-profit and county level, and I have seen myself growing increasingly active in engagement around policy issues at the community level, including joining several Board of Directors in my area – but I have been consistently passed over professionally as well as underpaid due to lack of advanced degrees. My current employer is a national non-profit agency that does offer tuition reimbursement, so I am considering approaching my boss with a proposal of my plans to see how much support I can expect around the pursuit of this degree.
My concern is how to realistically juggle full time employment with completing this program. Are there examples of cases where this has worked?
I have a fairly flexible work schedule at the moment but, having worked full time while I got my bachelor’s years ago, I am well aware that my current age and energy levels are not the same as in my youth though I daresay my passion and commitment now are higher. Should I negotiate down to part-time work?
Michele,
My 1st question for you is what will it take to be a student again? Being a student today is different than when I went to college. I would find someone who is your age who went through the program and get their opinion.
Marc
Hello – thanks for the reply.
I don’t know any people my age who went through the program, hehe.
I do know a few in their 40s and one young man who is about to turn 30, who all graduated recently so I have a fair idea about the required investment on the student side, if that is what you mean. They gave me great feedback and what I learned from it is a large reason why I chose this concurrent degree vs a different type. I am comfortable with what will be required of me as a student.
As I indicated, what I am not so clear about is the practicality or even feasibility of dialing back on work to accomplish this, so I am trying to connect with information about others doing both, as I did during undergraduate work. Not sure if there are people out there who attempt doing this at any age, let alone post 50. If there are, I would love to hear how they did it.
Hi there, this is a what I have been asking on myself. I am a 55 yrs old now is currently enrolled in a counseling program (MFT)as my passion is to help people on their marriage issue. As I am aware of my age but I don’t really care about my age I still want to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. So, go ahead and achieve your goal whatever it takes because in the long run youll be happy that you did it for yourself. Good Luck!
If this is for personal fulfillment and you have the money to pay for it, go for it.
Marc
I am 54 and just started my Masters in Clinical Counseling. I work full-time in the mental health field now because it is my passion. I have no financial responsibilities because my partner pays the few bills we have in life at this point and we have a good retirement put away and he still works and also gets a nice pension. Half of my monthly earnings go to tuition and fees and I am saving most of the other half for when I do my internship. I love the idea of working my way through school at this age. It is tough because I don’t have the energy I used to have but I guess I just feel like what else am I going to do if I am not reaching for new goals? For me, it’s a way of staying vital and engaged and learning new things. I plan to work well into my sixties and seventies if health permits. I would not do it though, if I had to take out student loans at this age. It is quite expensive.
Thank you Marc for another outstanding piece on the declining value of a college degree. Fortunately I completed my two MAs back in 1995 and 2004 respectively with minimal student loan debt. I think the bootcamps are the way to go no certificates but you are trained in high demand digital skills that will immediately land you a job with great pay and benefits. Bootcamps cost less than a MA, JD/MBA or PhD yet based on the research will land you a job that pays taught by people who have a BA degree or less!
I am currently working on my Masters in Education and I am in my early 50’s. It will cost about $ 11,000 to $12,000 to complete. It is exhausting, but worth it because I am doing it for me. You can’t take money with you when you die. I am sick of people saying “older folks” shouldn’t go back to school. . .
Trina,
If you can do it for a reasonable amount of money and do not go into debt, then go for the Masters Degree. A Masters in Education degree does carry weight in the world of education which has a very credential orientation.
Marc
I am a RN/BSN with a leadership position within my company. I earn a very competitive salary. Many of my direct reports have Masters degrees while I do not. I know several of my peers are now looking to getting theirs as well. My fear is if I don’t keep up, or if my company were to ever downsize or worse, would I be competitive in the marketplace without my Masters? My employer offers pretty minimal tuition assistance. I am 55 and unsure whether it is worth the expense (though I have found a few pretty affordable online programs) but have another 12 years that I need to work being a single mom. (1 in college and another a year away from college). Thoughts?
Amy,
I suspect there is no right answer to this. You work in a highly credentialed business (nursing). Unless you can find both an affordable AND respected program I doubt it will be cost effective. On the other hand should you be laid off you would be at a disadvantage given your age (yes age discrimination is alive and well). Feel free to contact me via the various contact forms, send voicemail or call me at the # at the top of the page to discuss. (no cost).
Marc
Hi
I am a handy man last 3 years I was a househusband, now I am decided to have a gas safe engineer course do you think is it worth in a age of 50?
Mome,
I presume you are in the UK. What does it cost to get trained/certified as a gas safe engineer?
Marc
Marc, I obtained my Masters degree at the age of 60! In my case, it was well worth the investment but not for the reasons you might think. I made the decision to go back to school to invest in myself, to provide me with a base of knowledge to pursue what I love at this point in my life, which is spiritual counseling, coaching and writing. Did it secure me another job professionally? No, it definitely did not but it did lead to open doors and opportunities for me to use my education, gifts and skills in unexpected ways. Today, I am happily “semi-retired” and have resigned from the rat race. I no longer compete for jobs because I am too busy building my own little empire. I call it, B.WalkerConsultants.
Bettye,
Congratulations. What did you get your Masters degree in?
Marc Miller
I’m at an atypical crossroads. I will hit 20 year military retirement at the age of 52 around 3 and half years from now. I’m considering an Executive MBA in the hopes that this would help me more effectively transition into the business world. (I would target a top ten program and resist any urge to “settle” given the situation). I can use the GI Bill to fully (or nearly fully) fund the considerable cost of any program at a public institution. The main “cost” to me to do that is that my children would not be able to use those 18 or so months worth of benefit. I would like to do this while still in the military which gives me the option of beginning to work in a new field at 52. Do you have any experience in a situation like this?
I am 49 years old and going through divorce. I have been a housewife and haven’t held a job since ’92. I am going to college for an MBA (8 whole years ahead), hoping at least to be able to get some kind of job that will enable me to support myself here in Hawaii. I don’t know what else to do. Any ideas? I’m not paying for school, my ex is if that matters. I am scared.
I am 49 and will be 50 this Fall. I am so unhappy in my job that I got after being unemployed for almost a year. I have a B.S. in Business/Marketing and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. I really love coaching, teaching, and training but the only experience I have had doing teaching is as an adjunct (not enough to pay the bills), and that was a few years ago. Had to quit doing that because of this job. The only experience I have in training is facilitating a communications and conflict resolutions course in my spare time at my old company but have limited experience designing courses. Coaching has been some paid, some unpaid on and off for several years. I would LOVE to start my own business doing coaching, speaking, and training, but not married, living on my own paying a mortgage and just don’t have money set aside to start it. I need to get out of my job NOW! So I was thinking of making a transition into something above, but struggling to find a way in. I like I/O Psychology field and thought about going for my master’s or PhD but don’t want to take out student loans again. I’m miserable in my job and cannot see me here until about 65 or so before I can retire. Any thoughts?
Debbie,
There are a lot of facets to your situation. If you would like to chat, just click on one of the contact me items on this screen and we can find a time to discuss.
Marc
Hello Marc, I am 49 yrs and an ICT consultant, but I am hoping to catch on a PhD in cyber security for online web services. This PhD will be sponsored by the state/ country where I reside at the moment. I felt since the PhD is still in my field IT its worth going for. But at 49yrs the feeling is some how strange??
Kenneth,
If someone else is going to pay your tuition, books, and fees then the only cost to you is time.
My questions are:
Will you enjoy pursuing this? Will you get personal fulfillment in getting a PhD? I have a good friend who did exactly this in his 60s.
How long will it take?
What will you miss by spending time pursuing this education? (time with kids, spouse,….)
Professionally, what will you gain in income, title, prestige,…. from this effort.
I am curious to hear your answers.
Marc Miller
Hello Marc, thanks for your response
Embarking of this PhD will give fulfillments as follows
1. Enable cover the cyber aspects in view of my ICT career path
2. Gives fulfillments of gaining a PhD and as well as open doors to cyber consulting, thereby enhancing my ICT coverage
The PhD takes 3 yrs, and more like an inter-disciplinary study – currently I am an independent and shaping my profile to cover the cyber topic
Sure it will improve my prestige and create more opportunities.
As for time, I just have to balance being a family man and study. As for my age, instead am considering just going for certification? any advice?
A Ph.D. versus certification. Hmm….
My gut would say certification because it would require you stay up to date. A Ph.D. could go stale.
On the other hand, a Ph.D. could get you on the stage at conferences, articles in trade websites,….
I think you would really need to have some discussions with people in your industry. As a former geek with experience with everything from network processors to video communications, I can tell that you are in an ever evolving industry.
That is a long winded answer to say I do not know.
Thank you for this article. I’m so frustrated and going back to school in my 40’s surely hasn’t helped me get a job. For the past 20 years I chose to stay at home or work part time so I could be there for my daughters. It was important to my husband and I to put them first and we believe all of the sacrifices we made were worth it, ie. careers, income.
About 3 years ago, my oldest went to college and I decided to pursue my passion for education. I’m 46 and I graduated last May with a BA in education. I didn’t find a job so I took a long term substitute position in first, and then another 2 long term positions in second and fourth. I spent most of the year at the same school and I was fairly certain the principal would hire me the following year, but no, she chose to hire all young people. I’m devastated the say the least.
Now another school year begins and I’m forced to substitute again. I’ve gone to job fairs, I’ve applied in several surrounding school districts and I haven’t received one call for an interview. I hear we need good teachers, but I’m think I’m a good teacher and I can’t find a job!
Heather,
You are correct that they want them young and malleable. What are you certified to teach?
Marc
P.S. When I went off to teach I was hired the week before school started. Schools will wait until the last moment to take new teachers. It is wack-a-mole time right before school starts.
Hi Marc, I’m EC-6 certified. Thanks for the encouragement.
You are in a very crowded market.
Teachers move to new positions right up to the start of school. When they move to the new position, their old position opens up. Whack-a-Mole. When one position closes and a new one opens up. If you do not have a position 2 weeks after school starts then that is when you will need to look at being a substitute. Until then… keep your head up.
BTW, I found this EXTREMELY frustrating until I understood the strange process of hiring teachers.
Marc
Wow, all these posts are interesting – thank you for the topic! I am yet another 54 year old who returned to school last semester. I had been in the restaurant business all my life, and owned my own business for 14 years. Then entered a different industry, but wasn’t challenged. Began looking for a job back in the restaurant business in upper management. I didn’t even think about age discrimination until it slapped me in the face – over and over again. Then I set my sights a little lower and I received several offers in the restaurant business as a General Manager. Accepted one – only to find I don’t like the business anymore! (Maybe I’m too old? I think I just want to be around intellectually stimulating people. In the restaurant business you can get good people who work hard, but the really bright ones always move on). My first semester back in school got my brain working again and I really enjoyed the experience, but the new job’s time commitments won’t allow me to continue.
So now I am thinking about returning to my last job which wasn’t great but wasn’t awful, and will allow me to go to school. I have a large enough family and a small enough income that college is affordable with financial aid. But the big question is what degree do I pursue? Who will hire a 58 year old with a new bachelor’s? I hope to do something I am passionate about (still want to help the world – environmental sciences maybe) that pays a modest salary, or something I know I can do (and think I would enjoy), such as teaching. I’ve done quite a bit of training people to open their own businesses. Is education a field that will generally hire older people? Maybe I could teach economics or some other kind of business classes…
I’m so glad I found this article and these responses. At age 61 I’ve been in the health insurance field for close to 30 years. Customer service, sales, client management, and staff management–lots of customer facing responsibilities. Now I find myself unemployed again for the 2nd time in 4 years and having to give serious consideration to returning to college to finish an Associate’s Degree.
The ONLY reason is because it’s hard getting through that black-hole of online submissions.
To this I would like to add….EMPLOYERS ASK FOR A DEGREE BUT NEVER SPECIFY IN WHAT FIELD?!! In a ‘pre-interview’ call I had a couple of years ago the moment the young lady realized I did not have a bachelors degree she was ready to end the call. So I asked “In what field”? Her confusion was evident “I don’t know what field ma’am, it just says you need a BA.” Really? So, if I had a degree in art, you’d consider me for this management position….even though I have managed both internal support and external sales staff? I’ve also managed a restaurant staff of over 20 people…but that doesn’t matter?”
Then of course there is age. I can’t seem to get past the blackhole of online submissions; even from my old company–and I’ve applied in excess of 18 different positions. Perhaps not receiving a call from my old employer shouldn’t be a big surprise. After all, they can easily look up my old employee data and see my age. When they eliminated my position and had everyone reapply for the ‘new’ role it was interesting to see that the one person they kept was the youngest of us–a 54 year old woman with less education and less experience. The other positions were replaced with people under the age of 35.
Age discrimination is real.
I enjoy learning, and I enjoy being around other students and stretching my brain….but I do NOT want to return to college to MAYBE find a job in my field. ESPECIALLY now when it seems like a waste of money just for a piece of paper, and paying someone else’s salary, to try and get a job for which I’m going to be competing against 40 and 50 year olds who may have less experience, but at some point it doesn’t matter. If you have 10 years of experience you don’t need 30.
So what do I do? I’m still years away from paying off the house and now I’ve had to pull out my 401k (what little there was) just to make ends meet. If I could, I’d retire at 62. I can’t….so, if it doesn’t cost an arm and leg I guess I’ll gamble the few thousand dollars to try and finish. Even getting credit for life experience would help.
At the end of the day, regardless of one’s age, remember that higher education is a BUSINESS. You want a piece of paper saying you graduated? Sure! Unfortunately THEY decide how many credit hours you HAVE to have, and what courses you need to complete, in order to get that piece of paper. Even when some of those courses aren’t necessary for your field, but they need the money.
Hi Marc
What a pleasure it is to find this unexpected conversation and you conducting it and guiding so well.
I am 50
I have done one year of masters in nutrition and could not complete the second year due to personal reasons. This was way back in 1987.
I have been working with my husband in infrastructure business since last 15 years.
But My call has been and will be Nutrition.
I have kept myself abreast on nutrition advancements by reading on them on regular basis.
But Now I feel I should go ahead and pursue my dream of working in nutrition field- my work in infrastructure though very important- doesn’t challenge me enough.
Kindly guide if I shd pursue a course in nutrition
I have funds to support my education but is the time and money invested for further education worth it- at this age and stage?
If Yes – from where and which course please..
Best rgds and always thankful for ur help and guidance
Poonam,
My question to you is do you need the degree or the knowledge? I suspect you need the knowledge and not a piece of paper that says you have completed a program.
Marc Miller
I has always envisioned obtaining an MBA, but life got in the way. I got married and had children. I started working full time as my children went through school. Now as they have made a life of their own I felt the focus is back on me. I decided to take the leap. My employer would pay only if I maintained my grades. Changes started taking place at my work. It started with upper level management changes. I thought that by being a student and maintaining a 4.0 would make me a valuable employee. I had gotten about 1/3 of the way into the degree when the company decided not to pay anymore! I was doing well, I kept going and got a loan. A short time later, I was laid off. The career path I had chosen, did not want me. I was devastated. I will be turning 50 in two months and will graduate in nine months.
As I pursued a new job position, many did not like that I was going to school. I was shocked to say the least! I did find a job in my field, but the company has high expectations of me and thought I would hit the ground running. I need to learn their processes first. So it has been a bit stressful.
The degree has turned into something ugly. Friends wonder why, what have I got to prove? They are not happy for me. My husband supports my decision and my kids are proud of their mom. I need to re-think what I will be doing with this degree, but I am proud and I have accomplished my greatest desire – just doing it.
Cheryl,
At this point, you need to decide what skills are you acquiring that will be valuable in the future. We live in interesting times, to say the least.
Marc
I am a 62yr old female with a Bachelors degree in business administration, but just want to do part time work in a elementary school, don’t know if I will need a certificate since my degree is not in teaching elementary Education…
If you are not teaching in a certified position in a public school then you will not need a certificate. If it is in a private school then there is no need.
Marc
I’m 54, husband is dying (less than 3 mo). I have been in the hospitality industry for 30 years. I am currently a Food & Bev Manager for a convention facility. My dream job would be a travel writer. I don’t have a degree! I am searching for the right change and have thought about going back to school. Is it true that some schools don’t make older students pay? (50+ yr old students) I owned a property management company specializing in vacation rentals for several years. I need to make at least $60k a year! Any ideas? I have no ties after my husband passes. I would consider any thing from being a buyer overseas to working on a cruise ship! I am a people person but I work well alone! Any ideas would be appreciated! How do I land my dream job?
This is wonderful you are never too old to go back to school you just helped me I’m over 50 and wish every day I finished my degree
Karen,
It is all about what you are trying to accomplish. If it is personal satisfaction and you have the financial resources, I would say go for it.
Marc
Hi, I’m a young 50yr..old male. I have worked in the medical field for 18 years as a patient care technician. The company that I worked for was sold and I took a buyout. After that I got a DUI…. I was looking into going back to school for something in the medical field . 1. With a DUI would anyone hire me? 2. I don’t have a degree but have lots of experience in the medical field. I would get a degree in medical billing and coding specialist.
Bryant,
Getting a degree in medical billing and coding specialist is a very reasonable thing to do.
To answer your question would anyone hire you with a DUI? The answer would be yes. You would need to be up front at the very beginning of the process and explain why this will never happen again.
Marc
I am 57. I Went back to college at 50, graduated four years later Summa Cum Laud, and got accepted into an MFA program in Creative Writing. I had to pay tuition for the first year (3 year program), but then received a 3 year teaching assistantship that allows me to take extra classes and gives me three years experience teaching college-level composition. I graduate with an MFA next year at age 58. Do I think I will get a tenure-track position? No. Can I teach as an adjunct? Absolutely. Can I land a non-tenure-track position? Possibly. Especially if I am well-published. Can I teach high school English? Most likely.
I have some student loans, but I’ll deal with them.
My education has been absolutely worth it. It has immeasurably enhanced my life. I have a confidence and a sense of possibility that I could not have imagined in my 30’s or 40’s.
Earning a degree at an advanced age may not be worth it if you only care about increased earnings. I was broke when I started college at 50 and I’m still pretty broke, but I believe that I will gain some kind of satisfying employment next year. IOverall, I have never been happier.
Marie,
I am very happy for you.
What do you plan to publish? Fiction? Who will publish your work? If you are looking at publishing fiction I would highly recommend you pay attention to the Mark Dawson’s website Self Publishing Formula https://selfpublishingformula.com/
If you think you will teach high school English, I would think again and really do your homework. I taught high school math in my early 50s and even though it was very rewarding it was grueling.
Let me know how things turn out. I have several members of the Career Pivot online community that will be pursuing writing fiction.
Marc Miller
Bravo!
Marc,
I’m a 51 year former high school drop out but I did get a GED and have attended college later in life. i have about 60 semester hours of general credits. I spoke to my employer and he is willing to fund about half of the cost of an online bachelors. Along with this funding, I have a close friend who is an administrator at a local university and he has helped me plan out a program that will leave me only about $3,000 out-of-pocket.
My goal then would be to complete an online MBA and begin teaching part time at the community college level. I have many close contacts in that world who have encouraged me and offered their help in gaining entry into the field, one of which has allowed me to speak to address her class as a guest lecturer on several occasions.
My administrator friend has shared a few ways (with no promises) that he could hire me for an administrative position with the bachelors degree only. the pay would be less than what I currently make but I could handle the cut as I have no debt at all. At that point, the college would pick up tuition for an MBA, I would only be out fees and books which would total around $5,000.
I have an extensive background in business and I love to teach. However, should I be concerned that I would be entering the profession at about the same age as others are retiring from it?
Thank you for your time.
Scott,
I commend you for all that you have accomplished. You also have a good financial plan.
I want to warn you that the value of an MBA has been greatly diminished in recent years. If you want to teach community college is the way to go …. however …. the world of stand up classroom teaching is drawing to a close. Online education is becoming increasingly disruptive to the high education space. Heck, you plan on taking your MBA online.
Look at where things are going to be in 3-5 years and not where they are today.
Good luck.
Marc Miller
Mr. Miller,
I have an interesting dilemma that not many people get a chance to be in. I’ve accepted a position at a local university that is constantly ranked as one of the best in the Midwest. With this position I’ve accepted, after one year of service I will be able to attend and get my degree in Accounting and Bus. Admin for FREE. The only drawback is the work is somewhat demeaning and pays really, really low. I’ll be 55yrs old when I graduate. I’ve learned that getting a degree doesn’t guarantee you a job. So my question is this- would it be worth working there for such small pay in the hopes of achieving greater financial rewards later? Thank you so much for your time.
Christian,
That is a tough one. What are you giving up to take this job? What kind of pay cut are you taking? If it is $25K a year pay cut that is like paying $25K.
Next question is what do you plan to do with the degree? A B.A. in business administration is not really worth much. However, the accounting is interesting if it puts you in a position to sit for the CPA exam.
I do not have enough data to really answer your question.
Mr. Miller,
Thank you for your reply. I hadn’t considered the pay cut = cost. The answer to that is $12,200. So, I’m paying $12,200 for what otherwise would cost $95k. But, I was let go from my last job due to budget cuts and didn’t have any say in the matter. I don’t know that I’m interested in sitting for the CPA exam, though I haven’t ruled it out completely. How much would I really be limiting myself if I didn’t sit for the CPA exam? I hope to earn at least $40k to $50k with my degree with anyone who’d be interested in hiring me. Another aspect of the equation is this (and I realize it’s difficult to answer this one, but perhaps you might have some insight I hadn’t considered): with just an Accounting degree, would I potentially make up the lost earnings wages over the 5 years to get my degree?
Thank you, again, for any input and advice you might have.
Christian, there are 2 things that bother me in your response.
Is $12,200 a one year cost? I suspect it is a 1-year cost and not a 4-year cost. I am also presuming that is what you will make versus what you could make.
The other word is “hope”. You need to “know” and not hope. That is finding people who went through the program who “look, taste and smell like you” completed the program and got hired.
Marc
Hi Mr. Miller,
Can you help me sort this out? I just turned 50. Like many women, I arranged my working life around my child so my “career path” has not been straightforward. I have done everything from administrative work to substitute teaching to directing a small non-profit. I have a B.A. in Public Administration but the highest salary I’ve ever earned was $30K. My husband does very well in the IT profession. Right now, we are paying for my daughter’s college education and she has no idea what she wants to do but my husband feels that she must earn a degree. We have had many discussions over this. That aside, I need a new direction. I have so many interests and am plagued with indecision. I’d love to go into urban planning but most of those jobs require a Master’s and experience. I’ve read your thoughts on obtaining a Master’s degree and it appears that going after one would certainly not benefit me at this point in the game. I’ve considered getting a teaching certificate for K-6th as I am well suited for that profession. I am also considering a leap into medical coding which will be much less expensive to enter, the coursework is online, salaries look decent and there are many job openings. Not sure if I’ll enjoy some aspects of it but it seems like a viable path.
I’m too young to retire and I would like to boost my income potential. I live in Florida where the overall salaries are low but there are lots of medical jobs and lots of teaching jobs. Teaching doesn’t pay much but does offer some perks and would allow me to get back into the state retirement system which I am already vested in. Not sure which way to go and time is passing. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Ann,
I am sending you a note to discuss.
Be very careful as it relates to teaching. You have been in the school system but … schools do not like hiring older adults…
Breaking into urban planning at this stage of life would be difficult.
I want you to widen your horizons to the online world where you can work for anyone from anywhere rather than just looking at your local employers.
Marc
Hi, I have a degree in Logistics at the age of 51. I didn’t receive any calls for an interview which is very sad. Now I am thinkning about going back to school for a degree in Finance. What is your opinion please?
David,
I would not give up on Logistics just yet. Have you worked on any of the APICS certifications?
Marc
P.S. Feel free to reach out to me via the contact link at the top of the page. I am very familiar with this area.
I am 53, have worked as as secretary my entire life. I got a psychology degree in 2004 with the intention of getting my master’s in counseling, but life and now I going back to school to get my MSW. I am full of fear and self-doubt. I know I can do the work, I’m just concerned about the time commitment and my ability to get a job when I’m done. I’ve heard on one hand that social work is an in-demand career full of possibilities. On the other hand I hear horror stories of low pay and burnout. I want to have a job where I feel it makes a difference, but now I’m not sure if I couldn’t just do that volunteering and keeping my current job (even though the pay is low – I am a single woman, so I don’t have many bills).
Barbara,
Getting to be a social worker is a long process. I have a former client who is now in her late 40’s who went back to school to get her masters. She could not get enough volunteer hours in Austin, where we live, and then spent 1 year in the middle of nowhere in East Texas. After a year she is just now able to start paying all of her bills and stopped accumulating debt. She has a ton of student loan debt.
She enjoys the work but…. it has been a ride that is not nearly over. You need to find someone who looks, tastes and smells like you who has walked the journey and get the facts.
Social work salaries vary a lot by geography. Here in Austin, there are lots of social workers and therefore the pay is very low. You go down the road a bit and they are higher.
If you want to chat fill in one of the forms on this page. No charge.
I am 53 and just started my degree. I work for a company that pays for all my classes and book. I don’t see how this can be a bad plan for me. The most I would have to pay for a BS is $2000. There is not requirement for me to stay with my company and there is no full time open near me now. I plan to get a better job with my degree. No sure if I will just get a AS degree or a BS degree.
Jackie,
This sounds like a sweet deal. Go for it.
Marc
I am a 57 year old female; I have a associate degree and have worked as a contractor for the federal government for almost 20 years. I love the work but being a contractor is very unstable; even though I have been blessed over the years. I am wanting to go back to school to enter into a new career (accounting) in case my job is down sized. My present employer will pay part of the tuition only and I don’t qualify for Pell; so I would have to take out a student loan to pay for the rest. I plan on continuing to work and go to school part-time. I am going back in forth in my mind as to if I want to get back in debt at this time in my life. I am not old enough to retire but I feel like I need to set myself up for the future. The job I am currently doing is very specialized and I wouldn’t be able to find anything like it in the college town I live in. I thought accounting would be something that I could do even in my retirement years. My question is: Do you think I should get back in debt to go back to school for this reason?
Judy,
First thing I would do is talk to some accountants in your area and get their opinion. Accounting is a broad field and it is more than just getting an accounting degree but would you pursue a CPA. What kind of accounting: tax accounting, small business accounting, forensic accounting,….
Ask around and then make a decision. It also depends on how much debt.
Let me know if you would like to chat.
Marc Miller
Hi Marc;
Finding your site was a blessing. Getting your answer will be moreso.
I’m a 63 year old retired telecom worker (1996) who then started a small manufacturing business in 1999. The business went south after taking a former friend on as partner.
I don’t want to return to machining as a career. I loved it when I had my own business. But after working as a machinist in another company, I hate it. I want to become a computer programmer. I have the talent and aptitude for it, having taught myself some C++, Java, HTML, on my own.
My local community college offers a comprehensive Associate Science Computer Programming degree. I’d have to borrow about $20,000 over two years (mostly to pay my apartment rent/food/health insurance/etc costs).
I have multiple concerns/questions. First, at the end of 7 years (when I’ll be 69) which path would accumulate more money for me? Second, which path would be more fulfilling to my soul and heart?
To start, I heartily wonder who would ever hire a 64 year old with a 2 year programming degree, when they can hire a 25 year old with a 4 year degree!
If I can get hired, entry level Java programmer salaries in my area are around $55-65k/annual. Mid level salaries begin after about 5 years experience and are around $85k/annual. So, at the end of 7 years I’d have:
– 2 years in school earning 0$
– 5 years working earning average (say) $70k
– total 7 years earnings of $350k
It’s possible, maybe probable, depending on how hard I work, to get to mid level $85k/ann salary before the end of 5 years. But at my age I’m not interested in clawing up the corp ladder again.
BUT….if I went back to machinist work now….I’d earn around $65,000 a year. At the end of 7 years I’d have grossed about $455,000
The answer on paper is “Machinist” will give me more $ at age 69.
The answer in my heart is “Programmer” will give me more satisfaction and fulfillment in my heart and soul.
What say ye, sir?
And thank you for a wonderful site. Just what I needed at the time I needed it!
Th
started a small machine shop in 1999 with a former friend. The friendship and business went south in 2014.
Boots,
It all depends on where you live and who employs programmers in your area. I will use Austin, where I have lived for the last 40 years as an example. Could you get hired at a startup? Nope. Could you get hired in an IT shop? Probably not because all of those jobs have moved elsewhere? Could you get hired at a University or state government? Maybe.
My question for you would you be happy working with a bunch of very young colleagues. As the programming world has moved to agile development cycles it is all about sprinting, working long hours for short periods of time. Programming today is not what programming was even 10 years ago.
Respond to this comment if you would like to talk. I would be happy discuss this with you.
Hi Marc;
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful response. Internet searches on “64 year old new programmer” have yielded a few good forums/blogs on the subject of people in their 50’s becoming programmers, but not people over 60 becoming programmers. The prognosis for the over 50 crowd is mixed, with many posters saying ageism surely exists in the IT field. Mostly due to the fact, as you noted, that most programmers are in their 20’s-30’s.
Being raised in the old, conservative America where Boy Scouts, the Pledge daily at school, NRA hunter safety courses, TV programs like Hazel, Leave It To Beaver, The Wonderful World of Disney, and unlocked doors at night were the norm, not the abnormal, I’m not really sure how I’d feel/fit in with a group of 20-30 somethings. I’d make darned sure, though, to stay far, far away from the twin taboo subjects of politics and religion.
I registered for the AS program this past week and applied for the loan. Already have the grants. Still not sure I’ll actually start classes on Aug 27. That’s because I think/feel (emotions here) that earning money now instead of hoping to find a job two years from now, is a better choice than two years of school.
Tomorrow I may feel school’s a better choice, because I so much don’t like working in manufacturing.
So, yes! Would love to talk with you and hear your advice, suggestions, thoughts.
I will send you an email with a link to my calendar.
Hi Marc,
I will turn 50 next year and I have worked in the IT industry for over 20 years. I started as a programmer and have been an architect for the past 10 years (I still do a lot of coding though).
In the past 4 years, I have learned and applied some Data Science and Machine Learning and I want to make the jump to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, which I believe will be good since I can really use my background in software engineering. However, I have seen that a lot of jobs prefer a Master’s Degree and even a Ph.D., which obviously I don’t have and I can’t really embark on since I don’t have a Bachelor’s degree though I completed my Bachelor’s studies but I never got the degree. I am from Mexico and I studied there, but I never fulfilled one of the requirements to get the degree. I have tried to see if I can fulfill such requirement from here, but I have not had much luck.
The question now is, should I try to complete a Bachelor’s so that I can get into a Master’s program and even possibly a Ph.D down the road. I have thought about seeing how much of my Bachelor’s studies can apply towards a Bachelor’s career, but a bit hesitant to embark in such enterprise. I am employed, I most likely can get some reimbursement for studies, but unsure if it is worth it or if I should try to do some of those programs from online entities like Udacity, edX, Coursera, where you can do an specialization for not too much money.
Your thoughts?
You really need to talk to some people in the world of Artifical Intelligence and Machine Learning worlds. Attend a conference or two and see if you can get some advice. Those are 2 very niche worlds and you will need to see to what depth you need to go to be able to make the leap.
Thanks for you reply Marc!
I have talked to several people and most of them say since you are not entering the field as a scientist (someone with a PhD and does heavy lifting on the Math side), you just need to brush up on your Stats skills. I do have a Math background and the level of Math required is not foreign to me.
Have you heard of people in a similar situation, where they want to apply their foreign studies/credits towards a bachelor’s here in the US and have they been successful?
Thanks again!
I worked with a gentleman who wanted to get into a very specific form of mathematical modeling. What we did was find someone who had a very similar background to his and had made the transition. Basically, it was finding a sherpa to guide my client. It did not work out because all of the jobs were in Boston and S.F. and he could not move because of family situations.
On transferring non-U.S. credits to any U.S. university I would think this would vary from institution to institution. You are going to have to do your legwork on this one. I googled it and here is what I found
https://www.wes.org/advisor-blog/how-to-transfer-credits/
https://www.elearners.com/colleges/transferring-credit-from-foreign-universities-to-us-schools/
Yes, I need to do some homework on this.
Thanks for the replies!
Thank you so much for the article. I am a 46 yo with a BA in Sociology, which has not served me well. I want to transition to a career away from social services and am contemplating returning to school for a certificate in digital marketing versus another Bachelor’s degree in the field. You have given me much more information to consider.
Angie,
My only warning is to pick a certificate program that is very up to date. Digital marketing is changing so fast.
Marc Miller
I am 43 and have some certificates in pharmacy tech, computer technology, and bartender certificate. I have mostly been employed as a caregiver, nanny, and tutor in private homes while also a single mother. I have worked through the years 60-80 hours a week providing for my daughter and self without government assistance. I have recently hurt my arm, pulled rotary cuff, not bad but doctor has advised no more lifting babies nor transferring elderly patients. My typing skills are poor since I have predisposed carpal tunnel syndrome. It does not hurt unless I am typing constantly like as a secretary or pharmacy technician.
I am recently married and hubby has offered for me to go back to college. At my age I am at a loss as to what I want to be. I can’t type due to carpal tunnel, I do not want to be vaccinated because I do not want chemicals in my bloodstream, and I now can not do any heavy lifting. I have a GPA 3.8 with 97 college credit hours in pharmacy, computers, nondestructive testing, and education. I obviously have pursued college in times past and can’t decide what I want to do. My teachers have indicated I am a straight A student. I can consume anything because learning comes easy. I am just unsure what fields are there for me at my age, gender, race, and restrictions due to physical capabilities. I am overall healthy. I do not take any medicine, exercise, eat well, and am height/weight proportionate. I do not want to waste my time in school only to find out I can not attain a job after college, but I do realize I do need to find a career of something to support myself financially when I get older.
What jobs do you suggest?
Wow, without speaking with you I do not have a clue. Click on the contact me link at the top of the page so we can arrange a time to speak.
Marc Miller
Healthcare IT sounds like a good path. I too, have a pharmacy tech background and was able to apply it to my career. I actually worked for McKesson for a good while and then went to consulting firms.
Unfortunately, IT is being disrupted by cloud technologies.
Hello Mark,
I am 52 year old woman, I am at at difficult cross road. When my children were young I had my own business running a day care for 8 years , and I attended school. After I closed my day care I went to work in a school as a Teacher’s Assistant . I did that go 20 years and then the job closed. The problem that I am having is I never received any degree and I wondered if it is worth it going back to school to get my BA, and then my Masters. Also I’m not sure if I really want to be in that field any more. I don’t really know what to do. Please help. Thank you
Alexa,
If you want to stay in education then you will probably at least get your BA. Education is very credentials driven.
However, education is not an age-friendly environment. At this point, I would be asking what do you really want to do and what would it take to get there.
Marc
Hello MARC, I am 55 years old and I just received my BA degree last week. I would like to be a social worker and want to know if it makes sense to take out a loan to be in the 3 year MSW program that starts up in August? The loan would have to be big enough to cover school expenses and my living expenses because I can’t work and go to school at the same time. Thank you!
At the end of September 2018, I was laid off from my job at a company I was with for 8 years. At 55, I found myself unemployed even though I have over 25 years of Healthcare IT experience. I don’t have a degree and have worked very hard to excel in my roles as an implementation analyst, applications analyst, and other related roles.
Watching my three step kids complete their undergrad degrees and one now getting her MBA, I decided maybe I needed to return to school but I’m suddenly questioning whether or not it is worth it. I enrolled and started attending before I was laid off. Right now, I drive for Uber and Lyft because no one will hire me. I apply for IT jobs that specifically say “Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience” (or some mixture of those words), but I don’t think it matters at this point. I really feel my age is holding me back. I also live in Atlanta and our city is growing so fast due to all of the young professionals moving here that it’s getting more difficult to find a job. I know I qualify for the positions I apply for, but can’t seem to get past the HR gate.
So the question remains – is getting a business administration degree worth anything at this point other than personal satisfaction? With my driving hours (10-12 per day), I’m struggling to keep up. I’m considering withdrawing until I do land a normal day job and can re-focus, but I hate to give up.
I would rather see you attain a certification that has some value. A generalized BA degree at your age is not worth much.
Marc
Hi
I am over 50 and have no degree. I work as an education assistant but only earn around 25000 per year (in Australia). I was looking at going to Uni – not sure what to study, but then I would end up with substantial debt and not long to pay it.
Not sure what to do next. Life is hard on the money I get and I can’t even afford a decent rental property. My ex was on good money and I raised children (so he was free to work long hours – often in remote locations), instead of working to establish my own career. Now I am left with little money and it is a struggle to survive. I wish I could discover the best course to study to put me in a better financial position for the future. Being an older female, I am not sure where the work would be. I just want to get my own home and live a better life. Thanks
Ellie,
My first question is what do you enjoy doing? What are you good at?
Put some thought to that and feel free to respond either on this comment thread or use one of the one of the contact me links.
Marc Miller
Thank you for replying. On Thursday I lost my darling father. He was a huge part of my life. My brain is scrambled atm. When I am feeling better I will contact you. e
I am curious as to the new path you have taken, your situation seems eerily familiar to my own. I’m hoping your solution may also be mine.
Hi Marc,
I’m 44 years old, hold an Associate’s Degree that has served me well over the years, better than I expected the degree would. I have been in a PM role for the last 10 years, very happy with my position and employer. I have been considering going back to school (online) to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree with the idea I would be more marketable in the event I am laid off or my company becomes an unhappy work place.
I am struggling with this decision due to the below questions I continue to ask myself.
1) Amount of time I would need to invest in studying
2) Would a BA really help me at this point
3) Would focusing my energy and time on obtaining the PMP be more beneficial that a bachelors
4) Even though my company offers tuition assistance, I still have concerns of being stretched too thin at work and my at home life suffering.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Chris
Chris,
Getting a general BA at this point makes no sense. Getting the PMP “may” make sense. If your local employers value the PMP credential that is when it makes sense. Attend the local PMI meetings and talk to people. Reach out to people who have the PMP and ask them was it worth it.
Get the facts.
Marc Miller
Hi Marc,
Thank you for the reply.
I would agree a PMP would serve you well. It is highly regarded by many employers, and I can personally attest to that. If you are able, see if your current employer can subsidize it.
Hi Marc,
I just turned 51. I have a B.A. in Public Administration but have been unemployed for a year since leaving my position as the director of a non-profit. I held that job for only two years.
I am considering taking a 12 week course to become a Medical Assistant. I live in FL where there are numerous job opportunities for this occupation. I don’t have healthcare experience but I feel I would enjoy the interaction with people, the variety of work and the opportunity to work in many types of healthcare environments. The course costs a little over $3K and I have the time to do it. It starts in May. After completing the course, exam and externship, I would be employable by September.
The problem is, my spouse thinks the field is a waste of time. I would not utilize my B.A. and years of administrative experience and I would enter a low-paying field with little advancement potential. I am not sure what to do. I have been so lost this past year. I want to be happy with my career and have a marketable skill in a growing field. Any advice? Thank you.
Ann Marie,
Have you spoken to anyone who is a medical assistant? There is no question it is a step-down and you need to find out whether anyone would actually hire you.
The expense and length of training are quite reasonable.
My question is what kind of medical assistant?
Marc Miller
Thank you for the reply.
Any type of assistant; pediatric, dermatology, general practice, etc. I am open. I have spoken to a couple of people who were medical assistants. One was ok with it but moved on to become the office manager. The other person has a negative opinion about it.
The school helps with job placement and there’s such a demand that being 50+ doesn’t seem to be an issue. That doesn’t guarantee anything, however.
Ann Marie,
I suspect you will have no problem finding a job. However, will you like it is another story?
My wife is a retired RN. The medical world is not always the most friendly place to work.
Many who work in the non-profit world are very cause driven. Is that you?
Marc
Yes, I’ve heard that about the medical world. Lots of jobs, though.
I am cause driven in many ways. I am a board member of a non-profit in my county and I have worked for a couple of non-profits. The pay was low and there was always pressure to raise funds, naturally.
I am 65 years old a disable veteran who recently graduated with a BA in Intelligence Studies with a concentration in counterintelligence. I am presently enrolled in a masters degree program using my GI bill pursuing a degree in Homeland Security-Capstone, with a concentration in Terrorism Studies and certificate in Terrorism studies. I enjoy learning, however I am looking to rejoin the work force. I am presently retired with over twenty five years combined experience of supervisory and hands on law enforcement procedures. Combined experience in correction, police, and investigation techniques. Seeking employment with employer desiring experience leader working towards advancing personal and professional knowledge in advancing their agency’s productivity.
Herbert,
Bravo for completing your BA and using the GI bill. While you are getting your masters I would be searching out others who “look, taste and smell like you” who have already made that transition. I suspect you will have to start pursuing either consulting or contracting gigs rather than FTE status.
I would think there would be opportunities in that you would like be purusing local, state, and federal angencies which tend to be fair hiring.
I am 58 and intending to return to school to finish what I started. After reading this forum, I am am almost convinced it’s not a good idea….personal goal or not.
I intend to sudy Public Health. I currently work in an environment that supports a State Medicaid Program.
As much as I would like to, I don’t anticipate retiring for at least another 10-12 years. Total for the degree would be approximatly $60,000. I am not in a position to pay the full cost out of pocket. There will be loans involved.
It’s something that has “haunted” me for over 30 years. I just don’t know if it’s worth it now. Color me discouraged.
Sandra,
It will depend on the following:
– How much will you borrow? It is a big difference between borrowing $5K versus $50K. You do know that your loan payment will be deducted from your social security payments. Right?
– Do you plan to stay in your current position, role, job function or area? Medicaid will be disrupted in the coming years.
Are you working for state or local government?
If you plan on working to nearly 70 working for a governmental entity is good. If you are working in the private sector well a lot can be disrupted.
Last thought is many state universities allow people over the age of 60 go to school for free. The age when this begins and classes allowed varies from state to state but this should be factored in.
Marc
I am 55 and educated to A level standard 35 years ago.. Am now considering an MA in creative fiction which I have been studying at my own cost, online, for a while. I will need a student loan which I´m sure I can get. I´ve had a good response from the university re acceptance. Should I? I am still heavily committed family-wise and in the small family business and not wealthy. I don´t expect to make money out of it but who knows – I´ve had good feedback. What I want is the knowledge that I have studied the subject to a high level. Another part of me says just keep writing if that´s what you want – why waste 2 more years and get into debt ?
Megan,
I have been working pro-bono with a gentleman on disability who wants to write fiction. He found him a coach who has published 50+ novels and it has been really worth it. This has been a very affordable and rewarding way to approach this.
What do you want to write? Novels, short stories, ….
Marc Miller
Hello Marc,
Your response to Megan was interesting. I am in my late 50s and graduated in 2016 with a Master’s in Language and Literacy. I had made a career shift into ESL and needed the degree to land increasingly competitive positions. The problem is lack of funding in this area limits well paying jobs (I need to work). I am an adjunct as well, teaching 1 college class (the classes are large and as a writing instructor, I cannot handle the hours of non paid grading). I’m not making above the poverty line and have debt from getting the advanced degree. I really want to write fiction, but am struggling on how to move into this field. How do I go about finding a good writing coach that doesn’t charge a prohibitive fee? Do you think this is a good direction to take?
Sue,
First thing I want you to do is check out Mark Dawson’s Self Publishing Formula Website https://selfpublishingformula.com/ then reach back out to me.
I have no affiliation with this but I have purchased the Ads for Authors courses.
As a 1990 graduate of a prestigious University with a B.F.A and B.A., I worked for a prominent design firm until1995 wnen I started my own firm. For 24 years it has grown into three countries. Believe it or not, this profession involves a great deal “psychology” through 100’s of interactions with families, family dynamics, personality clashes, anger issues, et al.
To be honest, the travel, the issues, the 3 a.m. calls, the conflicts and the inability to remain in one spot for more than a month at a time has taken its toll. Financially, a wonderful life. But I see the STOP sign in clear view.
When I look at what truly was and is most gratifying to me throughout my career, it has been the interpersonal connections that come with this profession. The trust placed in me, and my ability to work through issues where conflicting personalities inevitably clash, and the fact clients from the start maintain a connection with me with issues that have arisen with their marriages and children.
So, my query. I’m considering enrolling in an Ivy League Master’s program in Psychology, where I’ve already been accepted. There would be no debt incurred. The goal would be to become a licensed family/relatioship therapist in my State. Although I already feel like one, the degree is required to obtain the necessary recognized certification.
Ironically, considering the subject matter, I must ask: Have I lost my mind???
Jeff,
Here are some things to consider.
To become a therapist there is a significant number of hours of supervised client hours where the pay is very low. In Texas, it is 1000 hours or more. I had one former client who had to go to rural east Texas to be able to get the hours needed in a reasonable amount of time. That former client is struggling to make ends meet financially.
You are correct the degree is just the first step. It is a very long road.
The second thing is to really understand who you will be working with. Mostly likely at the beginning it will be groups from lower socioeconomic groups, i.e. the poor. This is where the demand resides.
When I went off to teach high school math, so many people thought I would be hired in a suburban high school. Nope. I was hired where there was a demand, i.e. inner city high school with lots of poverty, single parent households and minority majority populations. Very rewarding experience but exhausting.
Hello Marc,
I am a 50 year old nurse and I have just started a masters degree in clinical psychology. I am beginning to question whether or not this is a good investment? The cost of the program is around $40,000 for 2.5 years. I am concerned that the market for therapists is saturated (I live on the west coast of Canada), and that with the excellent salary I make now as a nurse will not be repeated as a therapist. I have looked into some certificate programs that I could take that would enhance the nursing work I do now which is in community care. With about 15-17 more years of work in me I am not sure doing this MACP is the right direction? I had thought I could be a therapist part time after retirement to supplement my pension.
Thank you for your time.
Any thoughts?
Anastasia
Anastasia,
I have worked with one individual who became a therapist in the US. The challenge is the internship hours that you are required to work before you can work on your own. You will not be able to get those hours in while working full time as a nurse.
I am not familiar with the process in Canada but this is a path similar to teaching school, it is much harder to do and pays much less than one would expect.
Marc, why does everyone on this post think that earning a higher income is the way to wealth? Let me tell you man, it is definitely NOT.
Dave ,
It is also how you define wealth. I define wealth today very differently than I did 10 years ago. I ain’t about the money anymore.
Marc
Marc, money is important if you come from a position of not having any. But I believe most people can attain their goals in life through better management of what they already get, rather than being like most and trying to make a high income. You are indeed right though, there is much more to wealth than just money.
Dave,
I agree with you up to a point. Most of the people who are commenting on this post are not trying to attain a higher income but trying to maintain their careers in a constant fluxuating market. We have so much creative destruction that is disrupting peoples careers that is difficult to determine how one stay relevant in an ever-changing world.
Marc
I Am 49, Lead Software Engineer at a company. I am getting burned out. I went to school for pyshcology and computer science within mathematics. I am looking to pivot, either into a manager role or pivot out into a teacher role. So I was looking at obtaining a masters in either computers or io psychology. Figured the io psychology would help pivot up in the leadership roles as well as teach.
Programs will run about the price of a new car. I am not looking at ivy league schools. I am just looking at affordable online schools while I continue to work.
I like to set myself up for a second career as I head towards retirement. I don’t see myself ever doing heavy coding past 60. But I could see myself teaching into my 70s at community and other colleges or substitute teaching at high schools.
Wanted to know your thoughts? Programming is a burn out profession and honestly at my age it is a miracle I have survived it this long.
Angela,
Several things to think about:
Make sure the the masters degree is from a reputable online program.
You need to talk to hiring managers to see if getting the ip psychology would really help rather than just what you think. I have colleagues who have received their MBAs from respected universities in their 50s and it did nothing for them.
You need a masters degree to teach at a community college but all higher education institutions are being disrupted. They are rapidly moving away from in class programs to online programs. One of the members of my online community is teaching at a major state university and it is all online. It is not really teaching but more of a mentoring role.
Let me know if this is helpful.
Hi Marc,
Thanks so much for taking the time out and responding! Very helpful and points to ponder.
As I did, what I am thinking is getting a masters in io psychology and work in the industry another 10 years hopefully into a managers role… The Lead Software Engineer is sort of assistant manager role to the actual manager. I have an hr buddy from my last job so I will reach out and ask him if this would give me the edge over other candidates. so that is definitely a great thought!
Then after 10 years of experience I can go teach. I researched some and most adjunct profs they want you to have experience. I have thought about the online actually wouldn’t mind it. I would probably put more effort into it then mentoring. Meaning hold online voice or video chats with students. Perhaps due some youtube videos for the class to watch… Have to give it some more thought. since I am a geek I should be able to have it as interactive as the students’ desire.
I also reached out to someone online in the industry and asked them to recommend some IO psychology books you might read for the graduate studies…. To gage whether or not what I think it is from the research I did online is actually what the course material is.
Then maybe I could start a meetup group in my local area to help employees better engage or work around issues at work….Hopefully get a few other IO psychology degree people to join in and to help.
Again thanks for giving me some of your time!
Hello, I’m a 55 year old woman. I have sporadic employment history due to being a military spouse and stay at home mom. I have worked in healthcare, mostly volunteer work, with family and friends. I’m thinking of going back to community college to become a certified CNA maybe moving on to Medication Aide. I will pay for this personally. Is it a good Idea?
Thanks
It sounds like a good idea to me. I would ask the community college for a reference of someone who has received a CNA and “looked, tasted and smelled like you”. i.e. someone who about the same, experience, educational background ….
Marc
Hello Marc, I’ll be 55 in a month and decided to go back to school a year ago. I started my first semester last January. It’s at the community college level and I work full time so I have to take online courses 1-2 at a time. The only reason I am able to do this is through financial aid. My tuition is almost completely paid for, for which I am extremely grateful. It is more of a personal choice than anything else. I always wanted to finish school but always felt it was ‘too late’ to do so. I’ve worked crappy waged jobs my entire life doing work that brings me no joy. What I hope to do with this Associates degree is teach adult students as an independent contractor in a program for retirees; not sure yet of the subject, but my major is Humanities so there are many choices. My motivation comes not only from wanting to complete a degree (even though it’s only an AA), but to also work independently doing something I enjoy for the last portion of my working years. I think it’s worth it if, like you said, the cost doesn’t trap you in debt.
Marla Sue,
It looks like you are on a good path. Let me know how we can support you on your journey.
Marc Miller
I am 47, have $65K in student loan debt from my undergrad and a year of grad school. I am tired of doing what I’ve been doing for the past 20 years, but see ZERO value in a masters degree–as only a few positions require one. I have looked into certificate programs, but preference is almost always given to younger folks. I’ve been age discriminated against a lot even though I am 20 years away from retirement.
I even sell the “you’ll get at least 20 years out of me, whereas your millennials are going to give you a solid 2-5 years”. Doesn’t seem to help. I’ll probably be forced to move somewhere that cost of living is super low and just take some factory job until I retire.
My Communications degree was supposed to “open doors” for me. Nope. It was the minimum qualification to get my foot in the door at most companies, but not required for my telecom career. Now I’m at a crossroads. What to do now?
Dave,
What kind of certificate programs have you looked into? If you are looking at technical programs like coding, you are correct they are targeting young people.
Happy to chat and maybe brainstorm some ideas with you. Hit the contact button above and let me know.
Marc
Hello, I was a journalist for nearly 18 years at a major U.S. newspaper. It was operated with very little ethics, therefore the boss, who often turned the office upside-down for every young woman who paid any attention to him, eliminated my position unfairly. Even the HR department began to cover for him, like publishing photos of his dancer every time she performed, allowing coworkers the entire week off, and calling it home work, keeping assignments secret and off the budget, allowing coworkers to apply for credentials to sports events without an assignment, and allowing coworkers to exchange coverage for concert tickets. Honestly I’m actually glad I’m gone. Office politics ran errant; on the final day of my employment, the female, who was kept, told me she’d “been doing it all for her daughter,” meaning she was well-aware of his favoritism of young women. It was obvious: she had won zero awards, opposed to my numerous awards in photo, writing and video, and she was a journalism major. At 55, I explored a credential or a master’s degree in education. I polled teachers, school principals, counselors. They mostly directed me to pursue becoming a teacher in adult education, substitute, or public information officer or public relations. “I’m not sure I would recommend a master’s for you. It would take two years, and it’s expensive,” said one college dean.
Dean,
Breaking into teaching in your mid-50s is really hard. I know this because I taught in an inner-city high school from 2004-2006. I was really good, it was incredibly rewarding and it was EXHAUSTING.
All forms of education are going through incredible disruption due to changing demographics and funding.
I think you have been getting some good advice.
Marc
I will be turning 51 soon and recently graduated with a master’s in health studies and by university standards with a concentration in higher education. I have been able to stay home and take care of my six kids while my other half worked for the last 14 years. Before I went back to school for my BS and now master’s, I was debt-free and making 50k as an administrative assistant. I started looking for a job when I only had a BS, and nothing developed. Today, with a master’s, it is the same and no prospects on the horizon. It is challenging to know the real problem because of all the online applications required and the “thanks but no-thanks” postings they add on the employment profile.
I have been in healthcare for over 30 years, and I have resorted to applying for administrative assistant jobs again and being rejected and still wondering if my 200k in debt will ever be paid before I cannot work. I realize not working for the last 14 years, and being 50 is a drawback. Still, I have erased all of my experience from my resume and only listed my practicum experience, not even to show my age. Completely sad about it all.
Kurt,
You really need to work on your LinkedIn profile. Also, applying on line will not cut it.
Listen to my podcast with Thea Kelley this week to see if you can get some ideas. https://careerpivot.com/2020/creating-a-career-pivot-resume-with-thea-kelley-podcast/
Hi Marc, can you tell me the date of your article? I’m 52 and find myself in a scary career position. In 2010 post recession I closed my service business (tailoring business my wife and I had in Scottsdale, AZ) we opened in 2001 just before I completed my BS in Bus Admin (University of Phoenix). I also got a 2 year technical associates degree back in 1985 after high school, and worked as a CAD operator, mechanical designer, engineer, program tech lead, up to a VP of Ops for a small international Mfr and was laid off from that job at the end of 2004 (I worked in my other career while also running the business my wife and I had). The day I was hired for the VP job, we tragically lost our oldest son in 2003. After the VP Ops job, I worked for a financial services firm (securities, life and health ins) from 2004 – 2009, it was 100% commissions, and the great recession just ran that business over in 2008-2009 so I left that industry; a year later in 2010 we closed our business – and we filed bankruptcy, and I was unemployed. I got a job at Verizon in mid 2010 (because I could not find a job to save my life then during the recession). In 2011 I started an exec MBA program at Anderson/Univ of NM in Albuquerque. In late 2012 my first granddaughter was born, but unfortunately she was born with a rare brain disease and required 24/7 care; her father abandoned her and my daughter joined the military to start a career – so my wife and I cared for our granddaughter and moved back to Phoenix, AZ (for her medical care). I’ve been unable to return to my career or take advantage of the MBA I completed in early 2014. It’s Jan 2020 now, and it’s been 15 years since I’ve worked in my technical career in the past (15yrs ago), by both my undergraduate and masters degrees are in bus admin – which are broad and not concentrated in any area necessary to help find new employment now. I’ve always been good with numbers and want to pursue a new career as a Financial Analyst. I’m thinking of getting a Graduate Accounting Certificate at Univ of Phoenix (only a 15 credit hr graduate level certificate in accounting) for $8.4K that I would need to take a loan out for. I’m thinking that would allow me to at least get an entry level position along with my MBA, BSBA and some experience I’ve had in the past with my business and VP Ops. It will take me about 6-7 months to complete. If that does not work, then I’m thinking of getting another masters MS in Accountancy at ASU – WP Carey school of business where they claim 96% job placement within 90 days after grad – which takes 9 months (Fall 2020 semester and Spring 2021) – and $27K or 31K if I add the data and analytics portion (another 3 months of schooling). The thought of returning to school after 3 degrees and over $100K of current student debt makes me want to puke; but I have to do something and thinking a career as a Financial Analyst for the next 20 years (until I’m an old man lol) at least would pay pretty well. Or I could start a new business – but I have zero retirement at this point and time is out; and not sure I want to take such risk of success or failure. I have not updated my Linked in profile yet because I feel I need to decide which way to go, then rebrand myself accordingly on there to try to land the new job while I try to get some certs or new masters. Also, my new career choice has been greatly limited to make matters worse and I don’t see myself taking a higher level position like the past which would be too stressful and time consuming. I will still have to help out with my granddaughter (she requires 4 full time people to care for her, and it has only mostly myself and my wife, and my daughter part time) – and often we are walking zombies from a lack of sleep. We will be carefully transitioning my granddaughters critical care more to my daughter over the next 2 years – but there is so much (dr visit, admin, school, care, etc) that I’ll probably still have to help out – it’s been 7 years. I would greatly appreciate any advise as I’m about to probably go after the quick 7 month accounting cert even though it will cost over $8K and see if I can get an entry level financial analyst position, then work my way up. Maybe later I can take on more stress/responsibility after some experience and my daughter is also more stable to take more responsibility for my granddaughter. Thank you 🙂
Jon,
I wrote the article back in 2015 and I think it is even more relevant today than then. Getting an advanced degree does not guarantee you anything. Secondly, you are entering a very dangerous age group. I am publishing an article next week called Generation X Welcome to the World of Ageism. I want you to read the study done by the Urban Institute https://www.urban.org/research/publication/how-secure-employment-older-ages
Before you embark on my education find someone who looks, tastes and smells like you who has pursued the degree and gotten somewhere. The university should be able to point you to a graduate.
Hi Marc, Thanks for your prompt reply 🙂 I’ll read the article link, and look forward to your article next week. I’m going to one of those info sessions for ASU MS/Accountancy tomorrow evening so, I’ll ask if they can point to a graduate like me that has experienced any success after graduation. I’m thinking the lower cost accounting cert might be the better way to go, but then again that may really do nothing if it’s just a cert (the thought here is that the cert would serve as an accounting “concentration” that I lack from my MBA and undergrad business degree). I’m also thinking while the economy is still strong/and unemployment is still very low – the pickings for employers now are slim so this should improve my odds of getting in the door I would hope. Retaining the job longer term (in line with the link article you eluded to) is another challenge. Maybe I should forget about getting more education, and open a new business, or do something as a self employed person (like real estate agent/flipping houses, back to financial services, or open a new retail store)? I have enough income for the next 2-3 years to keep the lights on, and have a small window to get something new going; just not sure what at this point. I’m thinking the Financial Analyst career looks promising as it is in higher demand going forward, and in line with my MBA so I don’t throw away a $100k degree; but if I get laid off 10 years down the road because I’m too old – then that doesn’t sound very good either. Anyway, Thank you Sir and I’ll keep reading and trying to figure this out.
At this point, you ARE WORKING FOR YOURSELF. Even if you are an employee of some corporation, you are responsible. We are rapidly moving to a contractor/gig/whatever employment model. The sooner you get used to that idea the better and use those skills you gained from getting all of those degrees to make a living.
On one side, reading this just so mean going for a degree after this is can be productive or counter productive.
If one can be able to cut down the cost, and still get the degree, its productive. if not, it isn’t.
Funny enough many just jump right in without counting what’s at stake.
Thanks for this insightful share,
_Matt
I need a skill that will pay $30/hr minimum, is not hard to find part time or on-call/temp work and won’t be hard to find/keep a job in my 50s to 60s. My marital status may be changing & after 16 years of not being in the workforce, I will need to support myself again. I also want to be realistic about how physical the work is as I age. I want to take a Certificate program if possible, but am also willing to consider an Associates. If it’s the later, then by the time I’m done with pre-reqs & the program itself, I will graduate at 48 y/o.
If you have any suggestions or ideas on Certificate or Associates programs that will pay in the $30’s/hr, I would be very interested & grateful. I’ve done much research and nothing is really standing out as the best choice yet.
Meilan,
A lot will depend on your existing skill sets. What did you do before you exited the workforce? Do you have a college degree and if so, in what?
Marc
I am 59 and was let go from my employer of 23 years recently. When I took that job, I was 35, a new father/husband and several classes short of a degree that I really didn’t want to pursue. What I wanted to do was get comfortable at my job and spend my evenings studying the Catholic faith on my own so that, come retirement I would simply step into writing/speaking on my faith. Well, now here I am unemployed, 59 years old, no degree.
I believe I am now about 5 or 6 classes away from a degree but that field (Business Marketing) bores me. I would much rather study the Humanities or Theology but that would be easily $15-20,000 if not more.
Not sure where to go next…
Great job, Marc. This is a very helpful site. Reading your replies to concerns posted herein have helped me find answers to lots of my own questions. Thanks very much.
50 is the age that an individual contributes to retirement. Unfortunately, the deck has been stacked against this generation.
“ DescriptionGeneration X is the demographic cohort following the baby boomers and preceding the Millennials. Researchers and popular media typically use birth years around 1965 to 1980 to define Generation Xers, although some sources use birth years beginning as early as 1960 and ending somewhere from 1977 to 1985.”
Instead of being able to save for our own retirement, we have been delegated by millennials, and baby boomers to be the caretakers of our parents the baby boomers. We are being denied the positions that our parents held to save for their own retirement, and in exchange have bequeathed the positions to their grandchildren. This puts the grandchildren(millennials) in the ubiquitous position of funding the retirements of themselves(millennials), their parents(generation X), and their grandparents(baby boomers).
Hello,
I am almost 47 and am feeling lost. So in the early 90’s. I got a AS in Hospitality Mgt from a school that no longer exists. It’s only yielded entry level jobs here and there over the years. I decided when my kids were little I would go back to school for an Education degree in part to spend summers with them and to work with children. My kids are all young adults and I still have about a year left for the BS in Special Education. Part of my issue is my state requires a General Knowledge Exam that includes Math before I can proceed to my concentration. I took the exam and passed everything but the Math. I hate Math and quite frankly it’s
given me anxiety for years now. My current job is only part time (hate it) and was always meant to get me through school. 8 years later still there and not sure if I want to teach. In a long winded way I’m asking for suggestions. Should continue to pursue Education after all that’s invested at my age, or apply those credits toward a degree that will provide better earnings or forget all of it and try something different like my own business like a food truck or something? 🤷♀️
when I went for my math teaching certificate I needed to be able to answer some calculus which I did not want to relearn. I bought a calculator that would solve everything. You probably just need to get coached on taking the test. I would be happy to discuss this with you.
Special education is tough! I have known many people who tried this later in life and failed. I will be running an interview on my podcast with Wendy Mayhew in a few weeks. You pick up her book WISER: The Definitive Guide to Starting a Business after the Age of 50
https://amzn.to/2z8lDdc
Thank you for your article, and all that you share. In reading thru the comments, I did not read any post that “looked like me”, so I thought I would post.
I’m 57, been a stay home Mom most adult life, unexpected divorce, lost all finances, got a job, completed an AA general studies, got laid off, got part time job doing bookkeeping, went back to school to get AS Accounting, family tragedy had me stop, then most recently I got a job with local government. It was my intent to go back to school and complete the AS, but only because of “should” or it would be the right thing to do, plus hate feeling like I quit; not because my heart is into it. I would have to pay for school, and it is draining the time it consumes. I enjoy my current job and being government, while the pay is low, I believe to be secure for me to work for years to come. The recent tragedy has really shifted my life perspective, along with my age and less years ahead of me than behind. I will not never catch up or make it to the point of my financial security I had when I was married, and part of me is okay with that. I have other things in which to be grateful, but at the same time I want to be smart about my financial situation and keeping my job. I’m good with living minimal and simply, and I’m also real tired of always fighting to “make it” – more and more I just believe it be an elusive, false carrot dangling in front of me. Am I being unreasonable? Do I just need to push thru and finish this two year AS degree? Thank you for your time and reading.
Terry,
My question to you is what will you get out of finishing your AS degree?
Will you be able to make more money? Will you feel better about yourself?
Marc
P.S. Do not suffer from MSU (Make Stuff Up) and actually find out from real people who can pay you to see if the AS degree will buy you anything.
Here’s a “new” problem that i’m encountering, as a 55 year old who has lost a job due to Covid/Economy. I had a GREAT career in the production world at the same ad agency, and thought surely my reel and my reputation would get me in the door. But so much hiring is done now via career portal, where they ask for info on your education. If you leave that blank, your CV will not be considered. The algorithm disqualifies you. I’ve been noticing this because I know when someone is looking at my resume, and it’s always after I’ve submitted to a company that didn’t ask for that (a rarity). So, i just pulled some old transcripts and hope I can transfer old credits and some prior learning/workplace knowledge into a hefty portion of a degree. Also, in case i want to do something different in my 60s, I think it will be valuable to have a degree esp if this trend continues.
Ally,
Your next job will not come from applying to a career portal, i.e. the block hole.
Work your network. There are ways to get around educational requirements on forms. One example, “30 years of experience replacing an MBA”.
Listen to the following podcast interview with Gary O’Neal https://careerpivot.com/2017/gary-oneal-on-looking-for-a-job-in-the-2nd-half-of-life/
I have been working my whole life starting at 15 to support myself and eventually family. It has always been difficult. There was plans to go to school several times but they never panned out. I am 50 now and find myself single. having helped others go to school for better jobs and education but not being reciprocated back. I work in HVAC as a tech now for over 11 years. This isn’t a job I can maintain into my 60s due to the physicality of the job. I have been attempting to get into management or sales but for some reason have not been able to break into them.
so, I have been thinking about reinventing myself again into a job field I can handle into my 60s. I’m wondering what might be a good field to break into. I’m wondering if you had any advice on my situation?
Corey,
I had a similar discussion with a guy who installed wood and vinyl flooring. He was a real expert. I suggested he start a YouYube Channel and start teaching people how to solve all of the minor and then major issues in installing floors.
You could do the same and build this up over time. That way you are leveraging your expertise and work yourself out of doing the installations.
Marc
I just turned 60. Have been accepted to a well know local MSW program – online. I was bullied in my former position by a 34 year old, stayed as long as I could, tried to get help, nothing worked so I quit due to the stress without another job. I have yet to find full time employment after almost 2 years. The MSW will cost $37,500. I would have to take out a loan. My husband is 59.5, an engineer but sick of his work and can’t imagine sticking around until 65. We owe $50,000 on our house. It sounds like the MSW would be a financial mistake at this point and I need to keep looking for full time work while I go back to Amazon part time. I stayed home with our two kids and worked part time for most of it. Thoughts?
My biggest issue with getting an MSW is the internship hours required for licensing are significant. I have one former client who spent over a year working in rural East Texas because she could not get the hours required in a major metro area. She is still struggling making ends meet with the money she is making. However, that is changing because of the pandemic and the ability to work with clients remotely.
Thanks. I did see that notation on an earlier post. I didn’t think the hours were as steep for the MSW as for the LPC. I just checked and it is 4000 hours which is more than I expected. It works out to almost 2 years if one is employed full time. LPC is 3,000 hrs. Interesting that Austin would not have enough work. I’m in OKC and think there would be plenty of work here but it is a question I will pose.
Thank you Marc. I am 55 this year, graduating last June with an AA in communications. I have 35 plus years in office work and am considering returning back to school for a BA in Human Resources. Your earlier question about student loans being taken out of my social security scares me. I have 32K in student loans atm but the best job I have been able to get is 31K as a temp CSR. I would be 57/58 at the end and around 60K in debt. Suggestions as to the viability of a BA in HR would be very welcome. Any ideas to figure out how big a problem my age would be? Looking for a salary of 50 to 75K. Is this a realistic idea?
Pamela,
You really need to talk with some senior HR leaders in your community.
Junior HR positions are usually filled with young people just starting out. Have you thought of getting HR certifications from organizations like HRCI?
I think you really need to seek advice from some senior HR folks.
Marc
I am 52 years old, and I have been chiseling away at a Bachelor’s Degree since 1986. I joined the military two years after high school. I retired with 27 years and my AAS Degree. Why has it taken so long to get where I am. Constant moving around would answer that question. Some people can go into the military and complete their 4-6 years and come out with degree in hand. My career field didn’t allow me the hours to do so. Since retiring I have been working in my field as a contractor. I have attempted several schools, but most are scams. I finally found a real brick and mortar university that I can finish without a hassle. I’ve learned my lesson with the “For Profit” scam schools. I am not going to name any schools here because it is not my intention to drag all from my past here. One thing I have found is society has pushed us to having to have a college education to make a decent wage. I have a trade that I can fall back on and use if I have to with credentials in my pocket to do so. I think it’s absurd that the same job I worked in the military now requires me to have a Bachelor’s degree. I had three intentions when I joined the military. 1. Serve my country. 2. See the world. 3. Get my education. I have not touched my GI Bill. I have about S6,000 in student loans. Once I start at the university level next year, I will use it. It has always been a goal of mine to get my education because my parents didn’t finish high school. They are no longer with me and I will finish it not for me, but for them and my kids.
Great motivation! Thank you!
Hi Marc. I am 53 and I have been working as an IT Systems Administrator for the last 20 years. Currently, I work for a Big Ten university where I provide IT support for those performing research in the alternative energy , but I have also worked in IT in the insurance and transportation logistics sectors. I have several Microsoft server certifications as well as certifications from other vendors. I also have a B.S. but it is in Agriculture Economics but i have not done anything with that degree as I started working as a Health and Disability Claims adjuster prior to making a career change to IT. Although the need for systems and network administration will not be going away anytime soon, the IT industry is becoming more Cloud focused. Although I enjoy what I do, I at a point where I am considering expanding my skill set to include Cloud Computing. At this time, my current employer does not integrate Cloud technology but they might in the future. I am considering a 6 month Post Graduate Certificate program offered by an online learning vendor in Cloud Computing in which you would become proficient in working with a range of cloud environments, including the 3 well known Cloud providers. The learning is mostly online with simulation labs, mini-projects with online peers, a 3 month Capstone project for developing a Cloud solution for a given scenario, and mandatory weekly online meetings with an advisor to discuss your progress and to have questions answered. They also assist with job placement. Upon completion of the program, you get a Post Graduate Certificate from a college of business from a well known and accredited university y I may get tuition re-imbursement but if I don’t get it, I can handle the tuition without putting myself in debt. There are other ways I can learn the material for free, but I would not get the real world hands on project experience. If I were to get another job outside of where I am now, then great but mainly, I want to do this to increase my skill set because technology changes fast. I feel the only real cost to me would be the time and commitment to complete the program and the sacrifice of time with family, friends, and hobbies. At 53 years old, is this a wise plan?
Derek,
This sounds like a wise move. Cloud is where it is at and this would position yourself well for the changing world of IT. As long as you can manage your time and finances … why not.
Marc
My career has been in sales. I just turned 46 and do not have a degree. Last year I took a full time program for a graphic and web design certificate from the University of California. I really like it and have been freelancing for the past year. I would love to do UI/UX design full time but most large companies I am noticing require a Bachelors Degree. The course credits are University transferable so I am thinking of working during the day and slowing chipping away at night to get that degree. That way I am keeping my skills sharp and getting industry knowledge while meeting the baseline requirements for larger companies. Plus no student loans if I pay as I go. Thoughts?
That’s terrible advice!! Just kidding.
I think people should try to learn something new every day. As far as getting a degree over 50 Yo, I think it should be entirely up to the person who’s asking but of course, everything’s different now. I’ve been wondering if degrees even matter anymore, at all? My oldest has a physiology degree, did good in all classes, was working on getting into a med program at a state university, then covid19 happened. I understand that ppl can make decent/good money bar-tending but… c’mon now. Other friends that also recently graduated can’t even find a job much less one that’s in sync with their desired career path.
If you’re over 50 and you want to further your education then by all means. I don’t think basic college classes really do much for a person though. If vocational training is accessible then consider that if you want to learn a trade. But if you’re just wanting a degree just to say you have one, you’re getting older, you’re bored, kids are finally out of the house Etc, take a quilting class. Maybe even survivalist classes.
You can save a little money that way. Money still matters although bitcoin is gaining popularity.
I’m 50, I’m working on getting another degree. Hopefully it hasn’t been all die nothing. I’ve already done all the crafting, quilting and sewing that old, retired ppl usually do. I enjoyed it when I did it but it was time to move on.
I hope these aren’t the end of days but I wouldn’t be surprised if they are. If Joe Biden has his druthers, China will end up owning the United States.
I started in college in my early twenties however, I was already married with children at the time, and ended up dropping out to take a full-time job. I never managed to return to college to finish my planned computer science degree and eventually, after working a series of very low wage jobs, took a 4-month course and became an emergency medical technician. I have spent the last few decades working in that capacity making only slightly over minimum wage. I had considered attempting to return to college once my oldest child, who is now 16, was able to get herself where she needed to be and make some money of her own. Over the last couple of years, it’s become apparent that my health is not going to allow me to remain in EMS, or for that matter any highly labor intensive jobs. Too many years of OTJ injuries have left me with a body of a man 15 years older than I am. Financially, I can’t pay to go back to college, I would have to take loans and I’m just not sure this point that it would really be beneficial. However, it seems that without a college degree, and without any experience outside of service positions many years ago and EMS I’m now all but unemployable. I will be 53 in 2 weeks and I just don’t know if it would even be sensible to attempt to go back to school at this point. When I looked into it before all of my STEM credits have expired due to age, I would basically have to start all over again.
I worked part time while obtaining my BSN to become an RN. I was in my 20’s at the time and vowed I would never work and go to school at the same time again. It sucked the life out of me, but I made it. I’m 48 now, 25 years into my career. I never saw the value in getting as masters degree in nursing because I thought I was ahead of the curve with my BSN. Most of my co-works had ADNs at the time. BSN was what was required for nurse manager positions, so if I ever wanted to transition into that role, I was good to go. I watched master’s prepared clinical nurse specialist have there positions eliminated, so to me it appeared a nurse with a master’s degree had less job stability.
Times have now changed. Most hospitals now require their nurses to have a BSN. And any position other that at the bedside requires a masters degree. I’m getting older and not sure I can physically do the job much longer. I’m looking for a position away from the bedside, but younger nurses with less experience than myself have gone directly to master’s programs and I would be competing against them for these positions. Previously, nurses worked their way up the ladder based on experience. Now hospitals just look for degrees as opposed to experience. As I mentioned before, I hate the idea of working and going to school. I definitely don’t have the same energy level as I did in my 20’s. But, I need to find a job away from the bedside.
I thought I would be able to relax a little with my work by age 50 because I will have my house paid off by then. Is it worth it to spend money that I should be putting towards my retirement and making my life miserable for 2-3 years to get a masters?
Mel,
WOW that is a difficult decision. My wife is a retired RN who only attained a Associate degree. My wife pivoted to become a massage therapist and retired due to the physical requirements. I completely understand the physical requirements of being a nurse.
I would be talking with the HR department and other higher ups at your current organization on whether this is a smart move.