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Guest · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:04 am Post subject: Going to school at age 50

I just turned 50 and I have returned to school to study Web and Multimedia design, and writing web copy. Do you think this is a mistake? I have been working fast foods for years and I have been burnt out for a long time. I can't take it anymore.

I would really like attend graduate school after I finish my undergraduate work, but this may be pushing it. I have always wanted to give this a try. I love to fool around with computers.

I'm afraid of not finding work at my age.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated!

Guest · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:15 am Post subject:

I think it's great for people to go back to school at this age. I'm 43 and going back to college. I'm studying computer programming. This is a great experience for me. Boy how things have changed.

The kids are very different from when I went to high school. Or maybe because I'm up in age ha ha. This is the best time to live our dreams that we were afraid to go after when we were young.

Even though I'm enjoying going back to school, I'm scared of not being hired for my age also. So if anyone else has advice please feel free to say.

Thanks Mary

cv · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 5:44 am Post subject: Hi Mary

Age could be used as an advantage in Job Search. Use this to project a better sense of maturity, responsabilty and more life experience than the younger graduates

James · Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2006 2:07 pm Post subject:

I think it's a great thing going back to study in later years. I've even heard of universities set up specially for older people - there's one I've heard of called "University of the Third Age".

Try to keep your eyes from being distracted by the younger students - that's the hard part!!! Wink

KA · Expert Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 231 Career Advice: +2/-0

It is always a good idea to improve & advance.

As for finding work, I couldn't say. However, you could probably set up some business creating websites, consulting in the field & even an online business. You might even be able to get something started before you graduate, after completing some courses.

jeter4982 · Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2006 3:14 pm Post subject:

I think its great that your going back to school. So often you see people in their careers unhappy and they just keep going day after day because they are afraid of change. Your age may prevent you from gaining a job in a large company, but keep in mind that there is a ton of work in the web for freelancers and enteupreuners. If you have a little financial stability to stand on, you may even be able to work from home for yourself and never even need to get a real job. Now I am not saying this is easy at all, but it is an option if you get good enough. Good luck!

Tom

Just4Fun · Guest

I am 45 years old and have just been accepted into teacher's college. I am presently completing a degree in Sociology. I do not regret returning to school at 41. It's been an adventure and a joy. I feel challenged and invigorated. My husband has been more than supportive and continues to encourage me. We have to sell our house and move to another town in order for me to get my BA in education so it has been a sacrifice in many ways. We are not rich but have always agreed to go after our dreams. We live in Canada and once done my BEd we are moving to South Korea for a year to teach English...and then who knows. We just want to enjoy life and experience it the best we can.

Don't make excuses for not pursuing what's in your heart to do...it won't go away... And you will regret staying in a job that makes you miserable no matter how much money you make. Go for it!

Rachel

5tein · New User Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 9 Career Advice: +0/-0

Coincidentally, I teach Web design as an adjunct instructor at our local State College. I think this is a good field to get into if you have either:

1. a mind for code (logic and semantics)
2. an eye for design

Frankly, the field of Web design is full of partially qualified "designers" and "developers"--this is not to discourage you, only to suggest that the career field will best value the right kind of Web designers and developers. Web designers will need to be highly artistic with an understanding of usability and marketing. Web developers will need to be conscious of Web standards, accessibility, and elegance.

There are plenty of other burgeoning career possiblities in the Web: Internet security, project management, information architecture, usability design, marketing and SEO, etc. I think now is a good time to train for this field, as in the next few years the underqualified practioners will be overripe on the branch.

5tein · New User Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 9 Career Advice: +0/-0

Oh, I was also going to comment on the age factor. To be frank I think there is a LOT of prejudice against older applicants, especially in what are stereotyped as "young" fields.

Having said that, I can tell you that an impressive portfolio and a thorough understanding of Web standards will 100% shut up every agist in the room.

I think your maturity and different life experiences can help too, but I would rely on that aspect less than wow'ing the room with examples of your work.

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