Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
Do you think you're too old to go back to school? As the saying goes, "Never say never." Or, at the very least, take your cue from 72-year-old Gail Clark, a barber-school student at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, N.C.
Clark, who has advanced degrees in nursing and psychology, wanted to do something different, challenging and a little bit fun.
"I wanted something a little lighter; it's fun and the atmosphere is very social," Clark says. "It was a little difficult getting back to studying and the structure of school but I think I have successfully met the challenge. It is truly a new life experience; learning something new has definitely kept me on my toes."
Going back to school, especially in a tough economy, can be highly beneficial for people of all ages. In 2008, the unemployment rate for people over 25 with an associate degree was 2 percent lower than for those with only a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For those with a bachelor's degree or higher, the unemployment rate was 3 percent lower.
Here are the stories of seven workers who successfully went back to school at a mature age:
Deb Setnes, 58
"I went back to school two years ago and hope to finish next spring. I am in the School for New Learning, which is an accelerated BA based on life and work experience, [at DePaul University]. Working and going to school is not easy; even more so when you are older. However, I am having fun and even though I may complain, I am still proud of what I am doing. I tell myself that if I work hard this summer then next summer should be free! I am looking forward to that. I will continue to work for at least another 10 years but hopefully my spare time will allow me to put something back into my community."
Terry DeMeo, 61
"I spent 25 years practicing law in misery. When I was 58, I entered grad school in psychology. I lasted one semester. When I did the math, it didn't make sense to get a degree that qualified me to work in managed care for $60 per hour. But being in school was sublime; it was a breeze for me. I loved the studies and working with others. This showed me I was on the right path. I switched to coach training and 'fast tracked' to a new career. Because of the wisdom which came from my age, I was immediately accepted into Master Coach training, and -- I'm sure because of my maturity and skills developed from many years of living -- was immediately hired as part of the training faculty. Within two years, I've established a thriving new career which I love."
Verne Wheelwright, 74
"I went back to school when I was in my 60s. [I] passed the GMAT and enrolled in an MBA program. I was not a job seeker, but had my own business exporting paper rolls. [I] took a class in studies of the future and was hooked on long-term thinking, so [I] switched my major. After receiving my MS, I enrolled in a Ph.D. program to develop a system for applying futures methods to individuals. This year, I retired my export business and am full-time writing and speaking about personal futures."
La Vaughn Kemnow, 73
"When I took my first college class I was 35. Not only was I too old, I was too burdened, too fatigued, I'd have to drive too far, I didn't have enough money . . . but I did it. At first I had no thought of going back to school, but felt I needed a respite from my four walls and my five kids. I started out with just one evening class, at a community college outreach program. [I] took one class each term for a couple of years, then went full time for two years -- commuting 70 miles each way, three days a week. [I took] a couple of college-level classes at the local high school the other two [days]. I transferred to the University of Oregon (same distance driving) and earned a BS from the Wallace School of Community Service and Public Affairs, with honors."
Rob Koebel, 38
"After 14 years, I returned to get my undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and finally graduated [recently]. At 38 years old, it was a very humbling experience sitting in a classroom with students half my age. So many things had changed in the classroom; I was scared to death. They were a delight to go to school with; we actually held study groups together, did class projects, etc. They seemed genuinely interested in my 'real-life' job experiences and what brought me back to finish what I started."
Erin Wombacher, 40
"When I graduated from high school, I chose to go to a trade school instead of a college. For the travel industry, this was something that many people did in the 80's. However, as I started moving up in the company I realized the importance of having a college degree. I chose to go back to school as an adult and utilized the tuition reimbursement program my company offered.
That was 10 years ago, and the degree that I now have has opened many doors. I have been able to switch industries and pursue a career that I love. For any adults reading your article, I would strongly encourage them to take the leap and go back to school. Especially in today's job market, employers can be pickier on who they hire, their qualifications and educational background. Don't let your fear, or the excuses, prevent you from furthering your career!"
Brenda Zofrea, 50
I had a 20-year corporate career followed by a home-based business for 10 years. At 48-years-old, I went back to school to get my master's in education so that I could 'become a teacher when I grow up!' After graduating, it then took one-and-a-half years of looking for a teaching job due to the economy, budget constraints on hiring and reduced enrollment in my school district. But alas, I just got hired to start my new career as a high school reading teacher."
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 8:27PM Joseph Gibson
My mother is 58 years old and went back to school for her Masters and is graduating this December. She says it it the best choice she made in her life... Love You MOM and keep up the good work.
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Oct 29th 2009 @ 9:13PM chris
Dear Joe,
I am an adult returning to school to get my BSN after being an LPN for 23 years. Your comment to your mother was beautiful. When I graduated from LPN school my son was 16 years old and came up to me and gave me a big hug and said " Way to go Mom ". That ment so much to me! I lost him in a car accident a year later, but I will always remember how proud he was of me.
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 11:17PM Vernell
I received my Masters this past June, and I'm now enrolled in Graduate School for my PHd...I am 58...it was a struggle, but very rewarding...I'm so excited for the next few years...it is so nice to read about others in my age bracket doing the same:-)
Oct 23rd 2009 @ 7:12AM Barbara
I went back to school, last year, at 65. I have put three sons through college (law school, business school, etc.). I always wanted to get a degree myself, but there was never the freedom, time, money. If I had only taken just one course a semester, I would've been done by now....so, I did begin last year, part time. I am not looking at the end of the road right now, just one step at a time. Perhaps when I can see the forest for the trees, I will start seeing the degree. For now, I am putting one foot in front of the other (and, figure I will be 108 when I graduate)! I have a 3.7 GPA so far and am happy to know I won't be drooling any time soon. At the moment, Algebra is more than challenging. Perhaps once these requisite math courses are completed, I will really believe it is all possible. People ask me "why" I am doing this. I give them an equally silly answer, "Because I am trying to figure out what I will be when I grow up!" :)
Oct 24th 2009 @ 4:26PM wendy bryce
I also went back to school in my 50's. First I had to redo my grade 12 because I was afraid my diploma received in the '60's would not hold me in good stead. Then I wrote a college entrance exam for older students. I entered a montessori preschool training course and now I am completing an Early Childhood Education program. I have worked in preschools and would love be a fostercare parent. I am now 63 and feel as if I am just starting. What a jumpstart to life. I have 13 grandchildren and I love telling them I am preparing for an assignment. I have also learned to play the piano. It is never to late to fulfill life goals. I feel I have so much more to offer now than I did when I was young. I had so many responsibilities back then. Now I have life experience.
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Oct 22nd 2009 @ 10:47PM Clarice
Way to go! I am soooo proud of you. I too went back to school at 53 yrs. I was an exective adminsiatrative assistant for 20+ yrs and was laid off, and decided I did not want to go work for some else, so I decided to something i had always dreamed!! i an now a licensed barber! and i love it, like you said life is more enjoyable, and now I'm lookingforward to getting my business degree and openeding a barber salon. Thanks for the encouragement, and good luck in all that you do!
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 11:48PM Darla-44
Way to go!! Thanks for the inspiration. I too have just went back to school(at age 44) to finally finish an RN degree. I came out of high school with the Certification as a nurse's aide with the intention of going straight to college. Instead, a good job, marriage, and children changed my tune. I have been the forever part-time student by taking classes here and there through the years. I now am getting excepted into the nursing program and am elated. My son is 19 and goes to the same college I attend. He has no problem with it and both my children and husband support me. I feel I will be a good example to my 16 year old daughter. It is never to late to complete something you are passionate about!! Too bad my parents don't get that. Sarcastically, they recently told me that I might finally be a nurse when I am 50. All I can say is, "so be it!!!" Thanks for keeping my light burning!!
Oct 23rd 2009 @ 11:49PM virginia
Hi Wendy Bryce. I appreciated your story. I am 41 and afraid that my opportunities for self improvement have passed me by. I too want to learn the piano and some day do foster parenting. God bless you, virginia
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 8:14PM Janet
I went back to school and cannot get a job. I don't care what anyone says about discrimination, age is a big factor. I will be 58. This world is for the young, or at least they think so, they are the new HR's.
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Oct 22nd 2009 @ 8:28PM wendy bryce
Have you thought about childcare? I have worked in many childcare centers and am amazed at how many older (especially women are there). Age is an asset when it comes to caring for children, and they seem to enjoy the fact that older women are in the classroom.
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 8:32PM jude
i would love to go back at 52, but still paying off student loans from twenty years ago. Just to much to invest in a maybe.
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 8:34PM Sue S...
I have successfully worked from home for more than 10 years. It was the best decision that I ever made. Big companies such as Hilton and AT&T are cutting costs by hiring home workers. Cable/phone and hotel companies usually hire home workers for customer service. Also, the TV shopping shows hire homeworkers to take calls. You just know how to find these jobs. ( tr.im/BRIk ) has a FREE list of hundreds of LEGITIMATE work at home jobs offered by well known companies. These jobs do NOT cost you money. They are employment positions. You will need to cut and paste the above link for it to work. Good luck to all that are looking for employment.
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 8:39PM Terri
I know what you mean Janet. I went to school for Medical Assistant. After I needed to do an externship so I answered an ad for a local County Justice Facility. I completed my 3 month externship and realized that this was not the place for me therefore did not accept employment from them. I went from Dr.'s offices to Dr.'s offices with no success and I know it was my age because it was the same way at each one I went to. I was 56yrs old and just gave up, I'm now 65 and feel that no one will hire me.
Good luck in your venture.
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 9:28PM Farshad
Dear Janet
"This world is for the young." ???
I don't think so!
This world has been made by you, then you pass it to young. It belongs to you, still. Keep it or lose it, is up to you!
look at the whole picture, plz, differently.
Good Luck!
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 9:30PM Sue S...
I work at home and have never been asked my age. No one has ever seen me. Have you tried working at home? This site (tr.im/BRIk) has hundreds of free jobs. You will have to cut and paste it because this forum won't let me post full urls. There are everything from customer service to teaching jobs with Sylvan. Good luck!
Oct 24th 2009 @ 4:50PM Tony
Dear Janet,
It all depends on experience, education and the job one is aplying for. I went back to school at 39. Doing it part time, I finally received a Master's degree at 51. I was trainig coordinator for a state police agency and I retired 6-years ago. Recently, I decided to aply for director of trainig with another law enforcement agency. Guess what? I was offered the job. I am turning it down because I rather travel my last few years. I am sure that had I aply for a police officer's position they would rather hire a 25-year-old kid. Hang in there and don't give up
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 9:47PM earlymusicus
I know what you mean, Janet! I'll be finishing up a certificate program for medical transcription; I have 35 years of clerical experience and I have not been able to get another job. I'm sure it's because of my age. I'll be 58 in January, I still have work 4 more years before I can afford to retire and I don't know what I'm going to do if these classes I'm taking don't lead to another job. I've been hearing more and more about how the medical transcription work is being outsourced to India! Same old same old. You can have all the degrees and certificates known to academia, but if companies aren't hiring, those degrees and certificates don't mean a thing - especially if you're in your 50s. Age discrimination is real and it is ugly!
Oct 23rd 2009 @ 11:32AM Gary G
Janet
I have to agree with you 100% I have been going to school on line for the last three years. I have twenty six years in management and can not get a Job I believe its about my age I am 54. I even put in for a asst.manager job at subway and have never got a call.
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 10:13PM pierre
Age discrimination. I have long suspected that many laid off workers across disciplines & fields are 40+ years old. Too, I have searched for data or empirical studies that show whether there is significance or no signficance between age of unemployed worker and re-entry or non-reentry into the workforce as an employee? I believe despite anit age discrimination law that people/employers are discriminating against 40+ year old job seekers perhaps for economic reasons. I suspect that different from younger workers, older workers are not having the same opportunity to reenter the workforce at his or her previous pay level, instead if they are able to reenter, then they must take jobs paying much less. Many will give up on searching for jobs altogether. I've been on the end where the interview was with someone my son's age (25). I've been on the end where regardless of your previous work experience or degree you still have to take a computerized exam even before you get to interview with a real live person. How do you dress for success when your interview is with a team of individuals and the oldest on the search committee is 34? As I've read through the various blogs, I taken note that some will attempt beginning their own practice or small business. Okay, and just how will you finance that: were you a recipient of the Recovery Act (bail out) or will you be using much of your own savings (including savings from any retirement account)? Using your savings to start a business in your mid-50s or older, I think is fuzzy. No one can predict the economy. Your business will turn on your ability to get someone to purchase what you're selling (when they have money to purchase it). Meanwhile, you will have expenses, personal as well as business expenses. I've owned two businesses and I'll tell you, it's nice to say "I own my own business," but the sleepless nights and the many times I had to feed my business and my employees when I couldn't even eat. Forget vacations. And that was all when I was 30s and 40s. Think carefully about self-employment. Given the economy -- this may be disastrous. I also returned to school at 49 years old (now 51). Currently, I am working toward a Ph.D. However, through the years I've returned to school numerous times earning (J.D., LL.M., M.L.I.S.).
Now I hear "oh, you are over educated?" and I hear it from those who don't have a single degree all earning quite well. Sometimes I ask myself, why does my contractor or my plumber earn so much more than me? Am I the only one who values education? And what is the marketplace value of education? Yes, I enjoy learning. That's satisfaction. Each new learning (degree) allowed me the flexibility to go into a new path when I needed to. At 51, and still learning I'm doing so realistically no golden parachute. At the end of the rainbow, there is no pot of gold, but only a pot and thank goodness for the pot. Still, I encourage anyone thinking about pursuing education to "just do it." However, do it for personal reasons. At the end of the day, noone will value your education more than self.
Oct 22nd 2009 @ 10:16PM B.
Janet congratulations on furthering your education. Your age is a great benefit to the workforce and society. You have to believe it first and then you will project it to the world. I am 50 and i have had some challenges pursuing positions, but I know my value and my worth. You should make a list of all of the benefits of being an older worker; (ie, the ability to focus, you have real life experiences, you have work experience, you are more comitted to the job etc...) emphasize the benefits during your interview with employers. i wish you the best, remember it begins in your head. project it. Best of Luck.