Maybe you just started pursuing a college degree in your 40s and probably reconsidering your decision. Am I not too old for this? Is it worth it to be in college at this stage of my life? Even with help from the best dissertation team any student could wish for, you still don’t have that great feeling of being in college that other younger students have.
Anyway, you are not the only one with these thoughts either. But surprisingly, many people of your age are still in college. Many have also walked this path before and have proven beyond reasonable doubts that one is never too old to be in school.
Here are the major pros and cons of getting into college in your 40s.
Pros
1. Not Easily Distracted
If there is one thing that can cause a student to have poor grades, it would obviously be a lack of concentration. And sadly, it’s a common problem with many young students. Most of them haven’t had too many experiences or difficulties in life. But people in their 40s may have tasted the good and bitter side of life, knowing exactly what lies ahead of them.
The point is that someone older may concentrate on his academics better than a younger student who still feels on top of the world for being in college. And in most cases, many of the younger students in college struggle in their first year in school to concentrate better when they discover their grades aren’t good enough in the first year.
2. Possibility Of Switching Careers
Many older people have been able to switch careers successfully, and are now in their dream companies, holding a leading position or managing their businesses. It might not be easy, but going to college and acquiring a degree can create an opportunity to obtain even a better job.
Many people in their 40s didn’t have sponsors while growing up. So, they had to settle for a lesser paying job. But going back to college can put them in the right track. Thus, with a college degree and good grades, an individual in their 40s can still secure a better paying job, just like a young fresh graduate.
3. Opportunity To Move Up The Corporate Ladder
Many working-class men and women today are in college because they want to improve their current position. There’s no wonder that the one who doesn’t have a degree and another who does cannot be on the same level.
That is how the corporate world is. So, if you get into your current job and position without a degree, you can move up the ladder only when you eventually have one. All you need to do is to tender your degree when it is time for promotion – this will give you the opportunity to move to another position, which is higher and more rewarding financially.
Cons
However, some aspects can make getting into college in one’s 40s a regrettable one. For instance, that is a likelihood of burdensome loan debt, making it a huge risk because of the low prospects of getting higher earnings. And it is also possible that after graduation, finding a high paying job might be difficult or impossible.
But if you are working for a company that is ready to sponsor your education or have strong financial support, then getting into college at such age might be worthwhile.
Conclusion
There are two sides of this issue, and both are considered in this article. The thing is, education has no age limits. One can get into school in their 40s, 50s, 60s, as the case may be. The only thing that matters and can make getting into college at this age worthwhile is the focus or aim behind such a decision. Are you getting into college to obtain a degree that will make it easier for you to move up the corporate ladder, boost your earnings, or achieve a dream? If yes, then you should definitely go for it.