[shakespeare47]

I'm 52 and working on my master's degree. I just finished my bachelor's degree last year.

I'm 48 and working on my 2nd masters. I got my first masters at 39 and my bachelors at 26. There's no such thing as a traditional student anymore. Learning is for everyone, at any stage of their life in my opinion.

[seesaw]

That's great, shakespeare. I'm not sure why you call it nontraditional though. Many people go back for a masters or higher degree after getting work experience. I have a B.A., and M.F.A., and I'm going back next year to do a doctoral program. I'll be 40 when I start.

[nicoleflynn]

Started college at 62!

[shakespeare47]

I've been referred to as a non-traditional student a few times- by acquaintances. I do feel out of place sometimes. But, then again lately- I've noticed that some of the quieter students are also around my age.

It's 2019. Time to let go of the old stereotypes we were raised with -- that traditional students were in college from 18-21. That does not happen anymore as the norm. Many people go back to school later in life. Don't let that label negatively effect you. Wear it proudly. The next time someone refers to you that way, you could always turn it into a positive, "That's right. And I'm fortunate that I got to experience a lot of life b/c its helped me appreciate academic learning so much more."

When my class of 1992 graduated, I had to watch all of my friends graduate with their college degrees. I had taken time off for personal reasons. I returned back to college the year my brother was a freshman and graduated with him and he's 4 years younger than me. Talk about humiliating but I did it b/c I wanted my college degree. I got over it quickly. Then decided, I wanted to go back to school to get a graduate degree in my 30s and so I did. Now I'm in my late 40s and getting another masters degree. I don't care if people judge me b/c they don't know me. Everyone is on their own path, you know? No one is on the same path. Everyone is unique. Enjoy your path!

[BehindtheScenes]

I have going back to school for an Electrical Engineering degree in my mid-30s on my to-do list. Definitely looking to make a full-blown career field change soon. I also think that you know yourself so much better when you are in your 30s and beyond compared to the traditional college ages of 18-22.

[Nightsong]

I'm only 28 so not sure if that qualifies, but at 18 I was in no place mentally to tackle college. I dropped out after only a semester. Now, ten years later, I'm back. Taking night classes, working through it carefully at my own pace. I regret nothing.

[bpforever1]

I thought about receiving a second bachelor's degree but my former pdoc thought it was not a good idea at my age- 50's. I don't know how others are paying for their education but, right now, I have no debt. Thus, may be I will keep it this way.

If you want to get a second bachelor's degree, I think you should explore your options. Don't let your psychiatrist have that much control over your life's choices. Frankly, it's your life.

[lizardlady]

I got my BA in my 20s. Went back in my mid40s for some undergrad classes with an eye to a master's in something totally unrelated to the BA. I felt a bit odd the first day thinking I was old enough to me TV he mother of most of my classmates. I found I was more focused than the younger students. Got my MA and made a significant career change. I'm happy as a clam.

[WastingAsparagus]

@shakespeare47


Congrats on receiving your bachelor's degree. I also just received mine. I consider myself a non-traditional student though I am only 26. I more considered myself non-traditional just because of my mental health concerns and things like that and I didn't really take the traditional path. But then again, I have to question once again what a traditional path is. The quest for knowledge, I believe, is lifelong.

[bpforever1]

Originally Posted by StreetcarBlanche

If you want to get a second bachelor's degree, I think you should explore your options. Don't let your psychiatrist have that much control over your life's choices. Frankly, it's your life.

I've decided to self-study and become an interpreter/translator. I have to pass some exams but it's better than incurring a huge debt and doing something totally different. But, thank you for your advice! I think it is wonderful that others are returning to school to pursue a degree. Best Wishes!

[ellipse23]

I completed my master's at the age of 32. I am now considering doing a PhD. Depression has taken a toll on my work output but I'm still trying to push through.