Thread: Old gal thinking of going back to school

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So here I am 43 ...one son will be off to college in the fall and one son will be a sophmore in highschool. I cant believe how quick the time has gone by. I have to say looking back I did everything I wanted to with them. Got to stay at home during the early years like I wanted and managed to get a job that allowed me to attend every single one of their school functions from little kindergarten plays to major musical competitions and Water polo matches. I am proud to say i have not missed one event. Had the sleepovers, the parties, camping, did the baseball thing, the soccer thing the swim team thing, all the great trips you take when they're young. Everything a mom would want to do Ive done and have loved every minute of it with no regrets.

Tonight however I decided to do something I have wanted to do for a very long time. I contacted a University about going back to school Thats right me 43 thinking of going back to school !!! OMG what am I thinking??? Well I guess it cant hurt to get some feedback from them as to what my options are. I realize this is a weird thing to post on a Halloween forum but I didnt know where else to turn. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK??? I mean am I crazy?? Should I just enjoy my life as it is I mean why would anyone at my age decide to do this. I have a great life, great kids, great hubby! I guess Im just looking for some feedback. I am so nervous, any encouragement would be great and hey if you think im making a mistake I would like to hear from you too

Do it! Do it! Do it!
You will never regret it, but you'll always look back and second guess yourself if you don't. What are you looking to study? Is this for a bachelors? masters?
I waited several years after completing my under grad to get my masters. My work place paid for a good portion of the credits so it made the deal sweet. I say go for it. You'll love it!

Obviously if you had just wanted to enjoy your life...with great kids and hubby....the thought of going back to school wouldn't have come up. Something's pulling you in that direction. Go for it. Start off with just a class or two and test the waters.

I've gotten both of my degrees later in life. One was even in a foreign language. The advantages of going back to school later in life is that you understand yourself better and don't have all the distractions. And I think I read somewhere that people who continue learning (using their brains) have a lower incidence of dementia.

MsM

standing up and applauding.....
I say go for it! You sound like a great mom; devoting yourself to your children. It's time to do things for yourself now. I can smell the freedom!!! And spend more time together with the hubby, too. The roles of mom and wife are so different. Start making that transition to full- time wife.
You'll be surprised how much you enjoy learning now that you're older than when you were forced to in high school.
In 4 years (or less) you'll have your degree. Turn 47 with a degree, cause either way, you'll still turn 47. Would hate for you to look back and regret not doing it.
just my 2 pennies.

Yep, behind you all the way on this one. I think it's wonderful and exciting!

Go Go, Girl! My son got his Master's Degree last Spring. He's 30. I expected to see a bunch of kids his age graduating. Was I wrong. The majority of the graduates had greying hair, receding hairlines, middle-age spread and teenaged kids in the audiencen. It was very inspiring to see that, and to share in the experience - people following up on their dreams. If they can doit, you can do it.
My daughter's husband is going back for his Phd. They will have to sell their house (my Daughter's house, if you wanna get technical) to pay for it. he's been accepted all over, and they haven't decided on Harvard or Stanford. They live in Vancouver, so the West Coast would be nice. Whatever. It calls for sacrifice, but the rewards will be worth it.

Go for it Spooki! I got my GED at age 56!

I can not tell you how much all of your words of encouragement mean to me! Seriously I am sitting here reading all of your posts and have tears in my eyes. Your words are very encourageing and exactly what I needed to push me foward. I am definately meeting with an administrator soon and am going to look into getting started this summer
AAAAAAGH I am so nervous I hope I can do it, my brain is not as quick as it use to be

About 6 years ago, my sister went back and got her Masters at age 52. Then she took state tests to become a LCSW and now owns and runs an alcohol and drug rehab facility. http://www.aboveitalltreatment.com/
It is proof to me that it is never too late!

That is great! Go for it! Maybe it's because I work with the elderly, but I consider 40s young.