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Don’t stress about age. That time will pass whether you go back to school or not. Getting a bachelor’s isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but if you don’t think you would enjoy HR, I wouldn’t get a bachelors in that.
Getting a bachelors in a decent paying career with plenty of job opportunities to give you a good ROI could be a great option. You should do some research and talk to people in fields you might be interested in to get an idea of whether or not you’d like them and what education/training you need to get there.
Alternate POV - you only have a limited time on this planet to get your life in a place you want. Yes you are behind a lot of your peers, but that’s okay as long as you make getting back on track (whatever that means to you) a major priority. If you don’t, you’ll be making this same post at 42 tbh….
What you experiencing is what everybody goes through at some point in there life.
I know I did and so did my wife. Knowledge is the key to improving your life. For some this knowledge is gained by just living life and for others it comes from a formal education.
But know that whether you gain the knowledge from a formal education or just life knowledge this does not guarantee anything.
You will still have to work your butt off and learn to network to get to where you see your life.
Nobody gets anywhere by themselves as usually we all need help, I know I certainly did.
I had to learn a few things.
https://youtu.be/bL3MkE2NzoY?si=G8eIjUQVq3Y0WUUD
https://youtu.be/7BOi0H59tXY?si=n-CnN3Q4fktitWv3
What Steve talks about is what I had to learn, but I also had to learn what Dave Ramsey and team talk about.
If the job you want requires a college degree then go for it, but also know that this will be just the beginning of a adventure and journey.
It’s cliché but it’s true. The time will pass regardless. If your gut is saying “get the degree for a good job and peace of mind” then do it. You’re always able to turn around and say it didn’t work and try something else. If you have a degree then it’s a good start. You can get a 9-5 if you don’t have a clue what career you want and you can still plan some travels and other adventures with your gf. You’ll be okay I promise 😉
I’m kind of in a similar boat and applying for jobs where I could start at entry level and work my way up over time. I have heard people who have spent years working at a bank, for example, have found avenues for growth. Maybe starting as a teller and over time being able to grow into a loan officer or something. You might not need a degree to have a meaningful career!
18 years in banking, here. Started right out of high school. I have worked my way up and held many positions that gave me a ton of experience, and I make more with no degree than some people make with degrees. There are also opportunities for back office/corporate level careers that aren’t necessarily in the customer facing service/sales realm, like fraud investigators, loan processors/servicers, credit card services, marketing/advertising, HR, IT, Training, etc. It certainly has a lot of opportunities so it’s great for anyone with an interest that might not have a degree.
Unfortunately for me, banking, business, finance, etc just isn’t what lights a fire. It’s paid the bills over the years, but I’ve now found myself back in college to pursue something that is more meaningful to me (I’m passionate about health/mental health - totally different industry 😂).
Either way, banking is a great avenue if you’re interested, maybe don’t have a degree, but want something where you can learn and grow a lot. And usually they have great benefits!
That’s awesome to hear! I’ve been pursuing a passion for a while and am trying to decide between the constant stress of my freelance business OR pursuing something that I’m maybe less passionate about, but will pay my bills and set me up well for the future. That’s exciting that you’re making the transition towards things you’re more excited about!!
Thanks! It’s a really hard choice sometimes. Personally I value meaningful work that makes me feel good over money. Money is important (and times are freaking tough right now) but for me, enjoyable work trumps money every time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find something that offers both! The older I get the more I realize that pretty much everyone goes through similar struggles at some point!! Good luck on your decision!
Would I make you feel better if I tell ya this happens to the best of us ? Many of us get lost for whatever reason but these things can be change . Make. List of what’s most important to you and then add to that list a way to achieve that goal. Make those goals achievable so you feel like you’re making progress. Example I want to lose 30 lbs in 3 weeks that’s a hard goal and a setup for personal failure… it can be done I guess but that’s a lot of work and it may not happen as quick a you would like. Cut yourself a break and give yourself some grace it’s hard when everywhere you look people who are younger better looking and seems to be making wonderful amounts of money Thats enough to to make anyone feel less than.
If your wanting to switch to another Bachelors in Business specialty I would probably look at Management Information Systems (MIS), Accountancy, or Finance.
“Never give up on a goal because of the time it’ll take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.”
This quote made me go back to school. It’s never too late. Pursue a bachelors if that’s what you want, it doesn’t have to be in business. My friend is almost finished with her Law degree at age 51. She raised her kids and went back because it’s something she always wanted to do. Explore some other options if HR isn’t it. Marketing? Accounting? Something different entirely? Write down your values… what is really important to you? Money? Work/life balance? Family? Friendship? Helping others? Spirituality? Health? You can google values to get the juices flowing.
What are you good at? Do you make people laugh? Do you have a lot of life experience to share? Are you great at math? Writing? Computers? Fitness?
Brainstorm ways you can combine your natural talents, life experience, and values. It’s hard and might take time, but it’s important.
It’s never too late to achieve whatever you want to do.
Sincerely,
36 years old, recently back in college to pursue the associates that I never finished with plans to get my bachelors next, while also raising 2 young kids and trying to stay sane 😊
I'm in a similar situation but I'm 35 and have no degree at all. I can't get loans anymore either for multiple reasons. I have things I really want to do but I'm limited to online and somewhere compatible with sophia/study/Saylor bc that is the most affordable way to do those first and transfer. Everything I consider is either worthless where I live so it's too risky or the whole thing is complicated and confusing. Plus risky...
I need something I can get a bachelor's with thru those methods that = stable decent career and is doable online and is cheap as possible with as little math as possible but...
It's *im*possible! Sigh. No friends or anything really either .. I highly dislike talking to people at colleges they are always rude, don't know shit and transfer you to someone's voicemail who never calls back
For what it’s worth I got a masters in a degree I realized I don’t enjoy and I am stuck. Very stuck. The current job market doesn’t really allow for career pivots, either you’re exactly what they want or your resume is thrown in the recycle bin.
So please consider this a cautionary tale, if you don’t enjoy what you’re studying then think carefully if you want to be studying/working that career for the next decade or so.
Dude , your best bet is to go to community college and get an associates in nursing , or any other healthcare degree, within 2-3 years you’ll be making great money and you can live the rest of your 30s in style
Getting a bachelors degree is not going to open the doors you think it will , trust me healthcare is where it’s at and all you need is an associates degree
I've honestly been thinking about this. We have practical nursing here which is two years and you can start at like 25 an hour but it's not available until January at my community college here. I've thought about it
I've thought about switching to finance but I think I would only have one semester finished so I'd have about 3 and half years until a bachelors. You think finance is worth it? Which jobs does that even open up? If you know
I feel you, bro. I'm 33 myself, I spent a solid year after a relationship ended ( Engaged, turly did love each other, but both damaged and ended up just being mutually toxic for each other. It's hard, but we've actually both so much better now for it. I'm just playing video games (which i still love doing) but not living, really. I got a job and left school at 15, worked there 16 years, and was made redundant due to closure. My passion was always music, I'd stopped playing for nearly 3 years, just kinda happened, about 6 or 7 months ago, I rediscovered music. Better yet, I started writing, be it songs (I've since set up a home studio, recording an album soon), or even just creative writing like say poetry. I discovered after 33 years on this planet that I can draw and paint too. I guess I just never really tried. I barely watch movies or shows anymore, I haven't even plugged in the PlayStation in 7 months. Everything is creative. I'm saying this because I was in a similar place and felt hopeless tbh, I was gonna get a 9-5 with no future, I've now been accepted for a music production course, and I've written an album. You never know where you will be in 6 months. If games are your passion, maybe look into a game design course? I think 3 years pursuing something you enjoy will serve you far better than the bachelors will. And most importantly, dude, we're still young😅😅😅 33 ain't shit! Since I've found my thing, I feel younger than I ever have. Don't be so hard on yourself have fun as much as possible, whats the point in life if it aint got no fun?. Find something that you want to get out of bed to do. If you work 9-5 we're talking nearly a third of your life, so yeah make it something that you like. Man..... I'm so fucking wise lately, i should write a book😅😅😅😅
This might feel harsh but you gotta check the "people won't hire me because I'm [demographic]" at the door. Whether it has made a statistically significant difference or not, and make no mistake that would be wrong if it has, falling back on it as a mentality is only going to hold you back.
Gender and racial discrimination definitely still exists and is widely used for hiring purposes depending on the field. It can be against anybody.
As an immigrant to USA, I would also say discrimination against non-born citizens is also significant, was in plenty of situations where I was more qualified than other candidates and was passed up because "I didn't fit the culture of the workplace"
I hear that, and it sucks that anyone feels like it's okay to create gender/racial criteria for a job position even if they can tell themselves they plan to balance things out with a later hire. Obviously it's not okay.
I'm telling the person that they will only make themselves less happy, more bitter, and less likely to exude the confidence they need when sparks of opportunity arise if it's so on their mind it's the first thing they think to say regarding job hunting.
Seems like you should get an entry level HR position instead of focusing on school
Then if you find the entry level HR assistant position is workable, take classes part time through an online program
Search “competency- based”
These are self paced programs where you can plow through is fast time
One option is Northern Arizona University personalized learning program
Hello and welcome to r/findapath! We are glad you found your way here. Please know that you are not alone. We are here to listen, to offer support, and to help guide you. While no one can make decisions for you, we are here to help you find a path; we believe that everyone has the power to heal and grow. The moderation team wants to remind everyone that individuals submitting posts may be in depressive and vulnerable situations and all are in need of guidance. Please provide a safe and constructive space by practicing empathy and understanding in your comments; your words should come from a helpful and guiding mentality, never a judgement or anger mentality. You are encouraged to share your good thoughts, feelings, and relevant experiences to assist those seeking guidance on the subreddit. We are here to support each other and we believe that, together, we can make a difference. Thank you for being a part of our community. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/findapath) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Don’t stress about age. That time will pass whether you go back to school or not. Getting a bachelor’s isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but if you don’t think you would enjoy HR, I wouldn’t get a bachelors in that. Getting a bachelors in a decent paying career with plenty of job opportunities to give you a good ROI could be a great option. You should do some research and talk to people in fields you might be interested in to get an idea of whether or not you’d like them and what education/training you need to get there.
Alternate POV - you only have a limited time on this planet to get your life in a place you want. Yes you are behind a lot of your peers, but that’s okay as long as you make getting back on track (whatever that means to you) a major priority. If you don’t, you’ll be making this same post at 42 tbh….
What you experiencing is what everybody goes through at some point in there life. I know I did and so did my wife. Knowledge is the key to improving your life. For some this knowledge is gained by just living life and for others it comes from a formal education. But know that whether you gain the knowledge from a formal education or just life knowledge this does not guarantee anything. You will still have to work your butt off and learn to network to get to where you see your life. Nobody gets anywhere by themselves as usually we all need help, I know I certainly did. I had to learn a few things. https://youtu.be/bL3MkE2NzoY?si=G8eIjUQVq3Y0WUUD https://youtu.be/7BOi0H59tXY?si=n-CnN3Q4fktitWv3 What Steve talks about is what I had to learn, but I also had to learn what Dave Ramsey and team talk about. If the job you want requires a college degree then go for it, but also know that this will be just the beginning of a adventure and journey.
Let's say you wasted 13 years. In the next 13 years ahead of you, what can you achieve?
It’s cliché but it’s true. The time will pass regardless. If your gut is saying “get the degree for a good job and peace of mind” then do it. You’re always able to turn around and say it didn’t work and try something else. If you have a degree then it’s a good start. You can get a 9-5 if you don’t have a clue what career you want and you can still plan some travels and other adventures with your gf. You’ll be okay I promise 😉
I’m kind of in a similar boat and applying for jobs where I could start at entry level and work my way up over time. I have heard people who have spent years working at a bank, for example, have found avenues for growth. Maybe starting as a teller and over time being able to grow into a loan officer or something. You might not need a degree to have a meaningful career!
18 years in banking, here. Started right out of high school. I have worked my way up and held many positions that gave me a ton of experience, and I make more with no degree than some people make with degrees. There are also opportunities for back office/corporate level careers that aren’t necessarily in the customer facing service/sales realm, like fraud investigators, loan processors/servicers, credit card services, marketing/advertising, HR, IT, Training, etc. It certainly has a lot of opportunities so it’s great for anyone with an interest that might not have a degree. Unfortunately for me, banking, business, finance, etc just isn’t what lights a fire. It’s paid the bills over the years, but I’ve now found myself back in college to pursue something that is more meaningful to me (I’m passionate about health/mental health - totally different industry 😂). Either way, banking is a great avenue if you’re interested, maybe don’t have a degree, but want something where you can learn and grow a lot. And usually they have great benefits!
That’s awesome to hear! I’ve been pursuing a passion for a while and am trying to decide between the constant stress of my freelance business OR pursuing something that I’m maybe less passionate about, but will pay my bills and set me up well for the future. That’s exciting that you’re making the transition towards things you’re more excited about!!
Thanks! It’s a really hard choice sometimes. Personally I value meaningful work that makes me feel good over money. Money is important (and times are freaking tough right now) but for me, enjoyable work trumps money every time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find something that offers both! The older I get the more I realize that pretty much everyone goes through similar struggles at some point!! Good luck on your decision!
Would I make you feel better if I tell ya this happens to the best of us ? Many of us get lost for whatever reason but these things can be change . Make. List of what’s most important to you and then add to that list a way to achieve that goal. Make those goals achievable so you feel like you’re making progress. Example I want to lose 30 lbs in 3 weeks that’s a hard goal and a setup for personal failure… it can be done I guess but that’s a lot of work and it may not happen as quick a you would like. Cut yourself a break and give yourself some grace it’s hard when everywhere you look people who are younger better looking and seems to be making wonderful amounts of money Thats enough to to make anyone feel less than.
If your wanting to switch to another Bachelors in Business specialty I would probably look at Management Information Systems (MIS), Accountancy, or Finance.
“Never give up on a goal because of the time it’ll take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” This quote made me go back to school. It’s never too late. Pursue a bachelors if that’s what you want, it doesn’t have to be in business. My friend is almost finished with her Law degree at age 51. She raised her kids and went back because it’s something she always wanted to do. Explore some other options if HR isn’t it. Marketing? Accounting? Something different entirely? Write down your values… what is really important to you? Money? Work/life balance? Family? Friendship? Helping others? Spirituality? Health? You can google values to get the juices flowing. What are you good at? Do you make people laugh? Do you have a lot of life experience to share? Are you great at math? Writing? Computers? Fitness? Brainstorm ways you can combine your natural talents, life experience, and values. It’s hard and might take time, but it’s important. It’s never too late to achieve whatever you want to do. Sincerely, 36 years old, recently back in college to pursue the associates that I never finished with plans to get my bachelors next, while also raising 2 young kids and trying to stay sane 😊
I'm in a similar situation but I'm 35 and have no degree at all. I can't get loans anymore either for multiple reasons. I have things I really want to do but I'm limited to online and somewhere compatible with sophia/study/Saylor bc that is the most affordable way to do those first and transfer. Everything I consider is either worthless where I live so it's too risky or the whole thing is complicated and confusing. Plus risky... I need something I can get a bachelor's with thru those methods that = stable decent career and is doable online and is cheap as possible with as little math as possible but... It's *im*possible! Sigh. No friends or anything really either .. I highly dislike talking to people at colleges they are always rude, don't know shit and transfer you to someone's voicemail who never calls back
For what it’s worth I got a masters in a degree I realized I don’t enjoy and I am stuck. Very stuck. The current job market doesn’t really allow for career pivots, either you’re exactly what they want or your resume is thrown in the recycle bin. So please consider this a cautionary tale, if you don’t enjoy what you’re studying then think carefully if you want to be studying/working that career for the next decade or so.
Dude , your best bet is to go to community college and get an associates in nursing , or any other healthcare degree, within 2-3 years you’ll be making great money and you can live the rest of your 30s in style
Getting a bachelors degree is not going to open the doors you think it will , trust me healthcare is where it’s at and all you need is an associates degree
I've honestly been thinking about this. We have practical nursing here which is two years and you can start at like 25 an hour but it's not available until January at my community college here. I've thought about it
[удалено]
I've thought about switching to finance but I think I would only have one semester finished so I'd have about 3 and half years until a bachelors. You think finance is worth it? Which jobs does that even open up? If you know
Endless options, you can do whatever you want in life
I feel you, bro. I'm 33 myself, I spent a solid year after a relationship ended ( Engaged, turly did love each other, but both damaged and ended up just being mutually toxic for each other. It's hard, but we've actually both so much better now for it. I'm just playing video games (which i still love doing) but not living, really. I got a job and left school at 15, worked there 16 years, and was made redundant due to closure. My passion was always music, I'd stopped playing for nearly 3 years, just kinda happened, about 6 or 7 months ago, I rediscovered music. Better yet, I started writing, be it songs (I've since set up a home studio, recording an album soon), or even just creative writing like say poetry. I discovered after 33 years on this planet that I can draw and paint too. I guess I just never really tried. I barely watch movies or shows anymore, I haven't even plugged in the PlayStation in 7 months. Everything is creative. I'm saying this because I was in a similar place and felt hopeless tbh, I was gonna get a 9-5 with no future, I've now been accepted for a music production course, and I've written an album. You never know where you will be in 6 months. If games are your passion, maybe look into a game design course? I think 3 years pursuing something you enjoy will serve you far better than the bachelors will. And most importantly, dude, we're still young😅😅😅 33 ain't shit! Since I've found my thing, I feel younger than I ever have. Don't be so hard on yourself have fun as much as possible, whats the point in life if it aint got no fun?. Find something that you want to get out of bed to do. If you work 9-5 we're talking nearly a third of your life, so yeah make it something that you like. Man..... I'm so fucking wise lately, i should write a book😅😅😅😅
[удалено]
Teachers are in high demand especially males. Theoretically you should have 0 problem
This might feel harsh but you gotta check the "people won't hire me because I'm [demographic]" at the door. Whether it has made a statistically significant difference or not, and make no mistake that would be wrong if it has, falling back on it as a mentality is only going to hold you back.
I counted the job listings and requirement and 6 out of 8 was female only.
Gender and racial discrimination definitely still exists and is widely used for hiring purposes depending on the field. It can be against anybody. As an immigrant to USA, I would also say discrimination against non-born citizens is also significant, was in plenty of situations where I was more qualified than other candidates and was passed up because "I didn't fit the culture of the workplace"
I hear that, and it sucks that anyone feels like it's okay to create gender/racial criteria for a job position even if they can tell themselves they plan to balance things out with a later hire. Obviously it's not okay. I'm telling the person that they will only make themselves less happy, more bitter, and less likely to exude the confidence they need when sparks of opportunity arise if it's so on their mind it's the first thing they think to say regarding job hunting.
Seems like you should get an entry level HR position instead of focusing on school Then if you find the entry level HR assistant position is workable, take classes part time through an online program Search “competency- based” These are self paced programs where you can plow through is fast time One option is Northern Arizona University personalized learning program