When are you too old?

February 5, 2008, 9:26 AM

This is about univeristy. Ive been thinking about going back and doing maybe a part time course and working as well. But Im in my early 20s now and my family frown upon those who wish to go on to higher education. But my aunt has gone back to college and still works. I envy her as she has 4 children, a prison job and yet she still manages to go and get a degree.

I want to go, but I think it maybe be too late. My current job is well, crap and I know if I wanted to go to uni, work would not be supportive if I wanted to do both. I want a degree in my back pocket as frineds who have have great jobs and are bringing money in. I want to be able to move into a home with my boyfriend and have a great job to help support us.

I was tempted to go to Manchester Uni this September, but Im terrified to ask for a loan again as I have to start paying back my student loan ack this April. Will they allow me to use them again if I want to go back to uni???

Any advice guys and is anyone here doing a course and working??

February 5, 2008, 9:35 AM

My friend is doing a college course and working & is also a single mum, I know it's not uni but Im sure you could work around it?

I actually want to go to college myself but Iv hit abit of a rut, not sure what I want to do plus I also quit my job so Im kind of at a loose end at the moment. My daughter takes up alot of my time but if theres an opportunity that comes along to better myself Im sure as hell gunna take it so I think you should go for it

February 5, 2008, 9:47 AM

There was a women at the lovely age of 55 in my last College course and is now attending Uni the last I heard.

Which reminds me I have to get back in touch with her, she was a right laugh on nights out haha

February 5, 2008, 9:55 AM

I'm doing a course, with a weekend job if that counts.
But you're certainly not too old. Someone on my course is 23 and is the manager at a major bar in town. There's also other people at the university who are in their 30s too. I wouldn't let your families views on it try and stop you from doing what you really want either.

February 5, 2008, 9:57 AM

It is never too late to go to a University. The main issue is the means. It would help if your employer was more supportive. You should never give up on a dream. I worked and attended University. I struggled working 30 hours a week and holding a full time study roster. I primarily supported myself on this. I did not need to borrow money. Fortunately, it was a state University, meaning the tuition was much lower than a private University. I managed to just about complete my education, with that schedule. But fortunately, a friend found me a better job. The job I carried did give me valuable experience. So I was able to obtain the better job. The employer also had a program where I did not have to pay for my education on my own anymore, as long as I maintained a 3.0 average. So for my last few courses, I went to night classes, so I could work fulltime with my new employer. So things do work out in the end. I eventually obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering.

February 5, 2008, 9:57 AM

Wow, well done Koloth! m currently doing 30 hours a week, but what annoys me as I was employed for a Monday-Friday position with them, but they said I cant do that, it has to be spred throughout the week as younger members of staff will complain I do only Monday-Friday. So yeah, I want a proper Monday-Friday job. Im sick of the managers there.

I do really want to do something with my life. I hate my current job and want to get a much better one that can help me and my future. Im not going to be in this job forever.

I wont need to move into student accomadation as I'll stay at home and travel to uni via bus or tram links. Thats a huge relief as homing in Bradford was ridic and took 90% of my loan!

But will the loan people take me on again?

February 5, 2008, 10:10 AM

I do not know the situation in your area. But some Universities around here have a job placement programs. Where they have contacts with employers that will give you the experience related to your course of study. I guess you would call it an intern program. Basically that was how I got my 30+ hour a week job. By the way, I did a lot of weekends on that job.

February 5, 2008, 10:18 AM

You can't be denied a loan, but depending on your age and financial status, it probably won't be under normal student conditions. Ie, there'll likely be interest to pay back too. You'll have to get in touch with your bank or whoever you lend off.

February 5, 2008, 10:40 AM

Ha! Too old?! HA! My mom went to college in her 30's. Now she's sitting pretty teaching sophomores in High School.

February 5, 2008, 8:12 PM

You are never too old! If you want to go back to University, you should definitely do it. It will, to use a horrible cliche, open so many doors of opportunity. I don't know much about financial aid (especially in the UK), but you could apply for loans or try for a scholarship of some sort if you're eligible. I say go for it. Screw what your family thinks! It's your life, not theirs.