That said, I know nothing about the hospitality field or job market. But more education should be fun and fruitful.

1. You'll appreciate its value.

2. You'll bring life experiences to it.

3. You'll get out of a rut. Nothing like change to recharge the batteries.

4. What's your age have to do with it? There are people in their seventies and eighties going to school.

Back in 2009. In May of 2012 I completed a Master's.

Both experiences were professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling. I say go for it.

I went back for my master's in my 40s and it was one of the best things I ever did. It was hard at first, but then I felt really "smart" and so proud of myself to be able to complete such a difficult program (at my age!).

If you can manage it, you will be glad you did. I promise! Best of luck to you!

You will have such a leg up on the young kids if you already know your field. You will, of course, still have many new concepts to learn, but not nearly as many.

If this will allow you to earn more money and will give you a return on investment all the better.

I have gone gone to college 3 times. The traditional 4 year B.S. starting at 18. Then I went back in my late 20s and got a B.A. in a totally unrelated field in a year. Then I went back around 40 and got another degree in a year.

And each time I went back it was somewhat intimidating sitting with the 19 and 20 year olds, but I wasn't the only older student, and in fact the 2nd time I was probably about 4th or 5th from the oldest in the program I was in.

college level certifications and designations. Good luck?

Go for it. I'm working on my degree now and I ain't no spring chicken.

You're never too old and you might find through your course work new interests and other things about yourself as you grow. I went back at 35 and it was the best thing I ever did. If you decide to pursue it, best of luck to you!

goes along with it.

Go show those young'uns how it's done!

I went back to school at 50. Still working on finishing up my degrees. I enjoy it, it's nice to get out and about, and the studying will keep you focused!

Last edited Sun Aug 12, 2012, 01:21 PM - Edit history (1)

I went back to school at 45. Got my BA at 47 & my Masters at 49.

and ohiosmith brings up an excellent point. definitely ask your employer if they have some sort of tuition reimbursement/assistance program.

I'm a bit scared - I was a goof-off in college and got average grades for barely studying. So I don't want to go back for another degree and waste money knowing that I still don't have good study habits. So I'm thinking of taking a language course (Italian) and if I can do 1-3 semesters with nothing lower than a B then I might consider it. If I slack off again then I know it's not for me.

Wilmington University has this excellent Government and Public Policy program I would love to take.

We shall see.

My daughter is studying for her master's degree. She is 56 and teaches at a charter school. Once she completes her masters, she will be earning $3,000 more per year.

Graduated with highest honors. The sense of accomplishment alone made it worthwhile.

Lost my job in manufacturing quality/production operations and decided to go back to school for a B.S. in Managerial Accounting. I was an "average" student in my previous college career but this time around I just dove right in. (Less distractions) I ended up with a 3.8 GPA and every course was in accounting/cost accounting.

The most difficult thing was finding work in the field after graduation. Very few employers are interested in a 48 year old entry level worker. Luckily I found a great small manufacturer willing to take the chance and I LOVE my new work. For the first time in decades I look forward to Monday morning.

The degree could do good things for your earning potential. Go for it!

You've undoubtedly got many more years of productive life to go, and as I recall you were recently disappointed by being declined for a 'management' position. (Excuse me if I'm mistaken.) You're clearly committed to work in that area generally, so I'd go get it, and have nothing to regret in your senior years.

I am all for getting more education at any time in your life.
I would just like to suggest that you not go into debt to get it at this point in your life during this financial crisis.

Ten years ago, I would not have said that, but these are trying times we live in.

As an older individual, I am personally seeing more discrimination against older workers than ever before, and my I also have
some friends who are more your age who say they are experiencing the same thing.

I do truly hope it works out well for you and it leads to more opportunities.

I was in school back at that age, getting my RN after having been an LVN for a couple of years. It sure as hell was worth it!

Any time you can open a door for further life opportunities, you should go for it.

Go for it!

But don't expect it all to be a walk in the park...

Managing study around work is always more complex than anticipated, and having been out of the study groove for a while it can be difficult to get back into it...but engaged, motivated, mature students can perform very well, gain lots from the study (often more than the 18 year-olds), and be excellent assets to the course they're studying on.