Is getting a college degree worth it at my age / circumstances?

[china mom]

I am 57 years old and have already retired once. I am working full time for the health insurance and spending money but have no desire to advance in my career. Plus, there isn't really anywhere here to advance to. I plan to stop working altogether within the next few years. This is my last job. Therefore, a college degree is of no use to me career wise.

I recently went back to college to finish my Bachelors degree for the satisfaction of knowing I have done it. I have taken three classes and have exactly four left. I have a scholarship so each class is only costing me just under $600 - all books are included. And, frankly, money is not an issue.

So, this weekend, DH made a snarky comment about my going back to school. He doesn't understand why I feel the need to do it and thinks it is a waste of time and money.

What do you think?

 

[RedAngie]

You go, girl!!!

Do it for your own satisfaction!! Ignore old sourpuss.

 

[CynBeth]

I think it is wonderful that you decided to finish your degree. I know plenty of people who went to college for one thing but are working in a totally different field some even got a masters.

 

[Christine]

If it's not costing you and you enjoy, you should do it. I never finished mine (fortunately it was not a necessity) but it always bothered me (and still does) that I didn't get it. It was a goal of mine and it's one that I failed. I am also 57 and very well advanced in my career. I'd like to work another 5-7 years and it's embarrasing to me to apply for jobs now and not have that on my resume even though I'm very proficient in my area, I'm a manager, and I know how to run things. In other words, I don't need it. I attempted to go back and complete the degree about 3 years ago and I found online learning to be a "drowining in PowerPoint" thing. At $1500 per class, I was discouraged. So I stopped again and will likely never finish. But it I weren't paying, yes, I would do it.

 

[Disneylover99]

It’s worth it to you.

 

[macraven]

I think if you want to learn more, age does not matter
You are doing this as it’s a good thing to keep your mind active and learn all you can

 

[JenBush]

A lot of people spend money on things (hobbies, special interests, etc.) that don’t have any benefit to their career or financial future. If you want to finish your degree just because, and money isn’t an issue, I say do it.

 

[Princessclab]

Apparently your husband needs an education on critical thinking skills and how to better support his wife's personal growth.
I think it is fantastic you are doing this for yourself. What was the snark really about?
Congrats on doing this, you will not regret finishing; it is an acheivement not everyone has done.

 

[RedAngie]

Never mind your age. Occasionally there are photos of 75+ year old great-grandmas at graduation ceremonies finally getting the degrees that were previously denied to them. Go for it!!

 

[White Cat]

Probably a waste of money but not a waste of time.

 

[starvenger]

If I were in your shoes I'd do it for the satisfaction of completing it as well.

 

[Karin1984]

When I was in university we had a classmate, a woman in her 50s / 60s. She was interested in the classes and subjects taught, so she signed up.

 

[Karin1984]

Probably a waste of money but not a waste of time.

Isn't personal development worth money, regardless whether or not you can earn it back?

Is doing something you enjoy, getting satisfaction from gaining knowledge, etc. something you can put a price tag on?

 

[martikus]

Only 4 classes left? Goodness yes finish it and be proud. Even if you never need it for a career it’s a great accomplishment and you are so close!

the state I live in gives 60+ free tuition so we have several return to college to get degree.

 

[TwoMisfits]

My 65+ plan is to audit law school classes for free at the law school down the street...I'd do it now, but it's not free til 65. I figure I'll do as much to earn a "in my head" degree, so 90 credits worth, even if it gets me nothing, b/c I always said I'd go to law school...

So, no, your desire is not silly - it's personal growth, even if there never is professional growth...

 

[GAN]

If it's not costing you and you enjoy, you should do it. I never finished mine (fortunately it was not a necessity) but it always bothered me (and still does) that I didn't get it. It was a goal of mine and it's one that I failed. I am also 57 and very well advanced in my career. I'd like to work another 5-7 years and it's embarrasing to me to apply for jobs now and not have that on my resume even though I'm very proficient in my area, I'm a manager, and I know how to run things. In other words, I don't need it. I attempted to go back and complete the degree about 3 years ago and I found online learning to be a "drowining in PowerPoint" thing. At $1500 per class, I was discouraged. So I stopped again and will likely never finish. But it I weren't paying, yes, I would do it.

I wouldn't let it bother you too much -although I get it. In the end, college degree or no not, it sounds like you have a good career ...that's the goal. I have a degree but wouldn't judge a resume based on that at all. I know as many successful people with a degree as without -and many much more well-off than I am. I'm 58 and think about going back to school once and a while -not for a career change and money, but more to do something different for the rest of my life. I had several opportunities while in college to continue on to law school but I passed at the time because I wasn't fully interested ...now I think about it as something to do in "retirement." I realized it's in my blood and can't escape it...LOL. Today, I just advise on all of my daughter's escapades(nothing too serious!)....

 

[Micca]

You want to do it, you have the time & money. Certainly not a waste of time and don't be so sure about how things are going to work out. You don't need the degree for your job, but maybe something else falls into your lap because you got the degree, or an acquaintance from a class wants you to help start a business. At the very least, you'll know more answers to Jeopardy questions if you get the education.

 

[BrianL]

It doesn't sound like at this point you need the degree, but if you want it then more power to you. The satisfaction will be worth it! As you said, it's not a big cors and you are so close - finish those last few classes and be proud of your accomplishment!

 

[Michigan Minnie]

Learning is good at any age. My grandmother went back to school & got her High School Diploma at 82

 

[disneychrista]

I just got my Business Management certificate in the spring. I’d planned on getting the AS degree but they changed the core requirements. And I have no desire to take English. I always thought I’d go back and get my BS but never got around to it, work & kids kept too busy.