You’re never too old to do a course!

Go for it.

I am re doing my gcse’s at 20, doing night coursers at college, There is plenty of older people from my age right the way to 55, Sure go for it.

You’ve got 20odd years of you’re working life left, do it otherwise you’ll still be in the same position in 10 years time with more new people coming in and progressing beyond you.

I went back to college to do my electricians qualifications at around 45. It was no problem. It helped that there were a few older guys on the course but it was good fun being with the younger lads. As someone who is reasonably academic I was able to help a lot of them out with the maths/physics bits. We got on really well and we always stop and chat when we see each other out.
What was frustrating was the fact that at 45 you’ve generally got the work ethic and want to get on with stuff. College can be a lot of sitting around, form filling and time wasting in between the learning bits.
New challenges are always good. Give it a go.
Rich.

Went on one a few years ago, retraining in machine joinery, 3 of us where mature, the rest teenagers,they thought we where the teachers, and some of those teaching us where in their twenties.

Twas an intresting time,2 lads got arrested for drug dealing,one of the lecturers nearly had a breakdown,used to be tested college exams, with your notes in front of you,all given a lecture about being sexist to women on first day, and how to behave in front of females.

I went to Uni in my 40’s and found it pretty easy to be honest. Enjoyed the whole experience and my degree got me to the job I am doing now.

I’ve taught older people on courses along side youngsters, and it really depends on the interaction between the two – some people are able to just get along and work with them, but I’ve had some people come in and try and play at being parents to them, which generally ends in failure, and is something I would avoid if I were you.

I had one mature student (on a degree course) complain that (during a break between 2 lessons) some of the other students were discussing lewd sex acts, I explained that not only do I not care what my 18 year old students talk about with each other outside the classroom, I certainly wouldn’t be doing anything about it – if they chose to sit with them (it was a town centre campus with lots of options to go elsewhere) then that was what you can expect from 18 year old boys. It never impacted on the actual teaching or work they were doing, but the person ramped p their opposition to young people being young people (e.g. that person has a hang over in your lesson etc.) and they ended up leaving because they didn’t feel that it was strict enough on the other students.

I went to Leeds met uni part time when i was 30-34ish it was great. there’s always someone who is a bit more mature so you tend to gravitate towards each other.

The brain soon picks up how to learn again!!

Go for it you’ll feel great when you’ve finished it.

Do it! Worst case scenario is that the other people on the course are a bit annoying, but you can just keep yourself to yourself. Even if the qualification doesn’t get you any specific job, it will at least show that you are still open to learning and can pass a course, and that you’re open to change.

Having done some professional qualifications as a (relative) youth alongside some more mature students and everyone got on well.

I too went back to college part time to do my Electrics C&G in my thirties. Best thing I ever did. There were two things that really struck me about the experience.

1. I really struggled through maths class when I was at school, just could not get it. Going back to college as an adult, it made so much more sense, it all just clicked. Maybe it was better teachers, and I have to say they were all great teachers, but from being something that I used to literally dread, it became something I enjoyed, so don’t write off your fears just yet. Lots has probably changed since you were last in a classroom.

2. I had the work ethic required to properly see it through as an adult. The kids didn’t really want to be there, and were more keen on dossing about, the older guys were there with a purpose, plus it was costing me money to sit in that classroom which was an incentive. I can’t tell you how great it felt to come out of that final exam with my head held high, knowing I smashed it, having put in all the hard work and effort. That was the best bit by far, and made it all worth while.

Do it.

Do it if you have the money and time.

Otherwise, life is too short to keep chasing career advancement.
Do something else to supplement that instead.