Going back to college
By sodapop
@sodapop (977)
United States
April 4, 2008 8:51am CST
I went back to college at the age of 45. It was the hardest thing I had ever done, but well worth it. All the kids were real supportive and the professors were too! Now I have made up a new resume with my degree on it and employeer's look at it and some have laughed that it "took me so long to get my degree". I was floored with that comment. How would you have responded to it?
2 people like this
4 responses
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
5 Apr 08
I would have been very direct and I would tell them when I started college and I when I finished. And if they thought it was too long , then I would stand up and walk out.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
6 Apr 08
The main thing is that you went to college, not when you went to college.And there is a place that will respect your efforts and not demean it. I wish you luck in finding the right place. Follow Your Bliss. Take Care.
@Writerbob (572)
• United States
4 Apr 08
The problem is that if you respond with anything it will be viewed as a negative. This culture worships youth, and basically discourages older citizens from engaging in the activities (education, starting a new career) that are typically associated with youth. Yes, they will blather on and on, but it is all rhetoric - we (I turn 50 this year) are marginalized in the marketplace, and this disregard is growing.
I would like to have a cheerier outlook, but I would be untruthful.
@Writerbob (572)
• United States
4 Apr 08
That is all so true! If I were starting up a business, I would put a premium on hiring only 45 plus people. I rarely find anyone interesting under that age, no matter how astonishingly beautiful, seductive, etc. they are. On the bright side, I just received my AARP card. YAY!!!!
@sodapop (977)
• United States
4 Apr 08
True, that's why I didn't respond. I lost my job, so I had to changeev careers. It is so hard to get anybody to even give me an interview when they see my age. I just want to scream at them and tell them that older employee's are more relieable, my children all all grown so they don't need to worry about me calling in because my child is sick!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Apr 08
Well even though you may be seething inside from such a remark, I just let it pass or say something like "Better late than never" I would think that so rude though, you should be proud of yourself that you did go back to college and got your degree..so don't let some jerk employer's remarks get to you
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
4 Apr 08
I wouldn't have said anything because at least you got your degree. I think your really brave to go back to college and do this it takes a lot of courage to do that. I was actually taking a math class spring '07 and there was this lady who was older than 45 and was taking that math class and getting her degree. I was really happy and proud of her for taking the steps she need to, to get her degree. It's better late than never. The employeer's that said that must have been really ignorant.
@sodapop (977)
• United States
4 Apr 08
Thank you...I think it is going to become more common as the baby boomers need to switch careers in mid-life. That is what happened to me. It is very hard starting over. What was really weird about it was I had two sons in college the same time I was in college.
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
4 Apr 08
Your welcome and I wish you the best with all of this and this new chapter in your life that you are beginning.
