Am I too old to be starting from the bottom?

[Latecomer]

I'm 23 and still have 2 and half years on my degree, basically just starting out on the physics side, I came over from CS after a few semester. My school is mostly a commuter school but I would say the average age in my course is my age if not older. Like I said who really cares how old you are, no one is ever to old to learn. Might some 18 year who thinks he's too cool snicker at you? Maybe, once in awhile but really that is the least of your worries. I you can manage it then do it, who ever said they regretted getting an education?

Yeah, I'm not sure why I was getting so worked up about it. This post helped me sit back and laugh at myself and lighten up a bit. Thanks

 

[Latecomer]

Never ever give up on your dreams. Go for it but plan wisely. Where are you currently located, state wise? Try talking to some local public uni's and see what opportunities are available.

Best of luck!

I'm in the Chicago area, so I've got the benefit of having many schools in the area. UIC offers a physics bachelors, U of I downstate has physics and astronomy, U of C has astrophysics (pipe dream that I'd get accepted there though) and I know there's many other opportunities in the area too. I admit that I haven't done my homework on all the 4 year uni's in my area though, and I haven't talked to any of them yet. I was going to take every science, math, and general class that I can at my local community college while I still have to take classes part-time at night, but I do definitely need to start talking to the 4 year schools though.

 

[physchic]

I appreciate the post. I've only got one boy, but my wife has mentioned wanting a girl . That would slow things down again, but there's always ways to make it work, I suppose.

I guess my worries sound a little unfounded and silly when I sit and read them. It seems like the older students is a lot more common than I thought. 30 is right around the corner, though, and I think when I turned 29 it just hit me like a ton of bricks that I had made zero progress on my education yet.

Congrats on nearing graduation! Someday, hopefully, I can tell someone the same...

It's true that there are always ways to make it work, and it revolves around having a REALLY supportive spouse. I think your worries aren't unfounded so much as focused on the wrong issue...it's true that you'll have more logistics to work out than the average undergrad/grad student, but it can certainly be done. Part of the reason I wanted to post is because I needed someone to tell me it was okay to be "old" back when I started! I spent way too much time worrying about it. What I should have been worried about was what my true passion is...it sounds like you have that figured out. Your self confidence will improve as you continue to do well in classes.

I get that hitting 30 can be a big wake-up call...mine came at 25 when I felt like I was starting over. But hey, "they" say the 30s are the new 20s right?

 

[[Quadratic]]

No matter who you are, where you're from, how old you are, my advice would always be to follow your dream and to hell with anyone that doubts you.