OT: Adult Colleges

[T-Bone]

After my recent bullshit termination from my job, I decided to go back to school!

I'm 35 and have a wife and 2 year old daughter, so I need to somehow sustain a little income with a job of some kind while going to school if my unemployment is declined. I "WAS" looking into places such as ITT, National American University After seeing what NAU and ITT were charging per credit, I've decided to skip them. I'm looking into a few others all aimed at ADULT learning. There's a few tech colleges as well as community colleges in my area. I'm in Minnesota just south of the Twin Cities metro area. I'm looking into PC related fields such as Networking, Programming, I.T., and similar fields.

I want something career based where I won't have to waste time dealing with generals that have no application in my field of interest.

Anyone here ever go back to school for a career change or midlife crisis? Any national schools? Good bad experiences?

[stevew2]

Maybe try Adult Movies

[Peartree12249]

After my recent bullshit termination from my job, I decided to go back to school!

I'm 35 and have a wife and 2 year old daughter, so I need to somehow sustain a little income with a job of some kind while going to school if my unemployment is declined. I "WAS" looking into places such as ITT, National American University After seeing what NAU and ITT were charging per credit, I've decided to skip them. I'm looking into a few others all aimed at ADULT learning. There's a few tech colleges as well as community colleges in my area. I'm in Minnesota just south of the Twin Cities metro area. I'm looking into PC related fields such as Networking, Programming, I.T., and similar fields.

I want something career based where I won't have to waste time dealing with generals that have no application in my field of interest.

Anyone here ever go back to school for a career change or midlife crisis? Any national schools? Good bad experiences?

Hey T-Bone, I just wanted to give you some encouragement. There is life after unemployment. I have been "downsized" twice in the last 7 years. I was over 50 at the time, we had just built our dream house and although my husband worked, I was the main wage earner and we could not survive on my husband's check alone. I know how stressful and depressing that can be. If you think positive develop a plan and keep focused on your goal you will be successful. Good luck to you.

[T-Bone]

I'm already very focused... Looking for jobs in the last 3 weeks since my initial suspension, I came to realize almost everything out there requires some sort of degree. Anything that didn't requre one paid $8-12 an hour... Sorry, but after making over $20 an hour for the last XX years of my life, $8-12 won't cut it. Between daycare and gas driving to these jobs, I've end up with about a $5-7 an hour job. Not worth my time...

I'm also very lucky to have supportive family and friends. My parents were well aware that we can't go on my wife's income alone, and they have a big house, so we're moving in with my parents until I get done with school. It sucks at age 35, but it's basically temporary and it also makes me push even harder to get this degree. It'll save us alot of money between rent and house bills such as cable/phone/internet and electricity. We're also going to call GMAC and tell them where they can stick my wife's leased G6 since they don't want to work with us on anything. They can auction it and we'll pay the difference, but it'll be less than if she kept it and continued paying.

In the long run, this is the way it has to be. I had a "lucky" job that paid me good for the degree I don't have. Not everyone gets a good paying job without some sort of degree these days. I will not be in this situation again. At least I'll have an education to fall back on.

[T-Bone]

Maybe try Adult Movies

I did, but the actressess ended up crying because it hurt too much. I got blacklisted.

[Rhiannon]

In the long run, this is the way it has to be. I had a "lucky" job that paid me good for the degree I don't have. Not everyone gets a good paying job without some sort of degree these days. I will not be in this situation again. At least I'll have an education to fall back on.

I'm one of those lucky ones getting paid for a degree I don't have as well, I hold my breath sometimes... but thankful I don't have any responsibilities other than to myself. I'll be fine whatever may come, not worried about it. BUT, don't be so hasty with the degree will save you either, great to have yes! But not a sure thing in itself. A friend of mine has an MBA, he works in a toll booth. My Starbucks barista has a Bachelor's in Psych. Most of my peers from high school resorted to grad school in this economy out of sink or swim chances.

Good luck to you Bone.

[Peartree12249]

I'm already very focused... Looking for jobs in the last 3 weeks since my initial suspension, I came to realize almost everything out there requires some sort of degree. Anything that didn't requre one paid $8-12 an hour... Sorry, but after making over $20 an hour for the last XX years of my life, $8-12 won't cut it. Between daycare and gas driving to these jobs, I've end up with about a $5-7 an hour job. Not worth my time...

I'm also very lucky to have supportive family and friends. My parents were well aware that we can't go on my wife's income alone, and they have a big house, so we're moving in with my parents until I get done with school. It sucks at age 35, but it's basically temporary and it also makes me push even harder to get this degree. It'll save us alot of money between rent and house bills such as cable/phone/internet and electricity. We're also going to call GMAC and tell them where they can stick my wife's leased G6 since they don't want to work with us on anything. They can auction it and we'll pay the difference, but it'll be less than if she kept it and continued paying.

In the long run, this is the way it has to be. I had a "lucky" job that paid me good for the degree I don't have. Not everyone gets a good paying job without some sort of degree these days. I will not be in this situation again. At least I'll have an education to fall back on.

You are lucky to have parents that are there to help you out. Hang in there, it will get better.

[Lula]

i received both of my degrees after the age of 30. community college is the way to go for gen ed classes and the aa degree. if you need more than an aa or certificate in a field, transfer to a 4 yr for an undergrad. you might be surprised at the number of older students in class. check your state for grants. since you are on your own you might qualify for stuff. good luck and go for it.

[SherriBerry]

I can tell you a B.A. is only useful if you plan on going into a government job! Your best bet may be to look into which jobs have a strong growth rate and are projected to be in demand in 5 years - you don't want to get a degree in a field that will be shrinking by the time you get out of school. I don't know which fields are growing in the US, but there should be at least a few websites with stats that will show you where you should focus your interest. From there, you can look into which schools will train you for that field. Good luck!

[artist4perry]

After my recent bullshit termination from my job, I decided to go back to school!

I'm 35 and have a wife and 2 year old daughter, so I need to somehow sustain a little income with a job of some kind while going to school if my unemployment is declined. I "WAS" looking into places such as ITT, National American University After seeing what NAU and ITT were charging per credit, I've decided to skip them. I'm looking into a few others all aimed at ADULT learning. There's a few tech colleges as well as community colleges in my area. I'm in Minnesota just south of the Twin Cities metro area. I'm looking into PC related fields such as Networking, Programming, I.T., and similar fields.

I want something career based where I won't have to waste time dealing with generals that have no application in my field of interest.

Anyone here ever go back to school for a career change or midlife crisis? Any national schools? Good bad experiences?

I did........graduated May 08. I am still looking for a teaching position. I was layed off at a job because I got hurt on the job. I was considered an outstanding employee until I got hurt. Then she had stupid complaints. The manager said I was acting too much like a teacher, (I was a janitor, and had to watch the kids every day, 300 kids mind you, before school started) So I became one. Cannot wait till I get a job at a school full time. Maybe at a school she cleans.

It wasn't easy but I stuck to it and was on the Chancelors and Deans list. I think you are more focused at this age, though my memory was not as strong.

[Sarah]

Good luck, man. I graduated from UCLA last year and I've been unemployed since January. I've only gotten a couple of interviews. It's pretty lame.

[T-Bone]

That's why I'm looking into IT and Networking. Even with the economy as it is, EVERY college I've inquired with so far have all said that those fields have still been growing and placement is almost 100%. Sounds future-proof enough for me

[Duncan]

Good luck T. I am one of those people who left school with no qualifications , but have done ok despite that. You could do that in my day.

Times have changed and I worry what the future would hold if i lost my job. Even going back to school, how can a newly qualified graduate in their mid forties compete with someone in their early 20's?

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Now playing: Tony Bennett - Marry Young

[Gordon from Edinburgh]

[quote="Duncan"]Good luck T. I am one of those people who left school with no qualifications , but have done ok despite that. You could do that in my day.

Times have changed and I worry what the future would hold if i lost my job. Even going back to school, how can a newly qualified graduate in their mid forties compete with someone in their early 20's?

Hi Duncan - you might be surprised - older folk (like thee n me) can be considered attractive as younger folk (I'm generalising here) tend to be less reliable than people who are a bit more "settled" in life - i.e. less likely to come in with a hangover or think its ok to phone in sick cos they got wrecked the nite before etc. My office just took a guy at 51 who was amazed to get the job - but he is a great guy, very sociable - never late, works hard etc - but he can still drink with the best of us on a friday night...a mix of ages tends to create a better work atmosphere too - so my company have it well sussed.....so, T_Bone - good luck man, but something will come up. Some good qualifications can be had on the side - like financial planning certificates, or whatever they are called in the colonies........

[Duncan]

Good luck T. I am one of those people who left school with no qualifications , but have done ok despite that. You could do that in my day.

Times have changed and I worry what the future would hold if i lost my job. Even going back to school, how can a newly qualified graduate in their mid forties compete with someone in their early 20's?

Hi Duncan - you might be surprised - older folk (like thee n me) can be considered attractive as younger folk (I'm generalising here) tend to be less reliable than people who are a bit more "settled" in life - i.e. less likely to come in with a hangover or think its ok to phone in sick cos they got wrecked the nite before etc. My office just took a guy at 51 who was amazed to get the job - but he is a great guy, very sociable - never late, works hard etc - but he can still drink with the best of us on a friday night...a mix of ages tends to create a better work atmosphere too - so my company have it well sussed.....so, T_Bone - good luck man, but something will come up. Some good qualifications can be had on the side - like financial planning certificates, or whatever they are called in the colonies........

I want to work for your company. where do I send my CV?

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Now playing: Josh Rouse - Princess on the Porch

[Gordon from Edinburgh]

Good luck T. I am one of those people who left school with no qualifications , but have done ok despite that. You could do that in my day.

Times have changed and I worry what the future would hold if i lost my job. Even going back to school, how can a newly qualified graduate in their mid forties compete with someone in their early 20's?

Hi Duncan - you might be surprised - older folk (like thee n me) can be considered attractive as younger folk (I'm generalising here) tend to be less reliable than people who are a bit more "settled" in life - i.e. less likely to come in with a hangover or think its ok to phone in sick cos they got wrecked the nite before etc. My office just took a guy at 51 who was amazed to get the job - but he is a great guy, very sociable - never late, works hard etc - but he can still drink with the best of us on a friday night...a mix of ages tends to create a better work atmosphere too - so my company have it well sussed.....so, T_Bone - good luck man, but something will come up. Some good qualifications can be had on the side - like financial planning certificates, or whatever they are called in the colonies........

I want to work for your company. where do I send my CV?

Ha ha. The nearest offices would be Brentwood or London mate - its an american asset management company.

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Now playing: Josh Rouse - Princess on the Porch

[Duncan]

Good luck T. I am one of those people who left school with no qualifications , but have done ok despite that. You could do that in my day.

Times have changed and I worry what the future would hold if i lost my job. Even going back to school, how can a newly qualified graduate in their mid forties compete with someone in their early 20's?

Hi Duncan - you might be surprised - older folk (like thee n me) can be considered attractive as younger folk (I'm generalising here) tend to be less reliable than people who are a bit more "settled" in life - i.e. less likely to come in with a hangover or think its ok to phone in sick cos they got wrecked the nite before etc. My office just took a guy at 51 who was amazed to get the job - but he is a great guy, very sociable - never late, works hard etc - but he can still drink with the best of us on a friday night...a mix of ages tends to create a better work atmosphere too - so my company have it well sussed.....so, T_Bone - good luck man, but something will come up. Some good qualifications can be had on the side - like financial planning certificates, or whatever they are called in the colonies........

I want to work for your company. where do I send my CV?

Ha ha. The nearest offices would be Brentwood or London mate - its an american asset management company.


Oh, that sound difficult. If it involves more mathematical ability that knowing your 2, 5 and 10 times table then I would probably be out of my league.

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Now playing: FM - Caught In The Innocence

[DrFU]

i received both of my degrees after the age of 30. community college is the way to go for gen ed classes and the aa degree. if you need more than an aa or certificate in a field, transfer to a 4 yr for an undergrad. you might be surprised at the number of older students in class. check your state for grants. since you are on your own you might qualify for stuff. good luck and go for it.

aaaaaaaw ... love the new av, Lula ...

What she said; go for it; college is not just for 19 year olds anymore & with the economy the way it is, there are more "nontraditional" students than ever.

[SherriBerry]

Good luck T. I am one of those people who left school with no qualifications , but have done ok despite that. You could do that in my day.

Times have changed and I worry what the future would hold if i lost my job. Even going back to school, how can a newly qualified graduate in their mid forties compete with someone in their early 20's?

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Now playing: Tony Bennett - Marry Young

Many of the people I work with are in their forties and fifties and are much better employees than the kids in their twenties. They tend to work much harder, are reliable and responsible - I think it's because they have responsibilities of their own, like a family to support or mortgage payments. The younger employees are more likely to move away or find something else, but the older employees tend to stick with a good company and are a better investment for the company. My boss recognizes this and I think more employers do too.

The main problem for job seekers in their forties or so is when they have as much experience as the person doing the hiring, because they will look at you as possible competition for a future promotion, but right out of school you aren't a threat to anyone. And life experience, maturity and knowledge can be a huge asset. If anyone is thinking of going back to school, don't let age be a factor - go for it! If 65 is still the general retirement age, a person who graduates at 45 still has a good 20 year career ahead.

[Sarah]

That's why I'm looking into IT and Networking. Even with the economy as it is, EVERY college I've inquired with so far have all said that those fields have still been growing and placement is almost 100%. Sounds future-proof enough for me

Well, not for me. Maybe it's just cause I don't have a degree in it (though several years of helpdesk experience), but that's what I've been trying to get hired in for 5 months now.

[RedWingFan]

That's why I'm looking into IT and Networking. Even with the economy as it is, EVERY college I've inquired with so far have all said that those fields have still been growing and placement is almost 100%. Sounds future-proof enough for me

The place I work just laid off my favorite IT guy.

[Blueskies]

You can never get too old to learn. Best of luck to you in your new beginnings, T.

[T-Bone]

That's why I'm looking into IT and Networking. Even with the economy as it is, EVERY college I've inquired with so far have all said that those fields have still been growing and placement is almost 100%. Sounds future-proof enough for me

The place I work just laid off my favorite IT guy.

But not every company is on the way up right now. In "general" the IT/Programming/Networking field is moving up and forward. That IT guy probably has a education background and now some experience as well, so he has plenty of other doors open for him.

[artist4perry]

You can do it, and you'll do great. I beleive you are more focused later in life, young people are too into checking out the hotty next to them to do well in college.

We are rooting for you!

[Don]

Get your A+ certificate, it's quick and pretty cheap. Also knock out an E-commerce class or two, also quick and easy. If you can get a help desk job even at 12 bucks an hour, that will help when you finish up with the programming course because you'll be well rounded, tech wise, unlike the other programmers looking for work fresh off of graduating.

[T-Bone]

I'm actually looking more towards the Networking side than the programming side. Career opportunities are about the same as is the pay. I prefer more hands on hardware rather than writing code all day Also looking into the 6 month Cisco certificate as well to add to the AAS degree for the regular networking

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

I'm actually looking more towards the Networking side than the programming side. Career opportunities are about the same as is the pay. I prefer more hands on hardware rather than writing code all day Also looking into the 6 month Cisco certificate as well to add to the AAS degree for the regular networking

Pick up some project managment skills as well whilst you are retraining in IT. IT project still fail all the time , and anyone with a few PM skills will increase his marketability exponentially.

[MidNightTrain]

I'm actually looking more towards the Networking side than the programming side. Career opportunities are about the same as is the pay. I prefer more hands on hardware rather than writing code all day Also looking into the 6 month Cisco certificate as well to add to the AAS degree for the regular networking

I have a master's in Information Technology which is not worth much. I would go with the certification route. The IT field is more interested in experience and certification than an actual degree.

[hoagiepete]

If you can be trained to be a really good IT guy...you could go far. Very far.

Good ones are hard to come by. I've fired the last three guys that we used as I grew weary of paying over $100 an hour for them to stare at the computer screen and scratch their head. Each time we hired a new one, they charged us several hours to "fix what the last guy screwed up." I almost think networking is more of an art than science.

Good luck as you work through this tough time. By the way...don't laugh, but there are some excellent opportunities in construction, commercial construction anyway. The workforce is aging and the skilled trades pay pretty damn well (with bennies).