Is 31 years old too old too go back to school?

[Thesimguy]

Hello. I am turning 31 this year. I am asking if 31 is too old to go back to school? I have not been in school since Mid 2011 ( June ) and I barely could get my high diploma. I used to get bullied a lot in high school and had some family issues going on at that time that affected my ability to get good grades. I was a below average in all of my classes since kindergarten. I was always anxious and depressed during high school years so after high school I did not attend any community college or university. I know it's fair to say that it's going to be 14 years later that I want to return to college in June of this year 2025. I've always had problems focusing on my assignments and I could never concentrate I think it was the fear of always getting bullied in class. so can I have chance here to go back school? I am thinking of applying to my local community college i would love to sit in class. ask and answer questions. learn something new. be productive smarter and efficient. I want to relieve those good moments I had in school so bad. I am not interested in making friends or becoming cool. i just wanna learn and move up the ladder to hopefully one day get a masters. most of the times I have nightmares of me getting bullied in high school and it actually lead me to develop depression since June mid 2011 but it's gotten so much better this year. I got my motivation back to return to school. it always makes my day just to think about it. any suggestions will be highly appreciated on how I can prepare for my return to school since I haven't been in school in almost 14 years. Thank you so much for taking your time to read my question.

[OneViewpoint]

Why are you going back to school? Personal goals? Or financial gain?

What sort of school are you considering, trade school, community college, Ivy League?

What sort of degree are you interested in, history, computer science, art?

I ask because if you are hoping to upgrade your financial future, you have already lost 10 years of experience and career experience. You will never get that back. So if you're considering a 4 year degree at a university with a $200,000 price tag you will have 10 years less to make that pay off for you. So does it make sense to go $200,000 into debt, graduate at 35, and have maybe 25 years to make that work for you?

Not if you're considering a history or art degree. You'll just end up buried in debt and financially less well of for life. But maybe a computer science degree could pay off. Although you don't sound like a top tier programmer. A trade school could pay off for you with a much lower up front cost and solid career opportunities. Or a community college business administration degree is another path that may pay for itself with a back office job in lots of companies. However those jobs are threatened by AI over the next 10 years.

You'll need to look at the cost vs the benefit and personal enrichment and the maybe 25 years you'll have in the workforce after graduation and decide if going back to school will work for you.

[exitseven]

No, I went to college late in life. i went at night and it took forever. By the time i got my MS in Computer Science and was ready to begin my career in IT I was almost 40 years old. I am really glad that I did it.

Now I am teaching computer science at a college after having a career in Network Administration.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[jennifer_bloom]

If you are productive before and after your degree, then no age is too old to go back to school. My dad has a friend who got a PhD in Chemistry and went back to school in his 40s to 60s to get an MBA degree and then left his chemistry job to manage an investment banking company in China with thousands of employees beneath him.

[Valdemort]

You're fine. I've done three separate studies and always had classmates ranging from 17 to 64.

Personally, I loved having people in my class who were a bit older cause they bring new insights many people late 10s/ early 20s don't come up with.

That said, you're doing this for yourself. Future you will be happy you did.

[AI Opinion]

It's never too late to return to school, especially when motivated to learn and grow. At 31, you bring valuable life experiences that can enhance your educational journey. I suggest starting with your local community college—it's a supportive environment to ease back into academics. Consider counseling services for any lingering anxiety, and explore resources for adult students. Refresh your study habits and focus on subjects that excite you. Remember, education is a personal journey, and your determination can lead you to success. Embrace this opportunity to learn and achieve your goals.

[LadyBecks]

I don't think it's ever too late. I know quite a few people who went back to school for one reason or another.

[Abbycado]

Nope, it is never too late to further education.

[beefcakebradybatson]

Nonagenarians (ninety-year-olds) go back to school, so a 31-year-old lad shouldn't be apprehensive, Thesimguy.

[Anonymous]

I am in the same situation as u. Please chase your dreams. Don’t give a shit about people. Don’t bother fitting in. You have one life. Live it

[Opinion Owner]

I too am and was a victim of bullying. It has affected my cognitive ability a lot. I used to be so smart but now I am not

[DishLady]

Nope.

[In_Trance]

no it's not