Is it ever truly too late to go back to school and change your life?

Question

Honest answers.

People say oh people go back to law school at 50s etc.

Yeah but how realistic is that, some people may be able to most won't.

I just can't live with regret anymore. But I'm also not sure if it's too late to change my life and I should just accept it as is.

Also FYI was very education focused until something happened that changed the rest of my life. Too depressing to talk about the deets

unknowngirl18 · Accepted Answer

I went back to school when I was 23, graduated with an AS and transferred to a UC. In community college there were a lot of people my age so I didn’t feel left out at all! Most went to a state college or got jobs. Now that I am in UC, it’s been hard. It gets lonely.. everyone is 18-22 years old. I also have a daughter, so, I feel SOOOOOOOOOOOOO old compared to everyone. However, I am pushing through and will be graduating with my Bachelors and hopefully will pass the LSAT to go to law school! Some important things to keep in mind is my fiancé pays ALL the bills, I help when I get my financial aid. It’s hard but I wouldn’t be able to live with regret that’s why I went back! I hope this helps you somehow & feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Rei13 · Accepted Answer

Personally I feel like a college is a scam unless you’re going for the medical field etc. Both my partner and I make decent money without a college degree, either around the same or more than a lot of people who do. So it isn’t the end all be all

Otherwise I don’t think it is ever too late to go back. It certainly gets harder to go as you age but if it is something that will enrich your life go for it. My dad went to college around 30 to become a RN and he did really well for himself

Telekinetic-Potato · Accepted Answer

Plenty of people constantly go back. For all different things too. Doctor, nurse, truck driver, lawyer. If you're really smart you'll become a therapist and move to a city that's basically an infinite money glitch.

When I lost my health insurance the lady I was seeing made so much money she didn't even say anything to me about options until I ran up a tab for over 3 months. She just smiled at me and said I can keep seeing her until she finds someone sho needs her more. Which never happened. I left after a while because of how ridiculous it was getting.

ammar12343 · Accepted Answer

I went back to finish much later. I’m 32 and finishing my last semester of graduate school. It’s always possible, but it’s not practical at a certain point. I wish I had realized my potential at a younger age, because I would have gotten my PhD. But with two kids, and the missed opportunity cost of earnings for four more years, it no longer makes sense. I really debated this for a long time trying to rationalize it. I love learning and academia, but it becomes more and more impractical as you age.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

I’m in my 40s and work with students from teens to their 70s. The pattern is clear: it’s rarely “too late,” but it *is* different.

Ask yourself:
- What do I want my days to look like at 55–65?
- What lifestyle and income do I actually need?
- How much debt/time can I realistically take on?

Often the best path isn’t “all or nothing law school,” but:
- Shorter, targeted programs or certificates
- Careers adjacent to what you wanted (e. g., legal support, compliance, policy)
- Part-time or online study

It’s not too late; it’s about choosing a version that fits your current reality, not your 20‑year‑old self.

ArrowheadSW · Answer

I had to have a talk with someone who wanted to go back to school at the age of 48 to do something that would have required 6 years of college. It would have exhausted her savings that she had and she would have had to start over financially. I told her to make up for the financial loss and to start saving again for retirement she would be looking at working until she was 70. Plus, she was already making decent money at her current career.

ohsheeT · Answer

You know what it doesn't even matter what people think it only matters to you what you think it only matters because you have to fulfill your destiny and become who you want to become and if that takes going back to school then that's what you have to do don't worry about what other people think Marie what's in your heart who you are what you're all about and where you want to go in this world you have to be disciplined and if you're disciplined go for it life is too short become the best you can become and if that's what it takes do it

OlderAndWiser · Answer

I started law school when i was 28 years old. I received student loans, i worked part-time. I live in university housing. I driver am old car. But i never asked my family or friends got one dollar. I graduated on time, with honors. If you want it, there is a way to make it happen.

AviatorTom · Answer

It's never too late to do something you want to do, so long as you are physically and mentally able. That includes going back to school and studying what you want to study.

One word of caution though: When you go back to school, remind yourself that you are no longer 20 years old. You probably shouldn't be participating in college sports, especially the contact kind. 😏

molonski2 · Answer

I did this in 50s because it was requested , they " paid " so I was fortunate , and my degree was streamlined though mutual recognition , I also did like " finishing school " at the same time ( rain in Spain stuff ) , that was also paid for ( very expensive ) and I loved doing that , still use everyday..

So all my study was for a reason , not just ":hit and hope " , so it was all well worth it , and was really good , plus in 50s the goals are different.

SamIam96 · Answer

If you're asking the question, then yes, it's too late. You aren't truly interested.

To use your example of people who go to law school in their 50s. They have a passion for the law. They're not slogging through school. They're loving it.

Get a babysitter and pursue what you love -- because you love it, not because it's the degree you should have gotten before "something happened".

genericname85 · Answer

Yeah cause you're investing a considerable amount of money. And at a certain age, that's just not financially viable anymore cause you won't make enough money in the rest of your life to get a return on your profit. I think the latest where it could possibly make sense is 60. Like at that point, you're not even gonna make back what you lost. Probably not even if you literally work until you die and never retire.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't mean to offend you but you can certainly go back to school... but it doesn't mean you will have an equal chance at competing for prestigious jobs at 50 compared to 30. Employers will always hire the one who is younger, has more of a lifeline to dedicate to the company than someone who will retire in a few years.

whocares1972 · Answer

I went back to school when I was 45 year's old. I was offered an apprenticeship in the trades industry, and I jumped at the opportunity. One of the best decisions I've made. I love my trade and I'm the only women in the company. 🦺🥾😎

exitseven · Answer

I went back to school to train for a second career in IT when I was almost 40. I won't lie to you, it was not easy but it was one of the best things I ever did. Just make sure the course you take is something that is in demand

Anonymous · Answer

No. But there comes a point when it's not economically advantageous anymore. I mean you can go back to school at 40. But lets say you finished at 44. You now have on the avg. 23 working years. Considering the cost of tuition and the evaporating job market due to AI you have to really weigh the pros and cons in my opinion at some point. And i'm the last person to discourage education. Education is never a waste.

NathanDavis · Answer

there's plenty of people out there... who go to med school and become doctors when they're 40's and that's not an easy road nor a short one either... and they still manage to do it

Nikki1989 · Answer

It is never too late to try and move forward and learn new things. Don't listen to the lazy sods who can barely move off the couch.

Dargil · Answer

Some professions are more tolerant to entering them late. For others, it is upgrading it which is important. Like going from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree.

Smileygirl2000 · Answer

What do you mean is it too late? At the end of the day you're going to get older regardless of if you go back to school or not. So why would you hold yourself back?

Purpleronnie · Answer

Well the spirit of what you’re talking about I agree with completely. It’s just the practicalities that are going to present the hurdles

RichardCranium6201 · Answer

Yes, there is a time you become ' to late' to change your life. And that's only in death. It doesn't matter how old u are, if your eyes open for the day, then it's never to late.

MissSunshine2 · Answer

No, you're never too old to fall in love, marry or get more of an education. Knowledge is power.

abc3643 · Answer

It's never too late to learn, period. And, very likely, it will change your life for the better in some way.

MelaKnee · Answer

Not really. It depends on how much energy you have later in life and how much energy you're willing to put into your studies. Of course there are also economic concerns too.

Jersey2 · Answer

So are you jn your 50s and want to be a lawyer or was that an example. You are listed as 30 to 35. That is different. What degree are you thinking of taking? Why are you doing it? Money?

kaucky1 · Answer

Yeah while growing up they really knew who I really was and never told me eventually found out thirty later gotta cover tattoos get to that playground make myself 🤔middle school or high school late 1800's-futurae

WhitneySnow · Answer

It’s never too late. What do you want to go back for?

Just_Ken · Answer

Considering most people won't be able to retire until 90 its worth going back.

Iron_Man · Answer

I knew a waiter at a Mexican restaurant he went back to school in his 40s and changed his whole career around

Anonymous · Answer

I have finished school and I couldn't continue back then so it took me a while to go back to adapt to it. If you can pursue your studies then go for it if not wait until you really can.

In_Trance · Answer

You truly want to do this and if so why? It seems like you're just looking for something to do because you're bored

Mathiew · Answer

Everything's possible in this magic world. But I think, without knowing it all, that it's like restarting the skills trees of Civilization game. Also, I think upgrade class at the university would be much better.

AngryCarl3 · Answer

It's never too late while you have your health.

Massageman · Answer

No. Movie with Bing Crosby proves it - "High Time".

noohair · Answer

The only person that you can fix is yourself. That can be done at any age at any time. You don’t need school.

Godihateyou · Answer

You should never go to school. The price is no feasible for what the jobs pay, plus AI will make you unemployed in 2 years. Go to trade school.

Malwi93 · Answer

why not, like if u 30 u still got 40 years to go so gotta manage it somehow

msc545 · Answer

If you can afford the time and the money, it's never too late.

robocop666 · Answer

no too old do an apprentice as a chef or barber those jobs are in HUGE demand

_Jenny_ · Answer

Sure, I would like to but it’s expensive

MrChinaski · Answer

I'm in college now. Enjoying it.

Anonymous · Answer

No it's not, but still, you need luck.

leviopperman · Answer

it's never too late. you can do it!

munsonsie · Answer

What a lame troll story.

beenherebefore · Answer

I don't think so.

Is it ever truly too late to go back to school and change your life?

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