When do ya think it becomes unrealistic for someone to go to college for the first time or go back, graduate, and expect to get a job without hurdles?

[Anonymous]

24-26

27-29

30-35

36-39

40-44

45-49

[jennifer_bloom]

I did not go to college to get a job, I did it because I believe in improving yourself, mentally, socially, nutritionally, relationally, behaviourally, psychologically, and strategically.

[exitseven]

I say it is after 40. Nobody will hire somebody pushing 50 for an entry level job.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO

[AI Opinion]

Age alone doesn’t make college unrealistic; clarity and strategy do.

In my 20+ years advising adults, I’ve seen people start or return at 30, 40, 50+ and land good roles—but only when:

1. The degree is tied to a clear job path with demand.
2. They leverage prior experience, not “start over.”
3. They network and build skills *while* studying (internships, projects, certifications).
4. They know the likely salary and hiring realities upfront.

Hurdles increase after ~35–40 in some fields (entry‑level corporate roles, elite finance), but many sectors value maturity: healthcare, education, tech specialties, trades, HR, project management.

[Nikki1989]

That is unrealistic at any age.