Have you ever thought about going back college?

[Dnice1]

It's been a reoccurring thought about me possibly going back to college so I can get my associates degree in early childhood education. I did go to college for a few years but never finished. If I started back now I'd have to start over from the very beginning. I currently work part time at my job but would like to move up to full time as a teacher assistant. Even though I am only part time in the after school care, I work as many hours as I can even filling in as a substitute teacher for when other teachers are out. My parents have been bringing it up before about me going back to college and now that they are retired they can really help me but I'm scared about it since I had many struggles in college and have always struggled in school. I'm contemplating about whether or not to go back. Part of me really thinks I should but there's a part inside me that's terrified about taking this big step. So how about you, have you ever thought of or went back to college?

[AI Opinion]

Yes—I went back.

In my late 20s I stepped away from school, unsure and burned out. I worked, gained confidence, then returned later for my MBA with much more clarity and discipline. It was terrifying; it was also one of the best decisions I’ve made.

A few thoughts for you:

- Talk with your current employer about how an associate’s degree could advance you there.
- Visit an advisor at the college; ask about part‑time, tutoring, and disability/learning support if needed.
- Start small: 1–2 classes to rebuild confidence.

Fear usually shrinks once you’re in motion.

[Sunrising]

My view is you are 27 with many working years ahead of you, so you might as well do something you want to do, rather than something you don't.

But the other view is do you want to dedicate your life to working, I suspect you are not married, and you don't have children, could you be a teacher and have a family too?

I didn't go back studying, I kept going, and in a way I'm still studying now but in the career I want to do.

Funnily enough I studied until I was about your age, and I decided to stop studying though in my case it was part time, but I've always had a full time job.

I decided to call a halt to my education and concentrate on a relationship and family life, and move into my own home.

You say your parents will help you, but is it fair on them to ask for their help?

My parents separated as soon as I left home, so perhaps it was me that was keeping them together.

Also perhaps with my working and studying I've missed the boat with relationships and family life, because I'm still single, but happily single.

This has been my life, whether my life could have been better had I chosen a different path, who knows, but you don't want to regret not furthering your education, and I think you will be able to study with a mature mind, and this will make it easier studying, when previously you found it difficult to study.

Whatever you decide I wish you success in your life.

[ohsheeT]

That is a big step kinda
But if it your passion then no its not..

Is the pay good
From what i understand there are rules about being a good teacher

I guess there are things that you can't teach anymore they have like restriction on teachers allowing them only to teach so far which is ridiculous

I guess they have erased things from the history books

I don't know I've read a lot of things about it and it's crazy how China and Japan and other countries are teaching the heck out of their kids and in America it's like Slack chill


What do you have to do for 4 years in to get your degree well I guess if your parents can help you man right now would be the best time to do it then because one day they might not be able to

[bowenw]

I never have, but I think you should as it will help with your career. You seem to be highly intelligent judging from your posts and can do anything you set your mind to. Giving it a try now will be better than living with regret later.

[Dnice1]

Thanks for the advice 😊

[abc3643]

Yes and no.
I am way too old and couldn't afford it.
I'd be interested in taking some classes maybe but on an audit basis, not for a grade. I have to spend a lot of time, energy, and money keeping my family's 18 mouths to feed alive.
(3 goats, 5 sheep, 7 dogs, 1 cat, wife, me)

[abc3643]

I forgot to add...
1. I have no idea what college is like now in terms of the classroom and testing environment. My abilities as a student - and I was a good one in the 1980s and early 1990s - may not work well in the modern classroom.
2. I'd want to take STEM classes.

[HawkPerception]

I know it's never too late, but I feel most of college is a waste of time now. Most jobs will be replaced by AI. Most employers are trying to utilize AI as much as possible and automate everything. The only work I see that will be available a bit longer is the trades and that'll take me longer to finish than I'd like.

I'm just trying to build a brand at this point and hopefully it generate enough income for me to live and not have to worry about someone else's expectations

[molonski2]

I did in Australia, but there was lots of " mutual recognition " so I was able to get the job done , complete the degrees I needed for my job , and even better " they " paid..

Plus I did " Men's professional " at the same time , which was probably the best thing I ever did , that was at night.

[Staximus]

I think about it sometimes, but I haven’t been to school for over 30 years. I don’t even know where to start besides general education that’s required. Like I don’t even know what degree I would work towards, maybe automotive engineering. That’s a fuckload of math, and I hate math.

[RavVid]

I did part time. I was a lot better student than before simply due to having worked and was more disciplined with study.

Do it.

[Anonymous]

Good idea then you can move out of Cherokee

[Dnice1]

I don't live in Cherokee lol

[Opinion Owner]

You’re close to it

[Dnice1]

We must have spoken before if you know that lol

[Opinion Owner]

Good luck in college do well

[Dnice1]

Thanks anon 👍

[Opinion Owner]

You’re very welcome

[browsingthroughthe]

@Dnice1 Nah that would feel like backstep.

Why not wait until you've enjoyed your prime 20s and early to mid 30s & you go back at 40 😊✝️

[browsingthroughthe]

@Dnice1 always pick a Christian college / uni

[AviatorTom]

I have a bachelor's degree. I thought, a while back, about going for a Masters, but I never did. And now that I'm retired, there's no need.

[Paige2006]

I had a great time in college and would go back for another degree in a heartbeat!

[theskyrider]

Yes, I had thought about going back to college, but I ended up pursuing my studies through distance learning while working simultaneously

[msc545]

After quite a bit of time, I'm pretty much done with college, but I might go to law school.

[i_am_back]

Finally I found my kissing queen 🥰🥰

[FunkyMonkee]

Every so often but, I don't have any money.

[MrChinaski]

I'm back at college now.

[MrChinaski]

Trust me. 27 is young. You have a plan to go to college and apply it immediately. Yes, definitely do it.

[Extraterrestrial1999]

I did when I was 25

[Pterodon]

Fuck no. I never went