It is never too late, people. But, then again maybe they don’t need to be if greater numbers of older women came forward to assert their place at this high table. Anyone else feeling marooned? Love Kiffy’s comment RE: prophet of doom. The book proposal for my thesis is almost ready to be sent out to the publisher and I have ideas for future books I yearn to get underway. I am now beyond retirement age at the same university in academic affairs filling my ideal niche (for me) – academic advising and affiliate graduate faculty. As a graduate of three different Unis, I get invited to alumni activities, but rarely go because I know I won’t know anyone. I just turned 58 and should be completing my PhD in about seven months. “A constant source of existential angst when you’re in the midst of it.” @cblatts on when one is too old for a PhD: http://t.co/lOobTgVvQj, When are you too old for a PhD? I’m just brainstorming, and I’m very much aware that there are $$$$$ involved in who gets access to what, so sharing of this kind might not work for economic reasons. Started my PhD at 28 (in statistics). This will serve you well, and make up for some of the disadvantages of age. I did much better this time for many reasons, mostly because I wanted to do well. I’ve just finished a masters degree and am hoping to start a PhD in October next year. One should not count a life in terms of decades of employment. Fantastic post, and galvanising, too. At age 48 I entered a PhD program in international and intercultural education at the Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California. http://t.co/qzqcGKQBiP” #PhD in soc sciences, RT @horatiurus: Very sensible advice from @cblatts: “When are you too old for a PhD? My Profs are very supportive but my brain feels like lead when it tries to grapple with this style, so unlike how I normally write! I’m just starting an MEd at age 49. What an ageist load of shite. I know several PhDs who have very secure teaching positions. http://www.secureassignmenthelp.com. Not truly relevant to most of the discussion, but my father has just passed his viva, aged 78, having started an MA when he was 71. By the time I finish next year, I’ll be eligible for a Senior Railcard, that gives me the same discount. I finished up in early 50s. Again I say to all older students — Go For It! PhD programs do not exist for personal fulfillment. 40 is absolutely last age for embarking on a full and meaningful three-decade career. To be sure to some extent but when it normally won’t want me I’ll make possibilities personally. I shall soldier on! They were hired at 50+ years. And now I would like to get into another PhD program. I completed my PhD in 2013 at the age of 59. You could combine all of your temporary, sporadic jobs into one long career as a consultant. What payback are they going to get from you? Hell, if you can keep one job in the same place for 10 years at a time then that CV thing is easier to do, now isn’t it. Pingback: Finance Phd Rank | visionsfinance.com, At age 54, and with 30 years of experience working in the energy and environmental consulting fields, I returned for a Masters in Public Policy at George Mason Univ in Northern Virginia near WDC. Case in point and I forget if I already stated this. 2. This was the game changer that enabled me to more than “glimpse” the underpinnings of all those limitations I had thought were self-imposed, justified or impossible to overcome but never were. It has been a learning experience . If you love the process and love learning — go for it. Don’t get hung up on age. Impacts of factory jobs on health and wealth, Reducing crime and violence via behavioral therapy, Bill Gates wants to give the poor chickens, but what they need is cash, Everything we knew about sweatshops was wrong, Strategies for reducing crime and violence in developing countries, Books development workers and academics should read. And I share all of the financial fears, which are very real. There’s business as usual: egoism, careerism, nepotism, ageism, classism, politics, gossip, backstabbing, prejudice, snobbery, fluff, etc. There will be some conceited moron who will have the brass stones to tell you whether you’re ‘past it’ even though they know sweet f*ck all about you on your own merit. Thank you so much for sharing. After all after reading the many posts, I may not be so different. Originally started out with extreme joy pursuing a BS in the last four years, but I must admit, I feel a bit uncertain. I also speak, write, and read fluently four languages, French, Spanish, Arabic, and English. It really wasn’t that difficult getting back into the swing of school (not having children at home made it much easier), but I really don’t think that I want to spend the additional 4-6 years getting a PhD. I felt far ahead of the younger students because I had real life experiences. As I am very busy in work, I attended the School of Law in the University of Limerick in Ireland, but only when essential (supervision sessions etc). I got my PhD in Finance and had experience consulting for banks and working at an investment firm. I was visiting our local art museum one day not so long ago. I understand that a PhD is important to you, but if you keep your current job and invest wisely you will be set for life before you are my age. Rgds. I do think older students can bring a lot to the program – I hope all adcom will give ignore the age factor. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! I have held full-time teaching positions in a couple of colleges. What do you think AFSAAP-ers? For a while I envied the younger ones who at least have a chance of an academic career, but like Lynne I now realise that they have a hard road ahead carving out a niche, whereas I can be an independent scholar without workplace politics and personalities etc. Age is no barrier to learning! – Chris Blattman http://t.co/eFSKE97KLf, RT @cblatts: When are you too old for a PhD? If you have an MA already, you might get away with a 2-3 year PhD at some universities (e.g. Thanks to readers for so many comments. What is striking to me is how simple-minded things like law school are at this age, when they are a challenge for kids in their 20’s and even real people in their 30’s. How could I regret that or the Herculean effort it took that showed me who I am? We are a cohort of opportunistic learners – leaving the comforts of regular salaries for the life of non-paid study – who will continue to bring valuable contributions to global societies for the next third of our lives. Research. How old you are when you start is irrelevant, what is relevant is that you continue learning. Pamela: I never thought of combining everything I did into a consulting position. It is far from the usual moonlight adjunct job. At 50, I’m starting my Masters in Accounting next month and plan to go straight into a Phd program afterwards. These two advantages count for A LOT. Arturo – I think the reason would be, as Nancy alludes to above, that they want to be associated with someone who becomes as prominent as possible, which is partly about total quantity of work (and more opportunities to write the quintessential home-run paper). Considered to be the best way to make money and do a,! 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