[Indiana Bones]

Today I sat an exam. And as I was leaving, I had a bit of a self crisis thinking to myself 'I'm just too old to be sitting exams!!!!!'
I am studying to hopefully become an anthropologist. Or archaeologist. I am in my second year. I am also 32 this year. I am also off campus, distance student.

I didn't go to uni when I was younger for a wide range of issues, but mainly related to finances.

I am starting to feel that I am just becoming 'too old' to be taken seriously once I graduate. I expect to be around 35 ish when I do. I also want to try to get into Honours and hopefully do a PhD, but I'm just a bit depressed at doing this in my 30s when I'll be competing with students a decade younger than me for potential jobs.

Am I being silly? Am I stupid in thinking I can career change when I'm in my 30s, with no experience in the field?

[whipmix]

No way!
You are never to old to learn, we are always learning.
In terms of jobs, you may be a little old than others applying however you will have that maturity and life
Experience which I think is a huge positive.
Good luck with your studies!

[melaine]

Not at all!

I studied at the same age - and wasn't the oldest in my course. Back in the old days when I did my original degree we had a number of 'mature age' students who did very well and have gone on to have fantastic careers after graduating in their mid 30s - 40s.

Good luck!

[Bek+3]

I hope not because I'm older than you and doing my degree!!

[opethmum]

Nope not at all!

[seeingstraight]

not silly..
im 321 soon and am starting tafe this year with hopes to get in to UNI next year.. I figure i have 6-8 years of study ahead of me making me around 36-38 by the time i finish.

[PopsiclePeach]

I will finish my Law degree at the end of next year aged 36

Seriously, you are fine, you will bring 'life experience' instead of just a degree to your employer

[ms flib]

I teach people over 60 in my course - you're never too old!

Actually, students your age are usually very motivated and focused and are a pleasure to teach!!

[blondie82]

I'll join your band wagon OP if you want! I'm 31 this year and will undertake Inetrior Design and Architecture next year at uni ON CAMPUS (I just realised I'm going to look quite old next to all the 18/19 year olds )

I also didn't go to uni straight after school as I really just wanted to get out there and earn good money. I don't regret it all and I also think that I'm in a better frame of mind (**cough** maturity) to take study seriously. I'm trying not to think about the fact that I'll probably pushing 40 once my degree has finished.

Personally, I think you'll be taken MORE seriously when competeing for jobs as you'll have more life experience behind you.

Good luck!

[crayons]

There is nothing wrong with "competing" against younger graduates for jobs, you have a lot of "life" skills that can be advantageous to potential employers.