What do you think about studying in “older age”? Does it make sense? Do you have the time for it? Is your brain still capable of absorbing new material? We’ll find out soon, because I started studying at university at the age of 34!
Once, while browsing Instagram (perhaps in a slightly dazed state – if you know what I mean) I came across an advertisement for distance learning courses at the Technical University of Liberec. I was specifically interested in studying at the Faculty of Textiles – the field of Clothing Production and Technical Confection. I started to find out what such a distance learning course entails and how to apply for it and suddenly…boom and the application was submitted. Maybe the wine or I don’t know, gave me the courage to apply. But then I kind of forgot about it…erm, how else… and suddenly I received an acceptance letter. Yes, it was without university entrance exams!
It may sound a bit like a coincidence and stupidity, but I actually thought of it before, I just didn’t have time to research it and suddenly this opportunity appeared, so I took advantage of it. It’s great that I can improve my qualifications in a field that interests me and that I would like to build a career in. But with that, of course, came a lot of questions such as:
How will I manage it time-wise and physically?
Will I be able to force my brain to study and absorb new knowledge?
Won’t it be ridiculous, studying so “late”?
Today I may have some answers to these questions, and if you are thinking about applying to a study program, perhaps you will find answers to your own questions in these answers.
How will I manage it time-wise and physically?
This is of course very individual. The main thing is probably to be able to plan a little and to be able to plan days off, for example at work, so that you can participate in the study. It depends on what kind of study you choose, but distance learning usually takes place in blocks once a time. Mine is, for example, once a month from Thursday to Saturday. So I can plan days off at work for these days and I’m all set.
It is also important to think about where you will study, in terms of the location of the organization, so that you can commute. Remember the commute time you can devote to it. If you have options in your place of residence…great…you will save on travel and accommodation. If not, also think about the expenses associated with traveling to study, such as accommodation and tickets. Simply summarize the obstacles and try to find a solution that would eliminate them:
Expensive tickets? => Less coffee at Starbucks 🙂
Short on time? => And do you have enough time to scroll through social media?
Commuting to study? => And do you commute to work?
It’s important to remember that you’re investing in yourself and your education. How much money do you spend on necessities and how much do you spend on frivolities? How much time do you spend watching a new series on Netflix and how much commuting to work?
I think obstacles can be overcome if you really want to.
Will I be able to force my brain to study and absorb new knowledge?
I think the answer is YES! Will it be the same as before? Probably NOT. This is also very individual. I was afraid that it wouldn’t work anymore, but it does. Especially if there is a desire and willingness to learn something. In fact, I have more respect for it, I learn in a different way than before, maybe even better, I have a different perspective on certain things and I take it maybe even more seriously than I used to when I was a teenager.
I am more mature and know better what I want and what I don’t. I can better assess different situations thanks to my experience and today we also have better technologies that can help with studying very well. Yes, I mean AI too.
The answer to this question depends a lot on your mindset and desire to learn something new.
Won’t it be ridiculous, studying so “late”?
I may have also been worried about the reactions of those around me to me applying to college, but in the end, I found a lot of support, both at work and in my family. The decision is ultimately up to you. It’s your personal matter, so you don’t even have to tell anyone, and then maybe you can surprise everyone with a diploma at the end. Just don’t be afraid of it. It’s a positive thing at any age. You want to enrich yourself with knowledge. There’s nothing wrong with that. You’re not endangering anyone and you’re not hurting anyone.
Yes, you may encounter opinions and ridicule like you want to compensate for something and you have a crisis, etc. So what? Even if it is, it’s probably better than buying a convertible or breaking up with your partner… Oh, I actually did that anyway 🙂
Don’t let others judge you. It’s your life and you’re not doing anything wrong with it if you want to improve your education.