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For the past 7 years, I've been working in IT and earned an associates degree in web development along the way. I've just grown tired of the industry entirely and need a fresh start. I'm definitely not where I want to be or expected to be but I guess that's life. There's been some bumps in the road but things happen for a reason I suppose. So... I'll be 29 in September and I'm going back to school in pursuit of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Secondary Education. The entire program is online, except for the 16 weeks student teaching. And since some of my credits transfer, I can graduate in 18 months from this fall. Assuming I accomplish this so quickly, I will be 30 or 31 starting an entirely new career. This has been something I've been mulling over for the past year or so. I have a few friends that are teachers, and I've been a volunteer football coach for the past 2 years at the HS down the road. Plus, I really think I would be a good teacher and the benefits and stability of the job seem great. I just feel so old. I know, I know, 30 is the new 20. So why do I feel so unaccomplished and a tad embarrassed about the situation. Someone make me feel more at ease... ...next up will be how exactly I plan to pay for all this. 
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Legend
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Legend
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You're not old. Now, Jules. She's old. 
I am unfamiliar with this feeling of optimism
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I didn't find my career until I was 31. Not big deal. I finished college at 24 and putzed around for a few years - job hopped and finally landed on something good, interesting and enjoyable. Never been happier! 
![[Linked Image from i75.photobucket.com]](http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i302/lrhinkle/d5eaf0b9-e429-4211-b53f-b843bfcf6aa9_zps2ac17420.jpg) #gmstrong
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Quote:
I just feel so old. I know, I know, 30 is the new 20. So why do I feel so unaccomplished and a tad embarrassed about the situation. Someone make me feel more at ease...
I.T. is like chasing your tail...I'm 42 and I'm in the same field and wished I was doing what you are doing right now. Feel better?
"My signature line goes here."
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I finished college at 24 and putzed around for a few years - job hopped
Ugh, job hopping is an understatement. I've went from running my own business to working for other companies and back again.
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Quote:
I.T. is like chasing your tail
Couldn't have put it any better. I may have to use that with the wife. She's still not totally convinced but she'll turn around... eventually.
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Legend
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Legend
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I.T. is like chasing your tail...
Only because the users are like hemorrhoids that cause a burning sensation in the tail side. 
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
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Quote:
So why do I feel so unaccomplished and a tad embarrassed about the situation.
You have nothing to be embarrassed about...this is a choice you're making to better yourself. The one's who should feel embarrassed are the kids going to school for IT.
#gmstrong #gmlapdance
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Quote:
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So why do I feel so unaccomplished and a tad embarrassed about the situation.
You have nothing to be embarrassed about...this is a choice you're making to better yourself. The one's who should feel embarrassed are the kids going to school for IT.
Well, I've come to terms that I've basically failed up until now and I've finally decided to do something about it. It's just too bad I'm almost 30 with a wife, 2 kids and a mortgage and now having to shell out big bucks for an online school in which I don't have... all the while paying back the original student loans from my associates degree.
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You have a wife, two kids, and a house and you call that failure?  A lot of people would love to be in your shoes. I don't see your choice of career as a failure, either. I'm pushing 40 and thinking of going back to school...and I don't consider myself a failure at all -- I just haven't found my "thing". I don't think you'll find as many college graduates that stay within their field like you would "back in the day".
#gmstrong #gmlapdance
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Sorry, I was only referring to job/career/money/financial success as failing. Leave it to a woman to point that out... you sound like my wife, lol. Just kiddin' ya though, thanks for the support.
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Legend
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Failure is only something those that never try something can experience. If you try but don't succeed at reaching your goal, that is not failure, that is experience.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
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I'm 33, 34 in October, and back in school to get a masters in E-Marketing. It might take me over 2 years, juggling school and a full time job. I just keep my eye on the prize and tell myself, "one step at a time" every single day.
You have nothing to regret or feel down about. Not only are you way young for someone going back to school, it looks like you will be done fairly quickly. You will feel so rewarded when you are done.
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1st String
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Do what you have to do to be happy. That's ultimately what's important. If you wake up every day looking forward to going to work, you've found the right job. I don't think it matters when you discover your passion, as long as you do find it. Teaching is incredibly rewarding too. I've never had a full time teaching job, so I can't comment on that - I've taught English classes for a few hours a week, but when your students tell you that you're the best English teacher they've ever had, you can't help but feel good. Now who knows, maybe they say that to everyone, but you have to enjoy what you can get
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Quote:
For the past 7 years, I've been working in IT and earned an associates degree in web development along the way. I've just grown tired of the industry entirely and need a fresh start. I'm definitely not where I want to be or expected to be but I guess that's life. There's been some bumps in the road but things happen for a reason I suppose.
So... I'll be 29 in September and I'm going back to school in pursuit of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Secondary Education. The entire program is online, except for the 16 weeks student teaching. And since some of my credits transfer, I can graduate in 18 months from this fall. Assuming I accomplish this so quickly, I will be 30 or 31 starting an entirely new career.
This has been something I've been mulling over for the past year or so. I have a few friends that are teachers, and I've been a volunteer football coach for the past 2 years at the HS down the road. Plus, I really think I would be a good teacher and the benefits and stability of the job seem great.
I just feel so old. I know, I know, 30 is the new 20. So why do I feel so unaccomplished and a tad embarrassed about the situation. Someone make me feel more at ease...
...next up will be how exactly I plan to pay for all this.
Dear Whippersnapper,
I am a first year teacher at the age of,well lets say I remember (barely) the last chamionship. I'm a special ed teacher and team taught with teachers that are old enough to be my kids. I have not once felt embarrassed about my age, in fact I joke about it. The only problem I have is that I'm a bit "old school" and remember the days when the kids actually respected their elders. Such is not necessarily the case these days. Just understand that 70% of teaching is dealing with "personalities". And it's always the 10% of the "personalities" that cause 90% of the problems. Your school district may be able to pick up the tab on some of your tuition. You never did say what your endorsement will be. Certain areas of need can be funded through some deal or another. Usually it's science,math, special ed. and a few others.
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2nd String
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Man I feel your pain on the IT thing. Been doing this for 13 years now and I hate it a little more each day it seems . I admit my dislike probably has alot to do with my job, I'm a programmer, but since they've taken to outsourcing our jobs everything we used to do is replaced by babysitting systems. The worse part (or the best part) is that they pay me so well that I can't legitimately really quit to do something else. I'd have never thought that was possible, but I make enough (and pay enough bills out) that I can't go without the paychecks. It's strange...I still like the programming, unfortunately its about 15% of my job now. I should point out that I just went back myself a couple years ago and got the BS in IT....so don't feel bad. If you will be happier you should pursue the change of career.
Last edited by Psyborg; 06/27/08 06:04 PM.
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Legend
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30 is the beginning of life my man, and really, 40 is when you bloom. Don't worry about the feeling of being unaccomplished. You aren't, and you also have the drive and guts to go after something else. Unaccomplished is sticking with a job you were pigeon holed in to and don't like, and then sticking with that for 40 years. Follow your dream, and trust me from someone who saw 30 come and go as many years ago....30 isn't old....it is the real start of adulthood. At 32, you will be able to have a long and productive career as a educator. . 
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
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Thanks for all the replies and support. The next 2 years I'm sure will be pure hell, but I'm confident things will work out in the end. Working 40 hours/week + full-time school won't be easy. Just gotta get through it. Hey, at least I have Sundays off to watch the BROWNS, woof woof!
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No man, the good thing about college girls, we get older,,they stay the same age I am in the same boat man. I will be 31 next month and am on my 3rd year of being back in school full-time. For me though I went military and started college at 21. I went for 2 years and moved back to Cleveland to transfer and ended up hurting my back real bad to where I had 2 surgeries. School was put on hold till I was fed up with Workmans Comp and found an office job with another company and went back to school. First thing you do is fill out the FAFSA form. Do it now, seriously the earlier the better. I attend Lakeland CC here and Kent State and Grants cover everything for me. I have 2 kids as well which helps and take on a Federal loan to help with living expenses. Thats just b/c my work is cool with me missing work b/c of a class only offered in the evenings or something so the extra loan money helps with that and sitter expenses. I am not going to lie but I like it better when I was single and lived in a dorm versus this time around lol. It's hard,,very hard finding time to juggle full time work, class, homework, studying, and trying to be a father to a 3 and 1 year old. Some nights I am whipped and many times I want to give up. I seriously wanna snap some nights b/c all I want to do is sleep but I have work to do. I spend my lunch breaks at work studying while everyone else goes out to eat. Things like that is my sacrifice to make it work. But I keep at it b/c I know it will be worth it. I am 3 classes away from the associates degree I want and not too far away from the bachelors in E-Business. Then I am going to slow way down and work on my MBA. Thats the plan anyways. PM me man if you wanna chat about this.
Our honor defend, we will fight to the end, for OHIO! GO BUCKS!
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LIke others have said, you've got nothing to be embarrassed about at all. I'm 27 and about to quit my job and begin pursuing a second bachelor's degree (in Electrical Engineering) this fall at CSU. I did two years of night school law classes but that career is just not for me, and my job has been making me miserable for the past year, so I've decided its time to finally do what's best for me and my wife and do something that will both have a positive impact on our lives and make me happier on a personal level.
It's definitely difficult, especially if you'll be maintaining a 9-5 job, but it'll be worth it. Good luck!
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I have a feeling that when you return back to college, you will be very surprised at the number of students that are your age.
It is nothing be have any negative thoughts about, go for it....you will be glad you did!
![[Linked Image from i96.photobucket.com]](http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l197/thazen/brownsflag2.jpg) GO BROWNS!
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Raven
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You have a wife, two kids, and a house and you call that failure? A lot of people would love to be in your shoes. I don't see your choice of career as a failure, either. I'm pushing 40 and thinking of going back to school...and I don't consider myself a failure at all -- I just haven't found my "thing". I don't think you'll find as many college graduates that stay within their field like you would "back in the day".
Just finished up a course about a week ago in food safety/prep in order to get certified by the State of Maryland to serve food, i.e. start my own BBQ business and I am 43 so ANYBODY can go back when it's what you want to do (your thing). I am glad that I did it now because I wasn't bored in class and actually enjoyed the instructor and the information. I will tell you all this, watch how your food is served to you and make sure that the servers WASH THEIR HANDS when serving you ! ! !
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Quote:
The one's who should feel embarrassed are the kids going to school for IT.
RUH ROH, Oh wait she cant be talking about me, I am too old to be called a kid.
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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Damn, now you guys have me really thinking about if I really want to do IT work for the rest of my life. I am 34, and will be 35 before I complete my associates in IT/Networking.
Are there a lot of jobs out there for teachers, without relocating? I am in Rootstown, right by Kent,Oh
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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Damn, now you guys have me really thinking about if I really want to do IT work for the rest of my life. I am 34, and will be 35 before I complete my associates in IT/Networking.
Are there a lot of jobs out there for teachers, without relocating? I am in Rootstown, right by Kent,Oh
KING
I've seen a ton of jobs out there needing people with networking experience. If it's something you enjoy doing, you shouldn't have trouble finding a good job. I'm a programmer/graphic designer with a marketing background. I have very little networking experience. The jobs I've held are so one dimensional and impossible to expand and grow into something better. I still very much enjoy creating websites from start to finish and managing client's marketing campaigns. It's just not something I can do for the rest of my life. Like someone said, it's like chasing your tail. Nothing can be more true.
As far as jobs for teachers, it's a real in-demand job since all the baby-boomers are either retired or plan to retire very soon. It's mostly math, English and special education teachers that are in serious need. Someone could probably get a job at the drop of a hat if they're a math teacher. Problem is, everyone hates math (as do I if we're not talking poker theory or sports statistics).
Just do what makes you happy. If you can see yourself getting up every morning to do it, then it's right for you. I don't even start until Sept. but I'm already getting up with a little extra bounce in my step because I know better things are down the road.
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Thanks2 8, sounds like solid advice. I still have time to go on my associates so I will decide before I start my bachelors. Right now I am working on the IT/Networking degree and plan on specialising in Network security formy bachelors, but that may change and I will go education for my bachelors.
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Going Back to School; Feeling Old
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