Am I too old to go back to school...

[CWS4322]

Besides language, cooking has always been one of my favorite things to do. I am 53. The market for editors has not been great--everyone can write/edit (ha!). So, I've been looking at other things I can do, and of course, I want to do something I enjoy--if I can't play with words, I'd like to play with food. I can get into a culinary class starting January 2013. What would I do afterwards--probably work as a personal chef/caterer. Am I too old to embark on this path?

[kadesma]

Originally Posted by CWS4322

Besides language, cooking has always been one of my favorite things to do. I am 53. The market for editors has not been great--everyone can write/edit (ha!). So, I've been looking at other things I can do, and of course, I want to do something I enjoy--if I can't play with words, I'd like to play with food. I can get into a culinary class starting January 2013. What would I do afterwards--probably work as a personal chef/caterer. Am I too old to embark on this path?

No you are never to old, go for it and be proud. You can do this...
kades

[Andy M.]

Not a question we can answer.

If you really want to do it, you will succeed.

[CWS4322]

I'm thinking it would give me the credibility to edit food magazines/cookbooks...I already have an M.A. in linguistics and experience as an editor and writer...and, I'd get to perfect my knife skills!

[Skittle68]

My aunt is 60, just got her doctorate and completely changed careers. Never too late :)

[Hoot]

It's never too late to return to school.
I lost my job of 25 years in May of 2010, when the paper company I worked for decided to close the doors on the Franklin VA mill.
I decided to return to school and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have one more semester or so and I hope to graduate with an associates degree in computer information technology. I wish I had been this enthusiastic about school way back in the 70's.

[Skittle68]

Originally Posted by Hoot

It's never too late to return to school.
I lost my job of 25 years in May of 2010, when the paper company I worked for decided to close the doors on the Franklin VA mill.
I decided to return to school and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have one more semester or so and I hope to graduate with an associates degree in computer information technology. I wish I had been this enthusiastic about school way back in the 70's.

This forum needs a "like" button lol

[Skittle68]

I'm only 26 and the thought of going back to school (which I'd like to do next fall) makes me groan, but I think you should always be trying to improve yourself, and I think it's great when people aren't afraid to take risks, regardless of age.

[LPBeier]

CWS, I can't speak for you, but I can tell you my story.

At 45 years old we sold our internet business and my dear husband said that if I wanted to follow my dream to go to culinary school I could use the proceeds to do this. It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life - I was almost 30 years older than the youngest in the class, I had FM, arthritis, back fracture, struggled with depression and many other health issues. I barely squeaked by but I did it and will never regret it. I had a short but wonderful career in catering and still do some consulting in that area. I have my cakes to keep me going financially and make me feel like I am still able to do something!

You have to make the decision yourself and I am not going to sugar coat and say it is easy, but if it is something you really have a passion for and you go in knowing the obstacles, you will have the time of your life!

[jabbur]

Another vote in the "Go for it" column from me. I am 54 and just finished my first year as a sign language interpreter. After a long successful career in nursing, I needed a change and went back to school. I was the oldest in my classes. Most of the students were my kids ages! But I loved the subject and enjoyed learning new things. I had a wonderful time this school year working with a high school student. It's never too late to do something you want to do!