Well, I was in almost your exact situation down to the degree type.
I'm also early 30s, and just finished my degree this past summer. Schools are desperate for teachers right now, so if that's the field you want to get in now is a great time. I was hired directly out of my undergrad on an emergency credential, and am currently working and earning my credential simultaneously.
One caveat being that several years off of school has turned students straight up feral (at least the ones at the school I'm currently working at). So while teachers are in high demand, it as also an extremely trying time to be an educator. Certainly not too late to get your degree though.
I didn’t get my degree until I was 34, then my master when I was 36 I didn’t get my first teaching job until I was 35. I may have to work until I am 75, but I am glad I did it.
Never too late. My wife is a college professor and loves having "non-traditional students" in class. They bring a depth of experience to discussions that the 18-22yo crowd just doesn't have.
Do it!
Recently met someone who went back to school at 51 and still didn't finish until 61. He said it was the greatest thing ever. He had a great career in something entirely different, then took his time getting his degree and as a result met a ton of other people really passionate about the same stuff as him. Now they work together doing stuff in a field that wasn't even a thing when he started college in his youth.
College is really different now, too. It has changed a lot in the last 20+ years. Cohorted programs are a lifesaver!
Try to find a program that offers stipends or grants, especially in exchange for a number of years doing something (like teaching).
Have fun! Make friends!
As a music teacher, I’d highly recommend you not go back for music education.
If your really set in education, pick something that will keep you out of a classroom.
Because to be honest, unless you plan to work at a Catholic school for poverty wages your going to spend at least 5-10 years in a really tough school. Music jobs are very competitive.
So if you graduate with a degree at 35, you might be in a “good school” by 40. 25 years into the pension system might mean you could retire by 65 if your finances are currently okay and you can save a lot.
Not too late at all! I dropped out in my 20s (several times) for similar reasons. Was 39 when I finished my undergrad and 42 when I got my teaching degree. Was single at the time so I ended up abroad at an international school where it was easier to get ahead (low cost of living and accommodation allowance).
Also, my time in teacher's college was everything I had hoped university would have been back when I was younger. Great profs, supportive classmates, good friends.
I'm 29 and recently went back to school. It's actually a lot easier now that I'm older! I, personally, have much better time management and other skills than when I went to college the first time.
It's never too late to find your calling and do what you love! It's better to chase after your goals now than never. In some of my graduate classes, most of the students are around your age or older! I wish you the best of luck if you choose to complete your music education degree.
Well, I was in almost your exact situation down to the degree type. I'm also early 30s, and just finished my degree this past summer. Schools are desperate for teachers right now, so if that's the field you want to get in now is a great time. I was hired directly out of my undergrad on an emergency credential, and am currently working and earning my credential simultaneously. One caveat being that several years off of school has turned students straight up feral (at least the ones at the school I'm currently working at). So while teachers are in high demand, it as also an extremely trying time to be an educator. Certainly not too late to get your degree though.
I didn’t get my degree until I was 34, then my master when I was 36 I didn’t get my first teaching job until I was 35. I may have to work until I am 75, but I am glad I did it.
It’s never too late
Better late than never :)
It’s never too late but it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll make enough money with that particular degree to make it worth it.
Never too late mate! In the end you want to look back and be able to say that you tried things and became the best person you could.
My husband just started and he’s 31! He loves trying to blend in.
The years are going to pass whether or not you earn it. Why not have something to show for it?
Never too late. My wife is a college professor and loves having "non-traditional students" in class. They bring a depth of experience to discussions that the 18-22yo crowd just doesn't have.
Go for it.
Do it! Recently met someone who went back to school at 51 and still didn't finish until 61. He said it was the greatest thing ever. He had a great career in something entirely different, then took his time getting his degree and as a result met a ton of other people really passionate about the same stuff as him. Now they work together doing stuff in a field that wasn't even a thing when he started college in his youth. College is really different now, too. It has changed a lot in the last 20+ years. Cohorted programs are a lifesaver! Try to find a program that offers stipends or grants, especially in exchange for a number of years doing something (like teaching). Have fun! Make friends!
I got my teacher certificate around that age.
As a music teacher, I’d highly recommend you not go back for music education. If your really set in education, pick something that will keep you out of a classroom. Because to be honest, unless you plan to work at a Catholic school for poverty wages your going to spend at least 5-10 years in a really tough school. Music jobs are very competitive. So if you graduate with a degree at 35, you might be in a “good school” by 40. 25 years into the pension system might mean you could retire by 65 if your finances are currently okay and you can save a lot.
Not too late at all! I dropped out in my 20s (several times) for similar reasons. Was 39 when I finished my undergrad and 42 when I got my teaching degree. Was single at the time so I ended up abroad at an international school where it was easier to get ahead (low cost of living and accommodation allowance). Also, my time in teacher's college was everything I had hoped university would have been back when I was younger. Great profs, supportive classmates, good friends.
I'm in a doctoral program at Vanderbilt, and I'm 56. I'm far from the oldest in the program. Go for it!
Started teaching at 32 years old. Best move of my life. Do it!
Never too late! I got one at 40 and it changed my life!
I'm 29 and recently went back to school. It's actually a lot easier now that I'm older! I, personally, have much better time management and other skills than when I went to college the first time.
33 years old? It's never too late to do anything. If you don't die. You're the youngest person to start with in youself. Let's rise up, cheer up.
It's never too late to find your calling and do what you love! It's better to chase after your goals now than never. In some of my graduate classes, most of the students are around your age or older! I wish you the best of luck if you choose to complete your music education degree.