Pursuing a PhD as an older student - is it too late? - PhD Talk

In this PhD Talk, Adrienne Darrah shares why you should consider doing a PhD as an older student, including the benefits and challenges of doing a PhD later in life. Don't forget to subscribe for more!
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[@ES-sb3ei]

For someone who has the drive, it is never about age. The real obstacle is time, money, and personal responsibilities.

[@mijreed]

Sure it is. That's complete BS.

[@ThroughTheHaze]

I am in my 30s and many students in my program are in their 20s, while others are in their 40s. If you want to do a PhD then go for it!

[@lawstud1879]

WHAT FOR? I am unemployed 5 years after PhD in LAW - I am the author of 8 books, more than 1200 citations, 4 degrees, fluent in 4 languages, a lot of connections and I am unemployed person!

[@harrybellingham98]

@@lawstud1879 for fun?

[@Indiran2025]

​@@lawstud1879oh lord! India needs such professors!

[@karenk2409]

I'm 72, and within 18 months of my history PhD. I have actually lived some of it! One class required interviewing an eyewitness to a historical event, and ... I was it! No, it is never too late, but I have to say that how some of these people accomplish this with jobs and families to take care of totally impresses me. It is a LOT of work, for half a decade.

[@MuzixMaker]

Excellent!

[@simdan2]

Wow you’re most likely an outlier. It’s never too late to pursue the things you want!

[@clemsonbloke]

You are an inspiration! I am 50 and I was studying for mine back in 2018 but I had to quit because of my health, I had a huge aneurysm on my aorta so I had to have an invasive and complex open heart surgery. I also had a stroke that has left me with slight aphasia, it comes and goes. That said, I sure wish I could get back to doing mine. I am a little scared because of all I went through with my health. I worry about my speech impediments that were caused by that stroke, I mean what about when I get to the point where I will have to present and defend my research? Because of these health issues, I'm scared but I damn sure wanted my doctorate! You are also, good for you in your 70s to be doing this, it's awesome!

[@karenk2409]

@@clemsonbloke Thank you, and my message to you is to get back on board. I'm earning mine online (at home) from a respected university. So can you. Your speech issues can be dealt with once confirmed as a disability by the university. Rock and roll, my friend. It's one class, one paper, one book or article at a time. Stop talking yourself out of it!

[@warpedweft9004]

I've just started on that same path. Needing prospects of a secure job, I took a teachers scholarship straight out of school and studied education, but what I really wanted to study was history and archaeology. Now I'm retired, it's time to do just that. These days qualifications more than 10 years old don't count - they are effectively worthless, so I'm having to start from scratch again, but since it's not a race but the journey for me, I'm ok with that. I'm doing it remotely by distance learning, which means archaeology theory rather than practice, but again, that's okay. I'm not going to be up to groveling in the dirt by the time I finish anyway. I don't feel out of place since no one sees me and no one knows what age I am and I'm bumbling along at my own pace, doing what interests me, not what's going to get me a job.

[@kkhalifah1019]

Finally got off my butt to do my master's at age 45 and I'm doing my doctorate now at age 50. It's hard work being a student part-time while advancing my career full-time, but I discovered that with age and decades of industry experience, I became a much, much better student than when I was an undergraduate student in the mid-90s. Things just make far better sense now. It's payback time for the 4 years I spent as a gormless git and I'm proud to be able to show both my kids who are also attending university how Dad here gets it done!

[@solomerebeccanabaggala9271]

I plan on starting my PhD at 37 years. I will keep going 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@g.m.3286]

Thank youI am 50 and had a hard and difficult time in my 20s and 30s. Yet I never gave up my dream to pursue my goal of attaining my PhD. You have just given me so much hope and much more confidence. Thank you , Thank you for for being inspired to make this video.

[@simdan2]

How old were you, when you got your PhD? Were there additional things to consider (study debts, family other things)?

[@shawnb4745]

I just turned 59, and finishing my DBA dissertation. I got my MBA in 2021. I did my bachelor's in the late 80s. Age means nothing. Your ability to communicate, research, and present with confidence is what matters. Also, the qualifying exams that you write are just the small hurdles. If you are going to do a doctorate, make sure you know what it is that you want to research like I did, and start planning your topic and lit review. Trust me, it will help. Get excited and leave your legacy of research that others will use. Make it a good topic! Good luck.

[@terrencec5197]

I am contemplating starting next year and if so may end around your age.

[@dhlong1697]

Almost 60 and a PhD candidate.

[@autisticautumn7379]

I was debating am I too old .Just finished a Masters at 57 after reading these comments no I am not ❤

[@dhlong1697]

Never too old, plus we raise the bar for our youngster classmates while keeping our brains sharp. You got this!@@autisticautumn7379

[@DiabeticGameGuy]

I completed my master's from Harvard at 34, and I highly considered going on to get a PhD in computer science. Thankfully, I accepted a job at Amazon instead which made my whole career. I'm now retired, and I've never regretted my decision to leave academia. Now, I just learn whatever I find most interesting.

[@eimienwanlanibhagui4859]

Thanks for sharing, Adrian. Let me send this to a 41-plus year old with two kids less than four starting PhD in a matter of days.

[@sarajparr]

I started at 48… loving it and life experience definitely counts for something!

[@loisdouglass-alston7135]

Never too late - I'm completing my Ed.D. on schedule to complete Prelims in Spring 2024 & Final Dissertation defense in Fall 2024 - I'm 64 yrs and many of the points that you've shared are so (personally) and generally relevant!! All the best, Y'all, and keep learning!!

[@Bill.R.124]

Being an RN, the profession is very clinician-focused, so higher education always seemed esoteric and rare. I wanted to be a kick-ass trauma and then flight nurse so that was my passion. There is typically little increase in one's pay, yet tons of debt with getting an advanced degree. So after getting my experience in trauma and as a flight nurse, I found myself burnt out as a bedside. I loved teaching students (new graduates in my unit and new hires), so when I learned I could teach at an Associate degree school with just my Bachelor's, I took the leap. Five years later, I had my MSN, and 10 years later, I got my PhD (at age 57). Despite being the oldest student in my cohort, I actually did very well. I was the only one working FT to finish on time (4 years) and received many accolades for my work. I got promoted at my nursing school and am now an Associate Professor of Nursing. I love my life. Will I go on to publish much? That's been on the back burner, but I still do not regret going for it.

[@Ira06002]

I am 62 work full time in my profession AND adjunct at two business schools. When I retire I will continuing to teach for the love of teaching and giving to my students. With that said, I'm thinking about going for my PhD due to my deep satisfaction of the learning journey and desire to conduct research. So thank you for your very insightful video. Very helpful and BTW - You are a very kind soul for sharing.

[@JohnVKaravitis]

60 years old, starting my PhD Physics this Fall. Boo-yaa!!!!!

[@warpedweft9004]

huh! My primary quals are more than 10 years old. I had to start back at undergrad and not very far into it yet. I'm looking at it as a journey not a race, so we'll see how far the journey takes me. At 62, it'll all depend on how much time I have left on this Earth.

[@tanyabils9399]

This is incredibly helpful and supportive. I received my BS in GIS in 2021 at the age of 52. I'm working on a MS in Complex Systems at ASU and I want to get my PhD. I do find it hard to focus on just one path. I want to learn it all!! I want to do research and I have skills in GIS and stats that apply in a lot of areas. The money is the hardest part.

[@jorymil]

Thanks for the encouragement to us older learners. I'm taking organic chemistry now to prepare for grad school; it's very easy to see people in their 20s and think you're too old. I think right now I'd like to pursue a professional master's, then apply for a Ph.D and/or a second master's in education.

[@nmc631]

Thank you so much for this video! I am 45 and believe I have finally found the field that is my calling. Thank you for inspiring me. May your message be spread far and wide!

[@romanstaszak244]

The PhD Place, your story it is just incredible really. Very positive and encouraging😃👍 Too good to be true ❤❤ Thank for for sharing with us your journey at this video. All the best to you with your life journey 👍👍😃😃

[@baxtermullins1842]

I was 38 when I earned my Ph.D. in Engineering. My fellow candidates age varied from mid-twenties to thirties with Asian students being near my age as many had military service before coming to the U.S. for graduate studies. As an industrial Ph.D., I had an older worker that was an expert in RTM. He retired at 67. I heard from him when he earned his Ph.D. In Engineering at 74. He had greatly contributed to the advancement of RTM composites. So, what does age have to do with personal goals. Go for it if it is your desire!

[@MichaelCzajka]

Most younger PhD's have no idea what they want to study and simply end up doing whatever their supervisor wants them to do or whatever is easiest e.g. Whatever they can get funding for. Older PhD's often have a long shopping list of stuff they'd like to investigate and are more likely to do something that they have initiated. It's much more fun to do a project that you have a personal interest in. However you may find problems finding a supervisor who is willing and able to supervise the project. Many supervisors are only interested if you are willing to do their pet projects. It's much harder for a supervisor if you do something outside their comfort zone. I always wanted to do a PhD... but it took ages for the stars to align. :-)

[@tzimisce1753]

If the Phd and research or teaching is where you feel you belong and what you should be doing - when was it ever wrong or too late to come home?

[@naftalibendavid]

You’re never too old. Period. Any program that won’t take is NOT one that you would want to attend. Definitely don’t compare to your classmates. We each have unique strengths.

[@williamwaters4506]

I was in my forties, married with two children when I began. The best advice I got was from students who were completing the program. I felt like I was abandoning my family. The hardest part was the first semester when I came close to throwing in the towel. I had to accept that I was going to be in a prisoner of an academic war camp until I finished. I felt like Sisyphus but finally I pushed the rock to the top of the hill. You must have persistence and determination, day in day out. It also helps to have faculty, family and friends who are are supportive. I had all three.

[@nailspotgieter8807]

I am almost 65 and doing my second PhD.

[@modernphil1049]

Thanks for sharing!

[@AbdulStoneJackson]

Thank you for making this video! Awesome advice.

[@user-wh5zr1it2z]

Loved this and it was really comforting.

[@anshurani5970]

This is gold. Thank you for this piece. And Congratulations 😊

[@m2han]

I really needed to hear this advice today. I'm 38, married, and after 9-year career in my field, I began applying for PhDs. I was a bit hesitant but you helped me be a bit more courageous. Thank you,.

[@user-hz2hp9wq2h]

OMG! Thank you! I’m 53 and my first semester was hell! I too want to be professor of the practice - to teach and give back to the next generation! Thank you for the much needed pep talk!

[@goldengalsclazy]

Excellent advice! You would honestly make an excellent therapist! Keep up the GREAT work & thank you, so much for this inspiring advice! Have a wonderful weekend! :)

[@olivenwosu]

Thank you.

[@CNTRRNDM]

3:23 thank you so much...I needed to hear this! Also, yeah, still need to find the balance between PhD and family life😳

[@jayshen84]

Thank you. Going apply this week and if I complete it, I will come back here 3-4 yrs later to update you

[@PZJBimha]

Nice sharing.

[@ThePhDPlace]

Thanks for your comment :)

[@JWoods.Prov31]

Thank you

[@felipesants8936]

EXCELLENT.

[@orkboy59]

I am finishing up my undergrad and looking to go into a masters program at 48. MA is my planned finish line. If I were to go for a PhD it would be for something I could not do, or get the experience, somewhere else. As an undergrad though, your comments on life experience are right on point. I gave the better part of my youth and health to the military. However, I did get a tremendous amount of work ethic from it. While other students are perfectly okay with turning in assignments or project late, this has never been or ever will be an option for me. I learned that 10 80% solutions are way better than one 100% solution. While mine are closer to 95%, getting the work done on time is the most important part.

[@juliepozsonyi2147]

God Bless You!!

[@drmichaela.riccioli4147]

Never too late :)

[@yosef5508]

It´s never too late ever! Abraham 100, and Sarai 90, had Isaac (Gen 18:11-15). Some will laugh, scorn, or even mock you, but you must not mind the haters😜.

[@dominiontheory]

I'm 57 almost through my BS and definitely thinking about grad school.

[@ZedRN]

Good for you!

[@shawnlmoran8975]

To all who want it … GO FOR IT …. If we limit ourselves, then we can only blame ourselves for not achieving the possible !!! I completed by PhD at 38…. It was rough being older than most of the people in my cohort , but I got her done !!!!!!

[@rs-oz9jk]

Loved this Mam! I need some assistance. How can I reach out to you?

[@shodapad07]

You still belong in the room ❤

[@ianboard544]

I would imagine it depends on what the field is.

[@aniksamiurrahman6365]

I'm close to Mid 30s. What are my chances to go into academic research if I start my PhD now?

[@mindyourownbusinessplease1120]

Never too late.

[@rozanhardly9705]

🎉

[@khaki714]

It is never late but I should be hard for older people to land on a job afterwards.

[@ZedRN]

Good point. Ageism is real.

[@lawstud1879]

Ok. Its not too late but what for? I completed my PhD 5 years ago and I am still unemployed (2100 applications and no in-person interview).

[@timseguin6292]

IF you were already teaching at a university, IF that university was paying your tuition and fees, IF that university would promote you into that "dream job" upon degree conferral, and IF you had been at that university for so long that you were "fire-proof", then by all means, get that PhD as an older student. But if you were missing any of those aforementioned factors, and especially IF you used (up to six figures of )borrowed money, it will take you far longer to get return on your investment, much less pay off those loans. To quote one of my older doctorate colleagues, if you don't need a PhD like air to breathe, don't pursue it.

[@ZedRN]

I am missing all those but there are also other options available beyond that binary. I don't teach at a university, and I am not exactly hungry for it. I have paid my own way through a Bachelor's and 2 masters' degree all after age 40, and plan to do so for my PhD.

[@deustimotheus]

@@ZedRN You missed the point. The speaker was in a unique position to attain her PhD with relatively little risk. Most people are not in her position. Most doctoral candidates are seeking teaching positions in academia, and that is where most PhD jobs are. However, we in the USA are producing more PhDs than jobs; look at the research from the NSF. Even if you were fully subsidized, your time and lost opportunity during the PhD studies have value. If you don't need a PhD like air to breathe, don't do it.

[@ZedRN]

@@deustimotheus I hear what you are saying, but I was simply sharing my own experience as an example of a different path. I am not very comfortable with blanket "Don't do it" statements to everyone out there in the world because there are different paths and life-stations people find themselves in, even in the USA- I know that for sure. People should get all the facts- including what you have stated (I believe you are correct), and make a determination based on their own variables as to whether or not they should pursue a PhD late in life.

[@JamesJoyce12]

If you're doing a PhD without the faintest chance for a TT position then what you have is a Hobby.

[@ZedRN]

That's not a bad thing at all. Not everyone who wants a PhD is crazy about teaching positions. It's the end goal that matters- impacting others' lives with your knowledge and skills.

[@jorymil]

Eh... tell that to the many Ph.Ds working in industry, teaching in smaller colleges, and working for research laboratories.

[@ronin2963]

PhD in liberal arts is a contradiction in terms.

[@sashanealand8315]

you might be too old to take the abuse from an advisor

[@ZedRN]

This is a more reasonable argument...

[@mickeykozzi]

Just remember that Miss Darrah graduated from a lower ranked University, so beware.

[@MAXKENT-mh7lu]

Please don't! We alreay have enough Ph.D.s Do something useful to society... like a plumber

[@ZedRN]

The good thing about taking one late in life is that you have to have been doing something useful to society that's not a PhD all these years already!😜

[@MAXKENT-mh7lu]

good point@@ZedRN

[@jorymil]

Plenty of us have built buildings, computer networks, taught high schoolers, worked tech support, mowed lawns, and been baristas--not to mention the odd plumber :-). Plumbers probably make more money, too ;-)