Why 40 Is The Perfect Age To Start Your PhD Journey!

[@kkhalifah1019]

I saw how much of a challenge it was for my father to attempt his PhD in his mid-30s while grappling with us 4 young kids. So I consider it to be a blessing for me to start my doctorate part-time at age 49 when my 2 grown-up kids have started college themselves. The difference between my father and I was that he was in academia, so he needed that PhD to progress in his career while I'm not and my career doesn't need a terminal degree. I decided to attempt my doctorate for 3 reasons 1) because graduate and postgraduate journeys are actually rewarding and satisfying when your decades of industry experience come into play and they're directly relevant to what you do at work at the senior level 2) to inspire my children to do well in college, since we're all students at the same time 3) so that I have the option to teach when I retire from my career. I don't know why but I discovered since starting my master's earlier in my mid-40s that I really liked going back to school. Maybe it's because I was such a gormless git when I was doing my undergraduate in the mid-90s (I was a C-average student because I was so damn clueless). I really missed being a student after I graduated from grad school and published my research, so after discussing it with my supervisor I decided to do my postgraduate school. Work is work and I love my job as a dept director, but school is something else - the pursuit of knowledge just makes me feel ALIVE in a whole different way and it's so rewarding when you learn to see things differently at work as a result. I know it may sound lame when I say this... but it's actually addictive!

[@cedargrace]

I'm just finishing my undergrad at 41, I'm going to grad school in the fall. I really want to do a PdD for fun, personal growth, fulfillment, and being part of a community of passionate researchers. I'm eager to be challenged. Fortunately I don't have many other commitments that would distract me from my work. I am concerned about the financial piece however, I'm used to living below poverty level so maybe it won't be that different. Attempting a PhD is my life's goal. Thanks for the informative video. Very helpful for first generation college students like myself who don' know much about the culture of academia.

[@oregontocarolina]

I am just finishing my undergraduate degree at 58. I’m going to apply to a Masters program soon. I am only getting it so I can volunteer. We will see if I get accepted.

[@R3ciprocityTeam]

you are incredible!!!! Keep it up!!!

[@R3ciprocityTeam]

This is for you!!! Should You Go To College / University In Your 40s & 50s?

[@R3ciprocityTeam]

Check the latest video!

[@fadakelzahra5177]

i am in 46 and i quit my PhD now because of mental and physical health issues... thanks 😌 from Iraq

[@R3ciprocityTeam]

You got this!!!!! It’s an honor to be part of your life! Every day you will grow stronger.

[@erickaL4]

My husband starting his PhD at 39. He was accepted at 32 but turned it down to work instead. He feels smarter now.

[@debasishraychawdhuri]

I got into a PhD program at 38. What you are missing is that not all PhDs have to be in the academia. My employer is a funding my PhD and having a PhD works towards getting higher paying clients and also allows me to solve more complicated problems in a better manner for them. We sometimes work as an outsourced R&D for startups. The moment I get my PhD, it will start to matter.

[@iranjackheelson]

Mind if i ask what PhD in what country? Duration of PhD?

[@tanmoydey9782]

He is not missing - he's putting forth a larger context of a larger demographic and more common intent for a decision. Outlier or better reasons / outcomes always welcome and should be pursued! - I mean why not.

[@JohnHoganArtist]

Im 56 loving every minute, soon to qualify, then on to well paid employment. what's not to like

[@R3ciprocityTeam]

nice!!!

[@GoodmanMalaya9291]

What is important is that you are interested and knowledgeable to your research topic.

[@Theredbastard2023]

You gave me a MASSIVE useful filter. Part of me wants it for validation and I will use that to screen any topic I’m thinking of for it. As you say it’s too much of an investment otherwise. Thank you so so so so much

[@TheDiaryofDaniel]

Thank you! This was really insightful and well-balanced. I appreciate your candor.✌️

[@mirellalastar]

Yep, I am called, I am pulled... That's the best way to describe it.

[@R3ciprocityTeam]

Nice!

[@jonathanedwardgoode]

Yup, I know the feeling. Sometimes you just can’t fight it. Practicality be damned, lol

[@JJ-vc6pp]

Love your work.

[@user-gk2qf8tm2l]

@Phd so you Did this video to Say to people that they are better Off Having such ideas? This What your body language is saying Even if you are trying poorly to Say it with word that you think that are “good” You are a Little bit frustrated about the opportunity cost, people in their 40’ don’t need an answer like you are giving it to your students of 25. Thanks but not the message I was looking for …

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

Hunh??

[@godmakesnew]

Can you start your PhD before starting it. For example, studying for the love of it and when ready then just do it?

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

I think people do, but that won't necessarily cut down on the amount of time it takes to complete it or anything. Even if you're taking classes as an unmatriculated student, once you get into a program they will take only so many of your credits... now if you are taking a master's program as a preparation that might work well. I suppose if you are very sure of what you want your dissertation to be you MIGHT be able to get started on some of the research before you get into a program -- but that would be much easier if your topic is history or literature or something, where you are studying almost completely out of books or archives, rather than if you are studying something like a lab science and you need access to a science lab for your research.

[@mc23243]

I think that business management Phd's should actually be starting later in life, when they have real-life experience. I have been taught at school by many Phd professors who have not worked in a real company and I have not learned much from their classes. On the other hand, lecturers who worked in real businesses and managed companies are much better at teaching students and provide much more value. As a student who is paying for education, if they gave me a choice, I would choose 80% of lecturers with real business experience

[@MrHomezee]

Wonderful analysis

[@R3ciprocityTeam]

Thank you!!!

[@ShiZu-e4p]

Im 24, but i dont understand why older people are scared of studying at 40,50,60? Ageism in society? Or the brain doesnt function properly?

[@erickaL4]

ageism in society. people are judgmental as hell!!

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

Not just ageism, but being older means you have less time left in your future, older people are more aware of how exhausting strenuous pursuits are due to life experience with such things, and possibly more fearful of the financial commitment due to their exisitng financial commitments and less time left to make it pay off. Our learning can change as we get older, in the sense some things like learning new languages may not be as easy when we are older, but other than that I am not sure what you mean by "the brain doesn't function properly" -- ?? What do you mean?

[@amandamothe5842]

I'm 38 applying to PhD programs now. It's not so much ageism as it is I have a family ( 2 &5 year old) , mortgage, I'm not in a position to just move states....theres just so much more on the line than if I was 24. I have 3 other people to consider when going on this journey opposed to 1 if I were younger. All that being said, I'm still pursuing it with the blessing of my family

[@JamesJoyce12]

Be real folks, you are not getting a TT slot in your 40's with a minty-fresh PhD - if it is an expensive hobby, then fine.

[@070707SAM]

I know someone who got her PhD in sixties and now has a tenure track position! She had been teaching as an adjunct for many years, and so was hired full time after she got her terminal degree.

[@nivoonairam8950]

You look so scared to just say, "no." Speak more confidentially!

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

Confidentially, or confidently? What do you mean?

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

Also he wasn't trying to say "no" so why would he say that??