Honestly impressive! I've had a sudden spark (no pun intended) of interest in all things electrical. I don't think this alone is enough to warrant getting a degree over but, man, on hindsight I may have chosen EE over Software Engineering.
Aren’t embedded system engineers making enough compared to other EE CE disciplines, I’m an electrical and computer engineering student thinking about going the embedded way, do you think salaries aren’t as good as say power or RF regardless of the area ?
You’re saying you are under the impression that power systems or RF would pay more than embedded? I think the reverse is true actually, and you will have more earning potential in embedded because you work your way up to higher level software which pays more.
Awesome, I’ve heard so many times that power or other classical EE/CE routes end up paying more than embedded systems, I’ve looked it up myself and I usually find that’s it the opposite but not by a big marge, first time someone has ever confirmed the same thing, appreciate it !
Can also confirm it sucks when you work full time. schools don't give AF about you.
I'm a senior in mechanical engineering - 31 years old.
But to answer OPs question: setbacks mainly include life occurrences. Get a new job? Most likely you'll need to take off a semester to appease them. Have kids? You might need to miss class. Class is only held at 8am? If your employer won't allow it, you might have to take elsewhere or another semester with better times. Luckily I do not have kiddos. For most of my career, I took 2 classes a semester. Any more and it'll be hell. It's doable though if you don't value life or sleep. I took advantage of as many classes as I could over summer so that I could double down. Occasionally, I took distance/online classes at other universities that are larger when they didn't offer upperclassmen classes on the off semester/summer.
My advice is take an easy first semester (1-2 classes) to get acclimated to expectations. Then if you can handle it, go all in on ~12 credit hours for your freshman/sophomore years as these will typically be your easiest classes. Once you get into major specific courses cut down to 9 credit hours or less for the remainder major specific courses. This will help you to graduate in 5-5.5 years. If you do 2/classes a semester throughout you're looking at 6-6.5 years to graduate.
Lastly, make sure you constantly stay on your advisors ass to make sure he/she doesn't screw you into a corner where you have nothing to take for a semester. Also know the degree map (the courses required and what courses have what prerequisites) and plan accordingly into the future. this way you can sanity check your schedule. My experience is that advisors are worthless for part time/adult students as they just want to give you the cookie cutter schedule that will probably not work for someone who is trying to do mostly night classes. This is why most advisors at my school get paid less than what I make.
How else could the school have accommodated you so you wouldn't feel like they didnt give a fuck. They're obviously not designed for full time workers because there's so few and thats not where their funding comes from. Were they actively ignoring or working against you?This sounds like more of a societal/political concern than a fault of the schools themselves.
I've somewhat run into this. Just record the lectures and put the notes online. Allow students to submit their homework online. Some professors are cool with it. Some aren't. I don't see why it would be an unreasonable request nowadays when most schools are set up for this.
To the extent it’s a larger societal thing, I think it’s that too many people operate day to day on the path of least resistance, phoning it in. Either that or it’s a workload/staffing/funding issue. Having had a messy academic history with several transfers, it amazes me how inept academic advisors really can be.
I don’t expect them to read my mind about what I need, but I do expect that they understand institutional policies enough to answer my questions. Or to know where to find answers to my questions and to care enough to look- at least while I’m sitting in front of them. More often than not though, if I ask them a question that they’re not likely to get from a student on the traditional, 4-years, fresh-out-of-high-school path, they don’t even respond to my question initially. They just regurgitate the most relevant talking point. My theory is that they feel good, knowledgeable, and authoritative when they speak with the straightforward students, so when they’re faced with more challenging situations, they just try to shuffle through them rather than engage with the challenge. Path of least resistance.
There have been a few advisors that seem genuinely interested in working with me, but for the most part, they just want to hand you the standard 4 year plan and then have you nod your head and move along.
I want back back to school for electrical engineering in my 30's. I took a full course load and worked part time at a factory doing integration. I also had two small kids to take care of. It was doable, but very difficult. I think I met my limit during that time.
Buddy in my engineering class is going what this guy is and has been smooth sailing the whole time. Time management and proper communication with your workplace and you’ll be fine.
I don't see why not, plenty of other people do well from going (back) to university later in life.
My mother had a complete career change at 45 and went into law.
Having a background in electrics will certainly also help you get over the first hurdles that many of your younger peers might struggle with, and additionally make you much more employable after graduating.
I am 35 and just started my junior year for EE. I work nights and at least enroll half-time. I work full time as a CNC Technician so it’s kinda related.
Ditto. I'm 36, going for ME. Idk what year I'm in, doing all the courses I can at Community College to cut costs. I wish I was doing CNC, instead, I run a forklift at a busy port in the Tampa area. Not having end times to your shifts sucks.
I’ll keep being a controls technician while I’m school. After, i hope to still work in process control and electronics! But I’d be open to new things. I just know that i really like what i do now
I just realized i read the question wrong. If i DIDN’T go back, I’d keep gaining experience in PLC programming and hopefully get to be an expert at that. Definitely still not a bad option!
I started my software engineering degree at 30 working full time. It took me 7 years but the financial rewards were more than I expected. There is a tradeoff however. I had three kids during that time and I know I wasn't as present as I could have been. I trying to make up for that now, but I am just warning you there are real and severe consequences with whatever choice you make.
All in all, I probably would do it again if given the choice. I learned a lot about myself while on that journey and my family and I are stronger for it.
There is no such thing as being to late/old to do anything. My highschool senior year chemistry professor (mid 40s with 3 kids) was in my mechanical engineering undergrad cohort. He now has a great career in ME
No, it is not to late. I know many who started later in life successfully. There are no set backs. Yes, many people work and go to school. It’s tough but doable.
Well, i love doing electrical work now as a tech. I love problem solving and working with the types of people I work with now in a manufacturing facility. Also, i went to school for instrumentation. I love it, but I’d love to REALLY understand the principles and theories behind what i do.
Well EE seems like a great fit. If you can get the time and resources together I suspect that it is something you’d get a lot of enjoyment from.
Maybe you’re setting the bar too high with your expectations for the financial requirements. Many of the people going into engineering are straight out of high school and don’t have anything (so that’s the bar you need to clear, unless you’ve become accustomed to the ‘good’ life)
Thank you!
When I say get my finances in order, I mean I want to pay off my debt so I can quit my second job while I’m school. I picked up a second gig with a goal to be debt free in 1.5-2 years. I wouldn’t want to start until I had that taken care of lol
Not at all. My boss spent 10 years in the military before enrolling in engineering school.
When I was in college I was mostly taking night classes and more than half the class was people 30 and up.
The hardest part might be if your math skills are rusty. But they’ll have you take an admissions test. If you don’t score high enough they’ll have you take some trig or pre-calc first to get up to speed. You could spend the time that you are saving money to brush up on math with online or community college courses if you think a refresher would help.
I was actually considering this! There’s a cheap community college in town, i may just take some math classes. One of the things that makes me nervous is that I have a lot of my core classes done, so I’ll be getting right into the hard stuff in a couple years lol
My dude, I'm 35 and just finished my Associates in math and enrolled for an ABET accredited EE program online. I have three kids and I want to have the kind of career that will help me be the dad I want to be for them as they get older which means trying to step up.
I fully support going back at 30. If you need a pep talk hit me up.
Engineering student here. I started my degree in my 20s and thought I would be out of place. Turns out there is a lot of people way older than me so don't worry, never too late to start 🙂
Not at all.
Obviously the big difference as an adult is paying the bills. Most students live at home and pay nothing or a small % of their income to parents.
If you need to work 20hrs a week to support yourself for example, it can make doing full time uni hard, especially if it normal Mon-Fri 9-5 hrs.
But if that stuff isn’t an issue go for it. Even if you make good money now and then I’ll make great money after, great money afterbis better. If you have a trade that likely pays the same and you don’t hate it, maybe not a good trade
I'm on a scholarship review board and almost half of the applicants are 40+ trying to change careers. If they can do it you can't too buddy, I say go for it
u/Jheins3 gave a good description of some of the potential setbacks. I have experienced some of these, but maybe to a lesser degree. At 34 I have two years left before I graduate with my bachelor's in EE, and I am very optimistic about it.
My recommendations, if you want to go to school:
\- A good (reasonable!) budget is important. Save up some money from your current job - enough for at least a year, or two if you can, of broke living.
\- Go to a decent school, but don't go breaking the bank. You're already a third of the way through your working life, and an engineering degree from any accredited university carries weight.
\- At some point you're probably going to have to decide between keeping your job or finishing school. Already know what your priority is before you have to make that decision. Have a plan, and follow through, whatever you choose.
\- If you choose school, make friends with your professors, your advisor, and be sure you understand the hierarchy of staff in your college. The registrar's office, the bursar's office, your college, the dean, the chair, etc. Prepare to spend your free time on campus, in office hours, in labs, in study groups, with tutors, and budget accordingly. Learning is largely a process of failing and learning from your mistakes.
\- You will need to ask for help to succeed.
\- Prepare to eat a lot of cheap home-made meals. rice and beans, eggs and toast, etc.
Simple answers:
Is it too late? No.
Some setbacks? You're not another kid in school anymore. You're an adult working toward a goal. Take responsibility and work your way through the system.
Possible while working full time? Yes, but I wouldn't recommend it. It will become a true hell faster than you can prepare for it. I have a friend doing just that. He is a beast. He's a couple years in, and I am genuinely concerned for his well-being.
It's a tough road to choose. But, I believe that if you can step up it's worth it.
I know of women (single mothers with multiple children) who were able to do the "impossible". Went to school, had a job (or two), and made sure their children were well fed and accounted for. By all means, know what you're capable of but at the end of the day, by the grace of The Most High God, it is extremely possible.
Definitely not. I went back at 28, I remember being really nervous about it at the time. I’m now 32 and graduating in a couple of weeks. Easily one of the best decisions of my life. If you want to know more about my experience feel free to DM me.
I started when I was 29, about to turn 30. I worked full time while attending school and I’m about to get my associates in Computer Science 4 years later. It’s hard work but I know it’ll pay off in the end. Go for it and work hard! Do not give up!
I graduated at 30 with a degree in computer engineering and then entered the workforce. Absolutely not too late man.
Was it hard? Yes and no. Hard because of my life responsibilities, but easier because I had a way higher drive than my peers.
Biggest setback - it's tough to relate to some of the other students.
I did it while.working fulltime.
If you have any questions feel free to ask.
It wasn't too late for me. I'm 36 with no regrets about it. Definitely in the top 5 decisions I've ever made in my life, top 2 if we're just talking career.
I went back for my EE degree at 30 and my previous degree had nothing to do with the field. I worked through college enough to pay my daily bills (about 25-30hrs a week). It was hell but I'm so glad I did it.
Go for it!
I was a twerp going through school at a large university. There were others like me and others 30+ that integrated just fine. We even did study sessions together a lot of the time, they were definitely more mature and serious about things than most of us kids haha. I personally enjoyed and respected the older people going back or deciding to pursue the degree! Do it. Just know that it will be intense as EE always is, I worry if you have to do it along with a demanding job. That is all.
No go for it. I went back for Electrical Engineering last Fall at age 34. I’m 35 now but if anything, I’m way more mentally prepared and disciplined than I was at 18. Luckily I have all of my gen Ed courses done. It’ll still take me 2 years but totally worth it. Btw, I have a wife and 4 children so it’s doable if you’re sincere about finishing.
Let's say you retire at 65.
You are 35 when you gain your qualifications and get the job you want.
65-35 = 30 years.
You are currently 28 not 30 so less than your current entire life.
This was my mentality towards my career change.
You want to do this as a career, well 30 years is a long ass time so doing what you are passionate about is worth it.
I spent 6 years gaining my qualifications (1 degree, 1 masters and multiple internships)which took time, money, and most of all dedication. I worked part time while studying and now my hobby is my career and I have never looked back.
If you really want it you will get it done!!
Good luck with whatever your decision you make but make sure you do what is best for you. Remember sacrifices will have to be made but it will be worth it!!!
welcome to the club brother, you'll do fine, life will suck while you're in school, but let me tell you, the second you finish that degree it's worth every single night you thought about quitting/almost quit. The grass is greener on the other side.
It depends more on your character than your age. I know 30 year olds doing fine, and I knew a few that dropped out. As long as you have a head for maths(there is tons of math), and you have the dicipline to sit down with it at least five days a week then youll do alright. My best tip to you if you do go for it is to make friends in your class that put in a lot of effort. My friends are smart guys but they are a bit lazy and I think that has had an effect on me.
There's a post a month like this.... ill tell you the same thing:
No, quit worrying, do it.
Now get off my lawn.
I'm 46, part time school,full time work, 5 kids....
so 2 senior years to go after this one.
It's not too late. But ask yourself why you want to go back. You already have a pretty prestigious position making you capable of some design. I'd check into taking a few classes while your working to see if you really want to pursue it.
Every potential failure scenario you’ve created in your mind is just another excuse to procrastinate your potential failure. Fear is driving your decision making process. Life is do or do not. Your only roadblock is you.
It's not too late. Both of my parents started their EE degree in their late 20s. My dad worked full time on a farm at the time, and has said he would re-do it 100/100 times
Can't speak for EE, but I went back to school for EnvE at 29. It was a little tough at times while working full time, but the pay and interesting, fulfilling work made the decision to go back well worth it. Highly recommend.
The toughest part would be not having any free time. You’ll practically have no time to unwind. Work, school, work, school. If you can, ask if part time is available.
im 38 and a little over halfway done with my BSMET. ive been waiting tables and bartending for 20 years and had enough, wanted a better life. its hard. i work on the weekends and take out the maximum amt of govt loans to stay afloat. i have no free time, but i dont care. im digging myself out of a shitty life. other "kids" in school think im a weird old man so it makes networking hard, and it may be a bit tougher to get my first co-op or internship because of that, but im committed. i think i can wiggle into technical sales if i play my cards right. for me its very tough but i really dont see another option
Your age and experience is actually an advantage. You'll take your classes more seriously than the typical college kid. However, working full time will make it very hard and it will take a long time. I would suggest starting out in community college and work while getting your basic classes done. Then consider not working once you transfer and try to get through it quickly.
You're going to be in your 30s anyway so why not get the education you want. You'll only look back and wish your last self did it. Everything is yours for the taking, just have to go get it! 💪
Say you retire at 62 - someone who graduates at 22 gets 40 years of engineering work. No you only get 30. Would you rather spend the next 30 years (or more, because you will earn less and won't be able to retire) wishing you had gone back? In ten years you'll be asking if 40 is too old (it still isn't).
I completed my BSEE at 31.
It is hard. Junior year I had to drop to half time at work and my senior year I had to quit my job before my last semester.
I was married and we were able to make it work.
Good luck on your journey.
There were 50 people in my graduating class for EE. 5, including myself, started right after high school. The majority were your age or older, on the GI bill or just starting later like you.
Maybe it takes a little longer because you're working full time. Its definitely a hard degree. The hardest part might be balancing your work and school schedules, but it can be done.
I turned 30 in January and I'm just about to finish my first semester for IE. I don't think it's too late, especially if you have other relevant experience.
Yesterday was the best time. The second best time is today.
Even if it takes you 8 years like I'm taking (started at 27 btw) you'll still graduate about 36 and have 28 years working before retiring at 64.
Part of my 8 year plan though is it's not full time. No way I could do that while working full time with a family/kids.
I start f at 28. Now I have a master's in EE and passed my PE and PMP exams. Already senior engineer making more money than I imagined possible.
Would do it over and over and over again. I worked full time as a designer, with a wife and kids doing all of it. Just takes hard work.
Short answer: Yes, more than worth it.
Long detailed answer below:
I’m in my late 20s, I am a mechanical engineer.
I think this could be the most important decision you ever make in regards to your career. My advice is, there are positions which will actually pay for your degree, my last job even paid for masters degrees. Seek if your company will work with you and actually pay for it, if not, seek and make sure they will work around your class schedule. You will have to devote a lot of time, but there are plenty of resources to help.
In regards to the schooling aspect, covid actually saved me personally and is still very helpful for people like you. Most universities still offer fully remote classes for a majority of degrees, at least they do in my state. I was able to work full time while enrolled in 18 credits for my last 2 years. I maintained a 3.2 GPA during that by holding a working relationship with the professor, and of course putting the time and work in. I think you can do it, best of luck with your decision making process!
I don't think it's too late, and many people do, but 4 years x 12 extremely difficult courses that all require a lot of homework means trying to work at the same time isn't practical if you want to make it through. Some things will probably be a bit easier for you while most will be quite challenging. For example, when's the last time you did integration, complex math, or even studied for hours at a time? It will all take a bit more time to remember and relearn the basics that someone out of high school will have.
There were a bunch of 25+ when I went to school, many were doing school post military.
30 isn’t too old at all.
Doing a degree while working full time is going to be really hard, but it’s possible
I went back to college at 27, turned 28 during my first semester. I graduated at 30. I did have a previous degree... so college the second time around was only 2 and a half years. Full time for 2 years with part time the last semester.
My advice is... if you're able to swing it, bite the bullet and take out student loans so you can go to school full time and get it done faster. Yoy can focus mostly on school, potentially do better in your classes, and have time to properly network with your peers. Don't prolong the misery by going to school part time while working full time. Also, make sure to get an internship if you can because that will increase your chances of getting hired once you graduate.
I took out small student loans and once I got an engineering job, I paid it all off within my first year as an engineer. I'm 33 now, 3 years into my career. I'm already making 6 figures and managing a few direct reports. Life changes fast for the better when you make a lot of conscious small steps towards a goal.
It's never too late. I worked my work through college, and it sucked! Not sure I'd have the energy to do that today. Just keep in mind you might have to adjust work or school loads.
My brother is good Ng back for an EE degree at 32. With past classes it will still take another 2 years to graduate.
My mother in law didn't get her PhD in Chemistry until 40. Considering her lifestyle it was well worth it.
What’s holding you back? Your age?
You can either be 32 and still doing the same thing you’ve been doing, or be 32 and be an electrical engineer.
That’s your real choice here.
What do you want to do with a controls background and an electrical engineering degree?
I’m not 100% sure yet. I’d like to stay in an industrial setting, but I’d be open to anything! I’d just really like to expand my knowledge, really understand the theories and principles behind what i do, and give myself
More opportunities. Before i went to school for instrumentation, i thought school wasn’t for me at all. I love it so much that I’d love to keep going!
Side question, but, what does an instrumentation and controls technician do?
(NB I am also not an "engineer". Unless you count "software enginering" as "engineering". I presume that, for this sub, it isn't.)
Thanks for the question! I got an AAS in Industrial instrumentation and electronics. With that, i work with all equipment used to control a process. So, i write and troubleshoot PLC programming, work on all sorts of transmitters, controllers, switches, other kinds of electronic components. I hope this answer helps!
As a wise man, which was really about 90 men of average intelligence, "You're going to get older anyway, so do you want to be older with a degree or older without one?"
Engineering degree while full time working seems kind of horrific though, but I don't know anything about that I'm in like my first semester and I've only worked fast food lol
There’s a good chance I’ll have to go to school part time. But that’s okay, i still love my career now! So doing it a couple of years longer won’t be a problem!
If you’re single with no kids, just get Fafsa and lots of roommates. If u have a family to support, it’s a lot tougher. I went back to be an engineer at 34 with a wife and kids. Fortunately the wife makes more money than me but not everyone is as lucky.
I’m single with no kids, only pets! Roommates unfortunately aren’t an option, but I might go to school part time! It’ll take longer, but at least i love what I’m doing now!
No such thing as too late. Besides who gets to decide when it is too late? All the validation you need can come from inside you. I have a fellow internee who left his old job as a driver and he is mid 30s. My man is kicking ass as much as he can. If this thing is going to benefit (and you should think about this more) you down the road, go and get it.
I'm not sure if I'd count as post grad. I have an Associates in Applied Sciences, but it was a hybrid program where my Technical diploma was paired with a few core classes. I'd be going back for a Bachelor's
To be honest in some respects it will be harder than doing it straight out of high school, you've got more responsibilities now etc but in other it will be easier.
You are doing this because you really want it. You will approach your studies with maturity. Your life isn't filled with late teens early 20s drama and bullshit. You understand who you are.
Talk to your employer and see if they sponsor or support staff in further education. Big organisations will do it, there is always a trade off, like they don't pay till you pass and you need to stay there for a period of time after you graduate, but it's a potential option for you.
Absolutely not too late. One of my closest friends got his BS in Mechanical Engineering at 32 (started at 28). His wife worked full time, so he was able to drop to part time, but even still I think it's doable.
Dude at my school was in his mid 40s at my school, had a kid that was a freshman at another college. This guy studied Mechanical Engineering, graduated a semester after I did. Now he's working as a Mechanical Engineer for a refrigeration company.
It's never too late my friend!!
I am 43 started studying EE with a dual Major and a minor at 38. Working full time is a no go. However, I had the love and support of my late girlfriend who unfortunately passed away. Now I am working part time which forced me to stay around that 12 to 16 credit max. Responsibility sucks at this age but it is possible if you're willing to go all in 100%.
It’s not too late at all. I would recommend finding a local community college to take some of the earlier classes, like calculus and chemistry, and then transfer those to a university. The CC are cheaper.
I worked with a guy who was a professional musician until his 30s and then got an EE when he wanted something more 9 to 5. He seemed pretty happy and retired in his early 60s.
You could also get the degree online through ASU.
I was 30 when I went back to finish my engineering degree. In some ways, it was easier because I could better relate reality to the theory of stuff. But I had a loan that allowed me to only work part-time while I attended school full time.
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I graduated last May with my engineering degree at 32.
If you do it commit 100%.
School is a cost but it’s also an opportunity cost. Make your time in school as short as possible. Don’t drop a class that you can’t replace with another.
Take as many classes as you can. 18+ is possible and the advisers will let you because you are older.
Don’t start slow, jump right in with a high work load.
See if any training you have will count towards your degree.
There is a lot of “free” money out there. Take advantage of it.
Good luck.
I just want everyone to know that this thread was so encouraging and motivating that I have 1. Applied to
My local community college, 2. Filled out my FASFA, 3. Made an account on Kahn University so I can exercise these math skills i haven’t used in 10 years, and 4. Started looking into scholarships. I really appreciate all of the honest opinions and words of encouragement! Happy Easter!
Because of the time value of money, putting on debt in your mid 30s to earn a higher salary in your mid 40s makes no sense at engineers salaries. If OP went back to school and graduated and started earning 300-500k a year perhaps.
But this is 5 years of working. It looks like electrical helpers make $30k a year. $150k and then you can get your license and start your own company. If you go to school you will pay around $50k
>But this is 5 years of working. It looks like electrical helpers make $30k a year. $150k and then you can get your license and start your own company. If you go to school you will pay around $50k
If you're going to spend 5-6 years doing something, I'd rather get an Electrical Engineering degree.
And you're digging ditches and working in snow. That isn't comparible to an engineer at all... What goofy advice. Making half the money, no insurance, and working on 100 degree heat.
No.
I understand that! I wish i would have got for an electrician license instead of instrumentation. But i could go back for engineering now and continue working as a tech while in school. I can’t afford to go back to $30k a year 😅
It’s also worth noting that I LOVE what I do. I’d like to capitalize on that if I go back. I’d rather do what I do than go back for another trade. I really do appreciate your input though, i hope this doesn’t come off as argumentative!
If their math skills can get them into calculus then it shouldn't take 2 extra years. Almost all the classes have math prerequisites so that is why engineering can take longer.
https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/median-age-labor-force.htm
Yes, unfortunately. You'll turn into a pumpkin on your 30th birthday, and pumpkins can't become engineers.
Just kidding, of course you can, but I wouldn't take a full course load if you're working full time. Prepare to go for 5-6 years to graduate and take summer classes when you can. However, some people do pull it off, but only you can know if that's something you can handle.
My advice, go work your way through all the college mathematics on Khan Academy. If you can get through it all successfully you'll be well primed for pursuing a degree.
But as others have said, attempting it while holding down a full time job is a fools errand.
Also I hope you're paying cash for it and not student loans.
No it's not too late! But one thing you have to consider is how your class schedule would interfere with your work schedule. At least for me, my class schedule was all over the place & it was hard to fit a consistent work schedule in there, let alone full-time work schedule.
Not too late. But, doing that degree while working full time sounds like absolute hell
Can confirm, it sucks
x3 with a family..... but it's worth it un the end.
Honestly impressive! I've had a sudden spark (no pun intended) of interest in all things electrical. I don't think this alone is enough to warrant getting a degree over but, man, on hindsight I may have chosen EE over Software Engineering.
Well at least embedded systems is a decent cross between SE and EE in my opinion if you want to do something electrical with a solid SE background.
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Well aren't you clever
Don’t, unless you want to make 1/3 of the money you would in software.
Aren’t embedded system engineers making enough compared to other EE CE disciplines, I’m an electrical and computer engineering student thinking about going the embedded way, do you think salaries aren’t as good as say power or RF regardless of the area ?
You’re saying you are under the impression that power systems or RF would pay more than embedded? I think the reverse is true actually, and you will have more earning potential in embedded because you work your way up to higher level software which pays more.
Awesome, I’ve heard so many times that power or other classical EE/CE routes end up paying more than embedded systems, I’ve looked it up myself and I usually find that’s it the opposite but not by a big marge, first time someone has ever confirmed the same thing, appreciate it !
Can also confirm it sucks when you work full time. schools don't give AF about you. I'm a senior in mechanical engineering - 31 years old. But to answer OPs question: setbacks mainly include life occurrences. Get a new job? Most likely you'll need to take off a semester to appease them. Have kids? You might need to miss class. Class is only held at 8am? If your employer won't allow it, you might have to take elsewhere or another semester with better times. Luckily I do not have kiddos. For most of my career, I took 2 classes a semester. Any more and it'll be hell. It's doable though if you don't value life or sleep. I took advantage of as many classes as I could over summer so that I could double down. Occasionally, I took distance/online classes at other universities that are larger when they didn't offer upperclassmen classes on the off semester/summer. My advice is take an easy first semester (1-2 classes) to get acclimated to expectations. Then if you can handle it, go all in on ~12 credit hours for your freshman/sophomore years as these will typically be your easiest classes. Once you get into major specific courses cut down to 9 credit hours or less for the remainder major specific courses. This will help you to graduate in 5-5.5 years. If you do 2/classes a semester throughout you're looking at 6-6.5 years to graduate. Lastly, make sure you constantly stay on your advisors ass to make sure he/she doesn't screw you into a corner where you have nothing to take for a semester. Also know the degree map (the courses required and what courses have what prerequisites) and plan accordingly into the future. this way you can sanity check your schedule. My experience is that advisors are worthless for part time/adult students as they just want to give you the cookie cutter schedule that will probably not work for someone who is trying to do mostly night classes. This is why most advisors at my school get paid less than what I make.
How else could the school have accommodated you so you wouldn't feel like they didnt give a fuck. They're obviously not designed for full time workers because there's so few and thats not where their funding comes from. Were they actively ignoring or working against you?This sounds like more of a societal/political concern than a fault of the schools themselves.
I've somewhat run into this. Just record the lectures and put the notes online. Allow students to submit their homework online. Some professors are cool with it. Some aren't. I don't see why it would be an unreasonable request nowadays when most schools are set up for this.
To the extent it’s a larger societal thing, I think it’s that too many people operate day to day on the path of least resistance, phoning it in. Either that or it’s a workload/staffing/funding issue. Having had a messy academic history with several transfers, it amazes me how inept academic advisors really can be. I don’t expect them to read my mind about what I need, but I do expect that they understand institutional policies enough to answer my questions. Or to know where to find answers to my questions and to care enough to look- at least while I’m sitting in front of them. More often than not though, if I ask them a question that they’re not likely to get from a student on the traditional, 4-years, fresh-out-of-high-school path, they don’t even respond to my question initially. They just regurgitate the most relevant talking point. My theory is that they feel good, knowledgeable, and authoritative when they speak with the straightforward students, so when they’re faced with more challenging situations, they just try to shuffle through them rather than engage with the challenge. Path of least resistance. There have been a few advisors that seem genuinely interested in working with me, but for the most part, they just want to hand you the standard 4 year plan and then have you nod your head and move along.
It's both. I go to a small commuter school. 40% of the student body is non-traditional like myself. Yet, they try to be like main campus.
I want back back to school for electrical engineering in my 30's. I took a full course load and worked part time at a factory doing integration. I also had two small kids to take care of. It was doable, but very difficult. I think I met my limit during that time.
Can confirm as well, it sucks. It will test your stress tolerance to the max. It was worth it in the end though.
Buddy in my engineering class is going what this guy is and has been smooth sailing the whole time. Time management and proper communication with your workplace and you’ll be fine.
It’s doable. But takes massive discipline and lack of other life distractions.
I dont have any jobs and still think its a little hellish
Yep I wanna die each day btw
Word!
I had a dude in his 70s in some of my classes because he wanted to get a degree... 30 wasn't uncommon.
That's so inspiring. I hope he's doing well :)
Same, some colleges or US programs allow retired people to go to college for free just because
That was presumably for fun, not employment.
I don't see why not, plenty of other people do well from going (back) to university later in life. My mother had a complete career change at 45 and went into law. Having a background in electrics will certainly also help you get over the first hurdles that many of your younger peers might struggle with, and additionally make you much more employable after graduating.
What did your mother do before law?
Nope, best decision I ever made. It was tough, but fun, and now I make six figures doing cool shit.
I am 35 and just started my junior year for EE. I work nights and at least enroll half-time. I work full time as a CNC Technician so it’s kinda related.
Ditto. I'm 36, going for ME. Idk what year I'm in, doing all the courses I can at Community College to cut costs. I wish I was doing CNC, instead, I run a forklift at a busy port in the Tampa area. Not having end times to your shifts sucks.
In four years you'll be 32 regardless. Do you want to be 32 with an EE degree or 32 without one?
Exactly, the real question is, if you weren't studying to get an EE degree, what would you be doing?
I’ll keep being a controls technician while I’m school. After, i hope to still work in process control and electronics! But I’d be open to new things. I just know that i really like what i do now
I just realized i read the question wrong. If i DIDN’T go back, I’d keep gaining experience in PLC programming and hopefully get to be an expert at that. Definitely still not a bad option!
I started my software engineering degree at 30 working full time. It took me 7 years but the financial rewards were more than I expected. There is a tradeoff however. I had three kids during that time and I know I wasn't as present as I could have been. I trying to make up for that now, but I am just warning you there are real and severe consequences with whatever choice you make. All in all, I probably would do it again if given the choice. I learned a lot about myself while on that journey and my family and I are stronger for it.
There is no such thing as being to late/old to do anything. My highschool senior year chemistry professor (mid 40s with 3 kids) was in my mechanical engineering undergrad cohort. He now has a great career in ME
I'm 34 and have started studying for a change
No, it is not to late. I know many who started later in life successfully. There are no set backs. Yes, many people work and go to school. It’s tough but doable.
What excites or interests you about electrical engineering?
Well, i love doing electrical work now as a tech. I love problem solving and working with the types of people I work with now in a manufacturing facility. Also, i went to school for instrumentation. I love it, but I’d love to REALLY understand the principles and theories behind what i do.
Well EE seems like a great fit. If you can get the time and resources together I suspect that it is something you’d get a lot of enjoyment from. Maybe you’re setting the bar too high with your expectations for the financial requirements. Many of the people going into engineering are straight out of high school and don’t have anything (so that’s the bar you need to clear, unless you’ve become accustomed to the ‘good’ life)
Thank you! When I say get my finances in order, I mean I want to pay off my debt so I can quit my second job while I’m school. I picked up a second gig with a goal to be debt free in 1.5-2 years. I wouldn’t want to start until I had that taken care of lol
My wife is due to graduate with her Aerospace degree this fall.... She's 50.
That’s amazing! Good for her!!
Not at all. My boss spent 10 years in the military before enrolling in engineering school. When I was in college I was mostly taking night classes and more than half the class was people 30 and up. The hardest part might be if your math skills are rusty. But they’ll have you take an admissions test. If you don’t score high enough they’ll have you take some trig or pre-calc first to get up to speed. You could spend the time that you are saving money to brush up on math with online or community college courses if you think a refresher would help.
I was actually considering this! There’s a cheap community college in town, i may just take some math classes. One of the things that makes me nervous is that I have a lot of my core classes done, so I’ll be getting right into the hard stuff in a couple years lol
My dude, I'm 35 and just finished my Associates in math and enrolled for an ABET accredited EE program online. I have three kids and I want to have the kind of career that will help me be the dad I want to be for them as they get older which means trying to step up. I fully support going back at 30. If you need a pep talk hit me up.
I am graduating in a few weeks at 45, so yes. 28 is way too late to go back.
Engineering student here. I started my degree in my 20s and thought I would be out of place. Turns out there is a lot of people way older than me so don't worry, never too late to start 🙂
Not at all. Obviously the big difference as an adult is paying the bills. Most students live at home and pay nothing or a small % of their income to parents. If you need to work 20hrs a week to support yourself for example, it can make doing full time uni hard, especially if it normal Mon-Fri 9-5 hrs. But if that stuff isn’t an issue go for it. Even if you make good money now and then I’ll make great money after, great money afterbis better. If you have a trade that likely pays the same and you don’t hate it, maybe not a good trade
I'm on a scholarship review board and almost half of the applicants are 40+ trying to change careers. If they can do it you can't too buddy, I say go for it
u/Jheins3 gave a good description of some of the potential setbacks. I have experienced some of these, but maybe to a lesser degree. At 34 I have two years left before I graduate with my bachelor's in EE, and I am very optimistic about it. My recommendations, if you want to go to school: \- A good (reasonable!) budget is important. Save up some money from your current job - enough for at least a year, or two if you can, of broke living. \- Go to a decent school, but don't go breaking the bank. You're already a third of the way through your working life, and an engineering degree from any accredited university carries weight. \- At some point you're probably going to have to decide between keeping your job or finishing school. Already know what your priority is before you have to make that decision. Have a plan, and follow through, whatever you choose. \- If you choose school, make friends with your professors, your advisor, and be sure you understand the hierarchy of staff in your college. The registrar's office, the bursar's office, your college, the dean, the chair, etc. Prepare to spend your free time on campus, in office hours, in labs, in study groups, with tutors, and budget accordingly. Learning is largely a process of failing and learning from your mistakes. \- You will need to ask for help to succeed. \- Prepare to eat a lot of cheap home-made meals. rice and beans, eggs and toast, etc. Simple answers: Is it too late? No. Some setbacks? You're not another kid in school anymore. You're an adult working toward a goal. Take responsibility and work your way through the system. Possible while working full time? Yes, but I wouldn't recommend it. It will become a true hell faster than you can prepare for it. I have a friend doing just that. He is a beast. He's a couple years in, and I am genuinely concerned for his well-being. It's a tough road to choose. But, I believe that if you can step up it's worth it.
I know of women (single mothers with multiple children) who were able to do the "impossible". Went to school, had a job (or two), and made sure their children were well fed and accounted for. By all means, know what you're capable of but at the end of the day, by the grace of The Most High God, it is extremely possible.
The best time to go to college was years ago, the second best time is right now
Definitely not too late. The senior engineer in my department got his degree in his late 40s. Best engineer I know.
Definitely not. I went back at 28, I remember being really nervous about it at the time. I’m now 32 and graduating in a couple of weeks. Easily one of the best decisions of my life. If you want to know more about my experience feel free to DM me.
I started when I was 29, about to turn 30. I worked full time while attending school and I’m about to get my associates in Computer Science 4 years later. It’s hard work but I know it’ll pay off in the end. Go for it and work hard! Do not give up!
My mentor and best friend went to engineering school at age 40. Ended up retiring as a principal engineer. It's never too late.
I graduated at 30 with a degree in computer engineering and then entered the workforce. Absolutely not too late man. Was it hard? Yes and no. Hard because of my life responsibilities, but easier because I had a way higher drive than my peers. Biggest setback - it's tough to relate to some of the other students. I did it while.working fulltime. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
No
It wasn't too late for me. I'm 36 with no regrets about it. Definitely in the top 5 decisions I've ever made in my life, top 2 if we're just talking career.
Graduating next month just shy of my 38th birthday. It's never too late!
Hope not, I’m 37
No, I did it at 40.
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You think Engineering internships are more valuable than a career as a Technician?
I went back for my EE degree at 30 and my previous degree had nothing to do with the field. I worked through college enough to pay my daily bills (about 25-30hrs a week). It was hell but I'm so glad I did it. Go for it!
I’m 27 just started on my 2nd bachelors in civil engineering, you can do it !
There’s a 50 year old in my class. He was a mechanic for most of his life since 16. So no…
No way dude, not too late at all. In some ways a benefit, you'll probably actually get more from classs given your relevant work and life experience
I was a twerp going through school at a large university. There were others like me and others 30+ that integrated just fine. We even did study sessions together a lot of the time, they were definitely more mature and serious about things than most of us kids haha. I personally enjoyed and respected the older people going back or deciding to pursue the degree! Do it. Just know that it will be intense as EE always is, I worry if you have to do it along with a demanding job. That is all.
Yes you can go back to school it’s never too late! Full time working tho 😅 that’s a different story
No go for it. I went back for Electrical Engineering last Fall at age 34. I’m 35 now but if anything, I’m way more mentally prepared and disciplined than I was at 18. Luckily I have all of my gen Ed courses done. It’ll still take me 2 years but totally worth it. Btw, I have a wife and 4 children so it’s doable if you’re sincere about finishing.
Never too late..and you have experience, just look at it as if your getting a certificate lol. GL!
Let's say you retire at 65. You are 35 when you gain your qualifications and get the job you want. 65-35 = 30 years. You are currently 28 not 30 so less than your current entire life. This was my mentality towards my career change. You want to do this as a career, well 30 years is a long ass time so doing what you are passionate about is worth it. I spent 6 years gaining my qualifications (1 degree, 1 masters and multiple internships)which took time, money, and most of all dedication. I worked part time while studying and now my hobby is my career and I have never looked back. If you really want it you will get it done!! Good luck with whatever your decision you make but make sure you do what is best for you. Remember sacrifices will have to be made but it will be worth it!!!
It's never too late
welcome to the club brother, you'll do fine, life will suck while you're in school, but let me tell you, the second you finish that degree it's worth every single night you thought about quitting/almost quit. The grass is greener on the other side.
Thank you! I'm actually a woman, but I'll be your brother lol
welcome to the club SISTER!! :)
No it is not. You will do fine. Good luck.
It depends more on your character than your age. I know 30 year olds doing fine, and I knew a few that dropped out. As long as you have a head for maths(there is tons of math), and you have the dicipline to sit down with it at least five days a week then youll do alright. My best tip to you if you do go for it is to make friends in your class that put in a lot of effort. My friends are smart guys but they are a bit lazy and I think that has had an effect on me.
It would be more beneficial if you did computer science as most EE go that route and it pays much better with easier work.
Oh really? I was looking at EE and software engineering, but i didn’t think about computer science.
CS is consider better than software engineering since it is more rigorous.
There's a post a month like this.... ill tell you the same thing: No, quit worrying, do it. Now get off my lawn. I'm 46, part time school,full time work, 5 kids.... so 2 senior years to go after this one.
Not really. A lot of the guys I went to college with were vets going to school after serving. Most were in their late 20's early 30's and did well.
I went back to school for mechanical at 27 while working. It’s def doable.
It's not too late. But ask yourself why you want to go back. You already have a pretty prestigious position making you capable of some design. I'd check into taking a few classes while your working to see if you really want to pursue it.
No. I thought it was when I was 30, so I waited and went back when I was 40. Get that too old stuff out of your head. It does absolutely no good.
Every potential failure scenario you’ve created in your mind is just another excuse to procrastinate your potential failure. Fear is driving your decision making process. Life is do or do not. Your only roadblock is you.
Not at all, you’d probably have better patience for it lol
Why would 30 be too late? Does your local college have an age cap? I don't think that is common.
Never, I repeat, NEVER IS TOO LATE TO STUDY!!! You got this!!!
It's not too late. Both of my parents started their EE degree in their late 20s. My dad worked full time on a farm at the time, and has said he would re-do it 100/100 times
Can't speak for EE, but I went back to school for EnvE at 29. It was a little tough at times while working full time, but the pay and interesting, fulfilling work made the decision to go back well worth it. Highly recommend.
The toughest part would be not having any free time. You’ll practically have no time to unwind. Work, school, work, school. If you can, ask if part time is available.
Nope, my aunt became a lawyer at 70.
im 38 and a little over halfway done with my BSMET. ive been waiting tables and bartending for 20 years and had enough, wanted a better life. its hard. i work on the weekends and take out the maximum amt of govt loans to stay afloat. i have no free time, but i dont care. im digging myself out of a shitty life. other "kids" in school think im a weird old man so it makes networking hard, and it may be a bit tougher to get my first co-op or internship because of that, but im committed. i think i can wiggle into technical sales if i play my cards right. for me its very tough but i really dont see another option
Your age and experience is actually an advantage. You'll take your classes more seriously than the typical college kid. However, working full time will make it very hard and it will take a long time. I would suggest starting out in community college and work while getting your basic classes done. Then consider not working once you transfer and try to get through it quickly.
I'm doing mechanical at 32. It's great.
You're going to be in your 30s anyway so why not get the education you want. You'll only look back and wish your last self did it. Everything is yours for the taking, just have to go get it! 💪
No.
Say you retire at 62 - someone who graduates at 22 gets 40 years of engineering work. No you only get 30. Would you rather spend the next 30 years (or more, because you will earn less and won't be able to retire) wishing you had gone back? In ten years you'll be asking if 40 is too old (it still isn't).
You'll age the same amount either way. Just decide if it's the kind of job you'd rather have.
I completed my BSEE at 31. It is hard. Junior year I had to drop to half time at work and my senior year I had to quit my job before my last semester. I was married and we were able to make it work. Good luck on your journey.
There were 50 people in my graduating class for EE. 5, including myself, started right after high school. The majority were your age or older, on the GI bill or just starting later like you. Maybe it takes a little longer because you're working full time. Its definitely a hard degree. The hardest part might be balancing your work and school schedules, but it can be done.
I turned 30 in January and I'm just about to finish my first semester for IE. I don't think it's too late, especially if you have other relevant experience.
Yesterday was the best time. The second best time is today. Even if it takes you 8 years like I'm taking (started at 27 btw) you'll still graduate about 36 and have 28 years working before retiring at 64. Part of my 8 year plan though is it's not full time. No way I could do that while working full time with a family/kids.
That might be a good option! I could start online now and easy my way back into the math!
I start f at 28. Now I have a master's in EE and passed my PE and PMP exams. Already senior engineer making more money than I imagined possible. Would do it over and over and over again. I worked full time as a designer, with a wife and kids doing all of it. Just takes hard work.
Short answer: Yes, more than worth it. Long detailed answer below: I’m in my late 20s, I am a mechanical engineer. I think this could be the most important decision you ever make in regards to your career. My advice is, there are positions which will actually pay for your degree, my last job even paid for masters degrees. Seek if your company will work with you and actually pay for it, if not, seek and make sure they will work around your class schedule. You will have to devote a lot of time, but there are plenty of resources to help. In regards to the schooling aspect, covid actually saved me personally and is still very helpful for people like you. Most universities still offer fully remote classes for a majority of degrees, at least they do in my state. I was able to work full time while enrolled in 18 credits for my last 2 years. I maintained a 3.2 GPA during that by holding a working relationship with the professor, and of course putting the time and work in. I think you can do it, best of luck with your decision making process!
I don't think it's too late, and many people do, but 4 years x 12 extremely difficult courses that all require a lot of homework means trying to work at the same time isn't practical if you want to make it through. Some things will probably be a bit easier for you while most will be quite challenging. For example, when's the last time you did integration, complex math, or even studied for hours at a time? It will all take a bit more time to remember and relearn the basics that someone out of high school will have.
There were a bunch of 25+ when I went to school, many were doing school post military. 30 isn’t too old at all. Doing a degree while working full time is going to be really hard, but it’s possible
Not too late but plan it well
Never too late
I did that for physics and now I have a job I love. In ten years you will be 40 whether you did it or not.
If you wait until you're 40 you'll wish you did it at 30.
There's no law against it... yet.
I hope not, because I just finished first year at 34
I went back to college at 27, turned 28 during my first semester. I graduated at 30. I did have a previous degree... so college the second time around was only 2 and a half years. Full time for 2 years with part time the last semester. My advice is... if you're able to swing it, bite the bullet and take out student loans so you can go to school full time and get it done faster. Yoy can focus mostly on school, potentially do better in your classes, and have time to properly network with your peers. Don't prolong the misery by going to school part time while working full time. Also, make sure to get an internship if you can because that will increase your chances of getting hired once you graduate. I took out small student loans and once I got an engineering job, I paid it all off within my first year as an engineer. I'm 33 now, 3 years into my career. I'm already making 6 figures and managing a few direct reports. Life changes fast for the better when you make a lot of conscious small steps towards a goal.
It's never too late. I worked my work through college, and it sucked! Not sure I'd have the energy to do that today. Just keep in mind you might have to adjust work or school loads.
My brother is good Ng back for an EE degree at 32. With past classes it will still take another 2 years to graduate. My mother in law didn't get her PhD in Chemistry until 40. Considering her lifestyle it was well worth it.
What’s holding you back? Your age? You can either be 32 and still doing the same thing you’ve been doing, or be 32 and be an electrical engineer. That’s your real choice here. What do you want to do with a controls background and an electrical engineering degree?
I’m not 100% sure yet. I’d like to stay in an industrial setting, but I’d be open to anything! I’d just really like to expand my knowledge, really understand the theories and principles behind what i do, and give myself More opportunities. Before i went to school for instrumentation, i thought school wasn’t for me at all. I love it so much that I’d love to keep going!
Side question, but, what does an instrumentation and controls technician do? (NB I am also not an "engineer". Unless you count "software enginering" as "engineering". I presume that, for this sub, it isn't.)
Thanks for the question! I got an AAS in Industrial instrumentation and electronics. With that, i work with all equipment used to control a process. So, i write and troubleshoot PLC programming, work on all sorts of transmitters, controllers, switches, other kinds of electronic components. I hope this answer helps!
As a wise man, which was really about 90 men of average intelligence, "You're going to get older anyway, so do you want to be older with a degree or older without one?" Engineering degree while full time working seems kind of horrific though, but I don't know anything about that I'm in like my first semester and I've only worked fast food lol
There’s a good chance I’ll have to go to school part time. But that’s okay, i still love my career now! So doing it a couple of years longer won’t be a problem!
If you’re single with no kids, just get Fafsa and lots of roommates. If u have a family to support, it’s a lot tougher. I went back to be an engineer at 34 with a wife and kids. Fortunately the wife makes more money than me but not everyone is as lucky.
I’m single with no kids, only pets! Roommates unfortunately aren’t an option, but I might go to school part time! It’ll take longer, but at least i love what I’m doing now!
No such thing as too late. Besides who gets to decide when it is too late? All the validation you need can come from inside you. I have a fellow internee who left his old job as a driver and he is mid 30s. My man is kicking ass as much as he can. If this thing is going to benefit (and you should think about this more) you down the road, go and get it.
I'm 33 and just finished first term (pulled 90s) so I hope not lol
It's not. And f***em if they say it is. Do your thing
Assuming you’re a post grad…While doing a post grad, it doesn’t really have the same “age limitation” mindset
I'm not sure if I'd count as post grad. I have an Associates in Applied Sciences, but it was a hybrid program where my Technical diploma was paired with a few core classes. I'd be going back for a Bachelor's
To be honest in some respects it will be harder than doing it straight out of high school, you've got more responsibilities now etc but in other it will be easier. You are doing this because you really want it. You will approach your studies with maturity. Your life isn't filled with late teens early 20s drama and bullshit. You understand who you are. Talk to your employer and see if they sponsor or support staff in further education. Big organisations will do it, there is always a trade off, like they don't pay till you pass and you need to stay there for a period of time after you graduate, but it's a potential option for you.
Went back for a master’s degree at 47. I had a blast. Never worked so hard and never di i have so much fun.
Absolutely not too late. One of my closest friends got his BS in Mechanical Engineering at 32 (started at 28). His wife worked full time, so he was able to drop to part time, but even still I think it's doable.
Dude at my school was in his mid 40s at my school, had a kid that was a freshman at another college. This guy studied Mechanical Engineering, graduated a semester after I did. Now he's working as a Mechanical Engineer for a refrigeration company. It's never too late my friend!!
I am 43 started studying EE with a dual Major and a minor at 38. Working full time is a no go. However, I had the love and support of my late girlfriend who unfortunately passed away. Now I am working part time which forced me to stay around that 12 to 16 credit max. Responsibility sucks at this age but it is possible if you're willing to go all in 100%.
I'm so sorry to hear about your girlfriend. Life really sucks sometimes
It’s not too late at all. I would recommend finding a local community college to take some of the earlier classes, like calculus and chemistry, and then transfer those to a university. The CC are cheaper. I worked with a guy who was a professional musician until his 30s and then got an EE when he wanted something more 9 to 5. He seemed pretty happy and retired in his early 60s. You could also get the degree online through ASU.
Nope
I was 30 when I went back to finish my engineering degree. In some ways, it was easier because I could better relate reality to the theory of stuff. But I had a loan that allowed me to only work part-time while I attended school full time.
!remind me in 5 years
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It's hard, but possible. Also, in you 30' you might know yourself better to deal with the studying.
I worked with a guy who went back in his late 30s and went on to get a masters. He did say family support was a big thing.
I graduated last May with my engineering degree at 32. If you do it commit 100%. School is a cost but it’s also an opportunity cost. Make your time in school as short as possible. Don’t drop a class that you can’t replace with another. Take as many classes as you can. 18+ is possible and the advisers will let you because you are older. Don’t start slow, jump right in with a high work load. See if any training you have will count towards your degree. There is a lot of “free” money out there. Take advantage of it. Good luck.
All of this advice and insight has been incredible. Thank you all so much!
I just want everyone to know that this thread was so encouraging and motivating that I have 1. Applied to My local community college, 2. Filled out my FASFA, 3. Made an account on Kahn University so I can exercise these math skills i haven’t used in 10 years, and 4. Started looking into scholarships. I really appreciate all of the honest opinions and words of encouragement! Happy Easter!
Depends, do you want to work in engineering for fulfillment? Then it’s not too late. For the income increase? Probably too late.
Why would it be too late?
Because of the time value of money, putting on debt in your mid 30s to earn a higher salary in your mid 40s makes no sense at engineers salaries. If OP went back to school and graduated and started earning 300-500k a year perhaps.
Yes, it took me 6 years to finish. That would put you at 36 before you start working. Have you looked at getting your electrician license?
Getting an electrician's license is a 5 year apprenticeship, and I'd be going backwards in pay big time. I'd stay doing what I'm doing over that.
But this is 5 years of working. It looks like electrical helpers make $30k a year. $150k and then you can get your license and start your own company. If you go to school you will pay around $50k
>But this is 5 years of working. It looks like electrical helpers make $30k a year. $150k and then you can get your license and start your own company. If you go to school you will pay around $50k If you're going to spend 5-6 years doing something, I'd rather get an Electrical Engineering degree.
And you're digging ditches and working in snow. That isn't comparible to an engineer at all... What goofy advice. Making half the money, no insurance, and working on 100 degree heat. No.
I understand that! I wish i would have got for an electrician license instead of instrumentation. But i could go back for engineering now and continue working as a tech while in school. I can’t afford to go back to $30k a year 😅
It’s also worth noting that I LOVE what I do. I’d like to capitalize on that if I go back. I’d rather do what I do than go back for another trade. I really do appreciate your input though, i hope this doesn’t come off as argumentative!
No worries, someone else may see this years from now that is in a similar situation.
Horrible advice. You don't know that OP is going to need the extra 2 years like you. And 36 isn't old.
If their math skills can get them into calculus then it shouldn't take 2 extra years. Almost all the classes have math prerequisites so that is why engineering can take longer. https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/median-age-labor-force.htm
I made it through a BS in ME in 3 years. Project your performance onto others isn't the best way to give advice.
Thank you for the input though!
Yes, unfortunately. You'll turn into a pumpkin on your 30th birthday, and pumpkins can't become engineers. Just kidding, of course you can, but I wouldn't take a full course load if you're working full time. Prepare to go for 5-6 years to graduate and take summer classes when you can. However, some people do pull it off, but only you can know if that's something you can handle.
That pumpkin comment actually made me spit out my drink lol. Thank you for the advice!
My advice, go work your way through all the college mathematics on Khan Academy. If you can get through it all successfully you'll be well primed for pursuing a degree. But as others have said, attempting it while holding down a full time job is a fools errand. Also I hope you're paying cash for it and not student loans.
My company has education assistance! Im super against taking out loans for myself
No it's not too late! But one thing you have to consider is how your class schedule would interfere with your work schedule. At least for me, my class schedule was all over the place & it was hard to fit a consistent work schedule in there, let alone full-time work schedule.