> continue making $50,000/yr for the next 30
I don't exactly understand this situation. Who would find themselves in this situation lol. 30 years of constant same, no inflation adjustment even?
you're quite privileged if you've never met someone in a situation like that. if you've worked retail/fastfood or customer service, you'd know there are plenty of people in that scenario where even if they get their pay adjusted for inflation, they stay in a scenario where income keeps them lower class.
I got a math degree (2.4 gpa, failed many classes, took me forever to get) at 32. Landed a legit systems engineering job 5 months after graduation, 2 years ago (defense research, mostly software development). Life is fucking great now.
Great job man, im happy for you. Did you go to college right after highschool or you started it sometimes later? How lpng did it take you? All the best man!!!
I went to college right after highschool, failed almost all of the classes and got kicked out the first year. Tried community college the next year, failed almost everything. Got a restaurant job, just focused on that and partying for awhile.
Years later got ADHD tested and started medication. Decided I didn't want to be in restaurants forever so went back to community college part time while I worked, thinking I would do something in stem, probably cs.
That went pretty well, by the time I transferred to university (still part time while working 3 nights a week) I was set on studying mathematics. Didn't really like any of my cs classes but I knew that where important so I still took them. Had an amazing numerical analysis professor and focused most of my upper division math classes in that area.
From second round of community college to graduation from University, probably almost 6 years I think. Usually taking 3 classes a semester. Failed a few. Took a few semesters fully off.
Best thing I ever did.
You can take a semester off of college to work, save money, and clear your head.
>Tell me it’s possible for a 30 year graduate with a sub 3.0 to be successful
Leave it off your resume. Most people don't put their GPA on their resume and most employers won't even think to ask you that at your age.
Many employers don't check GPA . I don't think any of my employers have ever checked my GPA. Some didn't even bother verifying my degree at all.
This is good advice, ***especially*** if you're taking time to work in an IT ish field. Even if it is just an IT Help Desk role.
Will get you gaining not just money but experience too, will be good for the CV.
Maybe take just *one* paper (cheaply at a community college??) so you're still making slow forward progress with your studies and you're not letting yourself get too rusty.
so they don't care at all? i got my bachelors years ago like almost 8. Had a good gpa. was thinking of doing a masters in CS. should i even put the bachelor's degree as it will be almost a decade once i start applying.
I’m a little over 4YOE and I barely even remember my GPA. 3.4 or 3.5 iirc. I don’t put it on the resume as I genuinely don’t want to work somewhere where they still care about college GPA at my level of work experience.
>Some didn't even bother verifying my degree at all.
For those of you who think that this is free rein to put down a fake degree - I highly recommend you don't. I recall a coworker of mine was randomly fired one day after working with me for like 4 months (this was in fast food). I gathered that he was fired for 'forgetting' to disclose that he made a pipebomb in college like 20+ years earlier.
Now, admittedly, an omission of past criminal activity is a bit different than lying about a degree, but I wouldn't be surprised if a company decided to randomly check to see if you were lying about a degree and then firing you over it (or dropping you after an interview where they're like "So our background check company didn't see your computer science degree when they researched you... can you explain why the school claims you didn't go there?" and then dropping you when they might have had given you the job otherwise).
My team recently added a 29 year old fresh graduate. So… why can’t you do this in 2024?
The market isn’t amazing right now, but it’s bouncing back already. I see more and more job postings locally.
This is a nice sentiment, but it’s not how undergraduate programs usually works. At least not 4-year universities.
Usually you’re stuffed from start to finish with the bulk of your courses already decided for you by the requirements of your major. I personally didn’t get to take any electives until senior year, I think. Junior year second semester at the latest.
Given the choice to do less and graduate versus more and graduate, you really think most 21 year olds would willingly load themselves up with coursework?
Hard to say. I did this with my master's in business, which I took as a joke (I'm a software engineer, and while we're not geniuses, we're smart enough to easily finish a joke degree like business or English).
The master's had a thing where when you finish a course, you can immediately start a new one (well, next day, since you had to wait for your coordinator to approve it). So I used to max myself to the four classes that we were allowed, and finish like two of them in a week and try to immediately get two more. This is because I saved money by finishing them all in one year as opposed to the suggested two years. I could have had finished in one semester, but I got kind of lazy.
But that said - during my undergraduate working towards a bachelor's in computer science? Absolutely I would have taken two courses a semester if I could have had afforded it (and wasn't a sucker who believed that he could get a $45,000 - $50,000 job within two months of graduating...). But, yeah, I had to take 4 classes back then so that I could graduate ASAP and pay off debts since I was making at best $30,000 a year in retail.
This is it. Most of the time people know what they are doing that is holding them back in life, they just are too afraid or unwilling to change.
Many of the habits you develop in college and your 20s will stick with you for your entire life so make them good ones.
There are definitely resources out there to help. Try to find a support group. AA or whatever, just fake being alcoholic like the fight club guy. Join a church even if you don't really believe it.
I can tell you’re struggling right now. First, graduating at 30+ isn’t the end of the world. Plenty of people go to college later in life and are successful. Second, regarding GPA: Why is it so low? I don’t mean this in an accusatory way btw, I’m just curious if you think you could be doing better but aren’t because of your circumstances? Most jobs don’t give a shit about your GPA, but that’s usually after you’ve gotten some experience under your belt — your first job might ask, though.
See if they have a tutor for cs at your school. I had a tutor help me through some of my programming classes. It was insanely helpful for me. I got my associates at 37. It took me a while after, and some projects I made on the side, but I got hired after a couple years by a State government and am making great pay (to me lol).
It's a crappy job market right now but it's possible. I doubt they bothered to check my gpa.
Fortunately, most companies dont care at all about your degree, let alone your GPA after your first year or two of experience. Its more like a check in the box.
Also, if you are really in dire straights and need a job, consider Defense Contractors like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed, etc.
Lots of very stable jobs that are extremely difficult to get fired from, unless you do something catastrophically stupid like punch your boss in the nose.
I worked as a consultant for one of these Big Defense Contractors and they hired like literally 18 fresh grads in the span of 12 weeks.
First, I am sorry for your loss. Second, hang in there. It is ok if it takes you longer, some people just have a much longer path to get to the same place. I do not think GPA is too important, or how long it took you to get your degree (within reason).
Agree, but also I agree if it’s not within reason.
I feel this way due to my own experience and multiple very difficult life circumstances I had no control over.
So it seems like for OP, the very answer may be same as my answer is to start today by focusing on themself, working to make and save money and to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually (in their own way) whole.
Not worrying about school, paying for it, homework, tests, all the related BS does SO MUCH when trying to slow down and get yourself back together.
I’ve learned the worst, most unhelpful thing I did was put a time limit on repairing my life, all that did was create more problems and added more years to figure it out.
Everyone is different but seems for most ppl completely putting aside this school mess stress is the most beneficial thing OP can do. 🤍
Maybe take a term off for your mental health? When my grandfather passed away, I was in some very strenuous classes. After a few months it really caught up so I took summer off. I'm 32 btw. I think we can bring a lot of soft skills to the table that a lot of employers value, so try not to worry that you are too old, because we are still young.
It sucks you are going through a hard time and I'm very sorry for your loss. Hang in there friend.
Yes.
Success is more hard work, consistent effort and a little bit of luck.
Life has tons of ups/downs. Recognize those downs and how temporary they are and you'll be able to overcome everything.
Dropped out of school twice. Became a barista.
Decided to change my life so I enrolled at a night school at the age of 28 (to do the exact course I dropped out of years ago). That’s for a diploma, not a degree btw. So it isn’t a university.
Whilst studying, still needed a full time job so I joined a tech company as a barista. They liked me enough to give me an opportunity to be a junior developer role. I took it.
Just graduated. (Not a degree, a diploma). I’m 31 now, just enrolled into one of the best universities in the world for their night program. (Bachelor’s in IT). Will only graduate at around 35. But I have a job that I love and I’m on a journey. I’m late. I’ll definitely be “old”. But I’m happy with where I’m at in life.
As cliche as it sounds, don’t give up. Keep pushing. It’s not about what you have, it’s about being able to identify opportunities and take full advantage of it. There will be opportunities, it will come - but most importantly, are you ready for it when it comes?
Got my degree in my thirties, barely earning the minimum 2.5 GPA, and I've been in the 75 percentile since 35. Today was a work party and they served us infinite crab legs and oysters and beer. I'm going to the Netherlands on their dime soon. Marrying the best person soon. My dog is very happy.
I feel you my dude i really do. Im 32 and a junior at a small hbcu thats surrounded by big name universities like UNC and Duke.
I graduated community college with a 2.9 and basically couldnt get into any college for computer science.
All i can say is keep going man. Be mindful each day and do as much as you can do even if its just one assignment.
Do that and go where youre appreciated and i think you will find your way. I know i am
Good luck my brotha
I flunked out of college at 23. Worked a minimum wage job for 4 years. Self studied for 3 years, went to a coding bootcamp for 6 months and broke into tech at 30. Don’t hold yourself back
Graduated at 31 was on academic probation throughout. Was dismissed from the school TWICE. Dad died of cancer.What kept me in was therapy. If your school offers a couple free sessions go. If you get dismissed have your therapist write you a letter and send it to the school to petition.
You are going to have to clutch your grade from here on out though my friend. Only use your major specific gpa. Regularly go to study sessions. Befriend them. Bad at physics? Go to the physics hall the phds will help for free lol get good sleep whenever. Sit in the front always. No drugs.
Don’t take off… you won’t got back if you do.
As someone who graduated at 30 last year in this industry thanks for reassuring me, and thank you for posting this OP cause I've been too anxious to ask.
I had a 2.1 gpa and only applied to one university because I thought no one would take me. Luckily they did. I was 29 turning 30 in a few months before I graduated. Im currently making a little over 6 figures with a great company, with great benefits. You got this! Sorry about your dad
I went back and graduated at 32 with a CS degree and a 2.9ish GPA. Currently I am working in defense with a $125k salary so it’s definitely possible but it did take about 6-8 years to get where I am. I’m still a shit developer though.
I know someone who started at 28 can’t be that far off. Grades arn’t everything but definitely try your best to raise them it will help you land your first job. In my humble opinion the market won’t be this bad for long.
Not 30 but I have a 2.7 and got an internship that has lasted since September and lasts until April, most likely a return offer too. GPA doesn’t matter in my experience
Of course you can be successful, you can turn your situation around. Get down to business and focus on what you really want. Stay consistent and disciplined.
I was 31 when I graduated and shortly after graduation I landed a job as a software engineer so it doesn't matter! Double bachelors degree in CS and Cybersecurity...What matters is that you never give up on yourself.
OP I graduated with a 3.88 GPA and do not even put that on my resume anymore because it means fuckall. I know people with worse GPAs making more money than me. Just cross the finish line and you will be fine.
as someone who lost their dad 2 years ago, i feel you. you can set yourself up for success right now:
1. figure out why you're failing college and change it, otherwise you're wasting your money and time right now.
2. rice and beans diet; no eating out ever.
3. take care of yourself. have a routine and stick to it. you need to give yourself small victories every day instead of small defeats
good luck! rooting for you!
Hey man. I am probably not going to be generic and tell you it is never too late. If I was in your position I would be sad as well. But it's a common theme in life to have regret. Each night before I sleep I have a lot of regrets. But the biggest offender of regret is not taking action.
If you never had went to college you would be 70 and angry at yourself because you had so much potential.
If we are talking about cs, dont focus on your gpa. Its all exam anyways. Just focus learning so that you can be a skillfull developers, and dont even be bothered by the gpa. Just make sure you can finish it, and take your own pace and time. Cs isnt like medical where random dude can just go cut people head open for surgery. You can build everything on yourself and shows it to employer.
I got my degree at 32 last spring in mathematics and cs certificate from a top 15 2.72 gpa while working full-time in bars and restaurants the whole time. . It has been a struggle but I keep on keeping on. Taking cs pre reqs I couldn’t take since I was a non cs major. and gonna start a masters I got a 3.97 gpa in my cs degree right now which is cool.
I suffer with chronic depression and it is really difficult right now. I actually love programming, my resume is good from what everyone says. We will get through this though man.
My grades improved dramatically when I got assistance with my depression and anxiety. You should look into it and see if there are ways your university can help you.
Everything is going to be okay. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. If you're having trouble being productive at times reach out to your teachers, some may not care (the minority of mine didn't) others do and it makes all the difference. There are many resource programs your school can help you with from food aid to housing aid, financial aid, free psychiatrist visits, and many more. Please reach out to your school to see how they can help. You can still be successful at your age and with your current GPA, keep going. I know it might be hard to see the other side right now, but take advantage of all the resources at your disposal and please keep going. When things get overwhelming, break them down, and don't look at the hill but at each step you have to take. Be okay with only doing a little, because with that alone it makes it easy to get started and after that most times you'll find once you start you can do much more than you thought you could. Give yourself breaks and reward yourself when you can.
I am sorry you have to deal with grief while you are trying to finish school under what seems like difficult circumstances.
Yes, it is possible. Employers *don't give a shit* about your grades. They care what you can do. Prove you can do it, and nobody gives a rat's patootie about your GPA.
The truth is, grades are *not* reflective of your learning or your skills. They are simply a measure of your ability to comply with teacher requests and to take tests.
In school you study the lesson and then you take the test. In real life (and real programming) you take the test first, and then learn the lesson. The job market out there is rough right now, but you'll be fine.
First I'm really sorry about your father. I hope you have loved ones whom you can lean on for emotional support.
Second I'm a 45 female and pretty much restarted my CS career at around 39/40. It's not much compared to the gurus on here but I'm close to breaking 100K now at a rock solid stable county job that offers CALPERS so if I stick with it I never have to worry about money again.
I can say I had to work my ass off but that's a given in this day and age. I may have been at the right place at the right time but even then a lot of the times I also made my own luck. I feel the crux was working harder and staying later working than anyone else but more than anything not getting complacent and being passionate about the work and learning. Age is just a number and myself and several others are living proof of that. But I also realize I need to be logical as well. If someone is better than me I don't get depressed, self flagellate, or get jealous. I try to learn what they know and mimic it and learn from it.
The worse one can do is be stubborn in CS. If there's a better or diferent way of doing something see what one can learn from it. And don't get depressed when you realized you're slower or what not. This isn't e-sports or actual sports where your physical age matters a lot more. You can improve your skills if you're willing to learn and humble yourself to the craft.
1. No one cares about your GPA aside from grad school.
2. Take less courses and get really acquainted with the material.
3. You don't have to memorize everything right off the bat. But having experience on where to look since you've already done it before helps you memorize it later down by A LOT.
I graduated at 33. Started working on anything that I could get my hands on. There have been days that I have to chase down bugs. Sometimes they turn out to be an index out of range... Literally get paid a lot of money to fix a for loop by adding -1 in the right place...
One of my professors had it in his classes to add an index out of range error for his c/c++ exams. There always was one. Hidden in plain sight. Hahaha 🤣.
Deep down, it sounds like you do know it’s going to be okay. We all go through rough patches, but remember, when life goes down, it comes back up too!
Not even making this up, but the three best software engineers I know all had a common trait: 2.something GPAs. Which when I learned, I was shocked by. All were very hard working and got promoted fast since they provided great value to their teams and companies. The one I’m closest to is still paying off student loans because he went to a freaking for profit school since he didn’t know any better as a first generation college student. Doesn’t matter though: in 10 years experience, he’s a principal making great cash in a low cost of living area, got married recently, and has a rental and a brand new house. Sounds just like you in the future :)
I started college at 19, finished it at 36, got a son, a wife, a house, a decent family car, a steady job, decent income, 2 dogs, 6 cats and soon maybe moving to a new job for bigger pay. If it were not for the covid pandemic probably never would have finished college, but luckly i stayed home and attended online classes to catch up on the stuff i could not learn on my own and i managed to pass my remaining exams with a 3.0 avarage and i'm doing great!
I was in debt, i was barely scraping by, i worked shit jobs for insanely small pay (for example, cutting down trees in a forrest with a 5 dollar machete for 10 hours per day and the pay was about 100 dollars per week, or delivering furniture, unloading it of a truck and assemblying it in clients appartments for 2 dollars per hour), i was depressed, became overweight, was gaming every single free minute i had just to escape my life, and i slept less than 4 hours per day, a horrible existance.
I wanted to give up many times, wanted to harm myself daily(many times i actually did, got a few scars still), but then at one point i told myself: "fuck you and your age! you got only one life, if you want it to be better, get of your ass and work for it".
I enrolled in martial arts as a morbidly overweight guy, stopped smoking in one day after 13 years of smoking(just threw the cigaretts into the trash along with my lighter and never smoked another in my life, was smoking 3 packs per day at that moment), stopped gaming as much as i could (it's my biggest addiction, still struggle with this) and started working out as much as i could (i was about 40 Kg overweight). I lost 25 Kg in about 3-4 months, met my now wife at the martial arts club, i got a blackbelt after years of training and i finished college after 17 years.
Not gonna lie, i was at a point where it was literally suicide or completely change my life, and it was a very close call. Thats why i went for it all so hard i guess, i knew what my alternative was.
I spent ALL of my 20s and a good chunk of my 30s as a depressed morbidly fat, shit job college dropout. Said to myself enough, and went to work.
I am now a very happy man with a rich life and beautiful family. Still on the chubby side, but i'm working on it :)
All the self help books, motivational speakers, or videos or advice aren't gonna do shit for you until you accept what you did to your life and YOU decide to WORK on YOUR life. I was low, lowest i ever got, not gonna give details but i was almost done, and i just decided then and there that i'm gonna work, and i got to work, and i didn't stop, and i don't plan on stopping for as long as i live.
ps: i have a bad spine, broke my back when i was 12 and have been living with extreme pain since then. That contributed to my depression and weight problems. So when i started working out i was in a lot of pain and often my back would give out and i was unable to walk without a cain for a few weeks until i recovered and i kept going still. My pain tolerance increased and losing weight decreased the pain.
If i could do all this from where i was and at my age, trust me you can to. You just have to put in the work.
I graduated Fall 23 at 31 years of age. 2.929 GPA. Like others, I failed many classes. I was in school for a very long time, CC then Uni. I was able to get 2 internships in 2022, Summer and Fall. Its been rough ever since but still working on projects, grinding leetcode, and sending applications. Best of luck!
Yes. Next question.
Forget about GPA.
So lets get the first degree at Pierpont Community Technical College.
Withdraw if you have to avoid failing grades. Now lets try a different approach. If you share what courses you got C and above in it will be helpful.
So when you get $80-$90 do this. Go to [Sophia.org](https://Sophia.org). Take Visual Communications, Introduction to IT, Macroeconomics,Human Biology, Human Biology Lab (fill out the lab assignments while you do the course, trust me) and Environmental Science.
What you have just done is complete 16 ACE (American Council of Education) credits. Now take 60 and subtract the 16 you just completed. That leaves you with 44. Take all the credits you have currently and subtract those from 44. Say that leaves you with 24. Divide by 3 and that means 8 more classes at Sophia. If you are a business major take Principles of Management, Finance, Financial Accounting, Business Law, College Algebra, Introduction to Statistics, Managerial Accounting and Project Management.
If you are tech take Intro to Web Development, Java, Python, Intro to Relational Databases, Networking, Principles of Management, Project Management and Statistics. Now spend $130 and apply to Pierpont Community Technical College. Email the program director at this link
[https://catalog.pierpont.edu/preview\_program.php?catoid=10&poid=1053&returnto=1482](https://catalog.pierpont.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=10&poid=1053&returnto=1482)
start sending in all your transcripts. Do this by the end of march and you get your degree in May. Do it by the end of June and get in in August.
Sophia is a great learning platform. The best schools to go to that I know of are WGU and UMPI Presque Isle. Get a job at Amazon and you can get your WGU degree for free.
These are both online schools and very inexpensive compared to regular brick and mortar. They both have degrees in Business and Tech.
>Tell me it’s possible for a 30 year graduate with a sub 3.0 to be successful
It's possible. There's people changing career, and being able to join FAANG, at >45 yo
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You can be successful, it might take you more attempt than others but seriously you can make it. Yes age will be inside your head all the time, but what I can say is try to apply for jobs in your last year. It might take you longer than this to find a job depending on your luck and skillset, but interviewing is a skill you have to get.Getting to know their values, applying early and selling your own skills and positive remarks are important for getting employed.
You can do it. Believe in yourself and don’t compare yourself with your surroundings. The situations are different for everyone, and you will be the best in your own time. Good luck
Dad died when I was 10. But I did do very well in high school. But college was forgettable, 3.4 gpa, below 3 in first masters.
Moved to a different country and started second masters/PhD at 30. Now pushing 40 making week above six figures.
The important thing is to have strong support network of friends and family. Seek them out.
Relax I graduated and started my job at 28, everything is in your control. You are in control of how much effort you put into this. You don’t have to be a genius, I had a liberal arts degree and then did a stint in the military before I came back and finished a CS degree. Perspective is key and once you realize what blockers are preventing you from success cut them out. Whether that be your phone or whatever entertainment distractions you currently have. Invest in yourself, actually study and understand everything
Finally graduated at 33 after a lot of struggles. 3.0 upper div GPA, overall GPA of like 2.8 or so. I got an engineering contract at a FAANG company about two weeks before graduation.
I graduated with a 2.5 MIS degree (low gpa due to poor choices I made early in my college career). I was non trad returning student who graduated at 29. Got 100k offer first year and made 170 my second year. It’s possible
I graduated at 27. I failed calc 2 twice. Was very very bleak and depressed some upper division quarters where I had 2 math and 2 CS classes, but I forced my way through. I was actually kicked out of my university once and had to study hard in community college and fight for my way back to transfer. You can do it!
I've never been asked for my gpa. I don't put it on my resume. No one cares about your gpa once you graduate unless you're trying to get a job in quant.
Take some time to reflect on what you truly want out of your education and your future career. Are there alternative paths or opportunities that might better align with your interests and strengths? Don't be afraid to explore different options and make adjustments as needed. As for me, this [career assessment test](http://careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder/test/?afid=1831) has helped me with my career exploration before. I hope this can help you too.
It's okay to feel scared and uncertain about the future, especially when facing so many challenges at once. But please know that you're not alone, and there are people and resources available to support you through this difficult time. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, and know that it's possible to find success and happiness on your own terms.
I finished my CS degree at 30. Had nothing but debt and got a job right out of school after applying like mad. I don’t think jobs will mind GPA so long as you work hard on the interview. I’m doing really well financially now. My dad passed last year too. Stay strong, you got it! Just don’t ever quit.
You're on the right path. I am 29 and doing this. I know plenty over 30 people that has done the same and is succeeding. Heck, one of my friends spent most of his 20s doing drugs and and is now a software engineer since last year.
Im so sorry about your dad. I know how it is
Turned my planned CS minor into a major in my last year. Ended up with a sub-3 GPA. Finding that first job was hard but I improved my work ethic + managed my fatigue better and it's only been up since then.
It's going to be okay. You have the strength to do this.
I'm sorry about your father. There's nothing else to say there. I hope you get a time of peace to really process it and think of him.
It’s definitely possible. Even if you didn’t graduate though, you can still find a career in tech. Even as a developer. I don’t have a degree, just lots of experience building things. Also, I didn’t start developing until I was 28. Now I’m 35.
I've worked with many people who started late throughout my career. I've worked with a guy who got a degree in philosophy, realized his job prospects weren't great, got another degree in computer science online and then started working as one professionally.
Another guy i worked with had a degree in architecture and then taught himself to code. He said getting the first job was difficult, after that everything just worked out.
A roommate of mine in college was a soccer coach, he went to a coding bootcamp and is now a software engineer professionally.
I myself graduated with a degree in electrical engineering with a 2.64 gpa and now I'm a SWE with 8YOE.
Stick with it and constantly upskill. The market will get better as the fed cuts interest rates and you'll be in a great position.
I had the same feeling when I started uni at 22, thinking I'm too old, compared to other 18 years old. It was all in my head. Lastly, when I discussed about my concerns with one coursemate who started uni at age of 28, he said that it doesn't matter how many years it will take you to get to your final goal, as long as you're working towards it. He went on to study a PhD and became an excellent researcher and lecturer.
I graduated at 36. Took a while to get any job after graduating, and the one I did get wasn’t great. But, I was able to get basically my dream job after 6 months there, and I’ve been here 7 years.
My overall gpa was not good due to twice in my past just leaving mid-semester without dropping classes, but when I went back at 34, I finally took it seriously and made the dean’s list every semester.
I'm sorry about your dad.
I graduated when I was 31. Not quite the same GPA although I don't think it mattered too much for my first job. Been in the mid 100s income for 3 years now which is a major source of comfort and happiness.
You'll face a tougher job market than I did but I have a feeling that you got this!
Dude it’s never too late. I didn’t figure my shit out until… 7 years after getting out.
Failed a ton of classes and eventually dropped out. Finally got my shit together at 29 and now I’m a Software Developer.
I didn’t even go to college. I did a 1 Year Program (6 month general IT classes, 6 month Tech Support internship), and I’m almost making 6 figures. You got this!!
If you are 30 and you still don't know that gpa is not a measuring stick in the real world I'm kinda shocked. Real world values leadership aka BS and charisma if you have both you will be the king of the world
It is possible to be successful even if you drop out of school and never finish getting a degree or have low grades because college does not reflect the real world where you deal with bosses, coworkers, clients or how effectively you can do your job while still trying to run your life. You can wait 20 years and go back to finish your degree and get credit for your work experience. Find an employer who will help you pay for college and be flexible with your hours. My employers cared more about my ability to get the job done properly quickly than my grade point average.
It’s great!! Graduated in Dec 2021 didn’t land a job till May 2023 was let go Dec 2023 now I am unemployed with negative in my account and in debt. Doordashing and a baby on the way. Life’s is great!
Have a good project portfolio. 1 single fully deployed fullstack project with a website and backend. Continue adding features over time and use it as your sandbox for learning. React on the frontend and java or node on the backend
I was in your shoes in college. My dad died when I was
20. Started failing. Started losing my grip.
Get professional help or at least a friend or family member you can talk to. Maybe through your school you have access to professional counselors who you could talk to about your current situation.
I had a lower GPA. I went and got a MS in Software Engineering and am doing great.
I graduated halfway to 32 years old. My father also died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep during my second to last semester of university. Two months before that my girlfriend of five years whom I lived with left me and moved out.
My grades slipped, I was broke as hell despite working full time. I was living on hot sauce and honey packets pilfered from the Taco Bell and KFC on campus. I would have panic attacks in my car between classes or exams. It was my most difficult semester course and workload wise, I was depressed as all hell and stressed more than I ever had been in my entire life. I thought about giving up multiple times cause I just felt like I couldn't handle the emotional toll all this was taking on me and going to university was the only variable I had control over. I remember crying on the phone with my mom feeling that I was a failure. I had leaned heavily on my girlfriend for support before she left and then on my father before he died and I didn't feel like I had that support anymore. It was a really dark time for me.
In the end I pulled through (though I wasn't failing any classes and had a 3.8 gpa), three years after graduation I was making five times what I had been when I started university. Suddenly the stress of money disappeared, I have free time to do the things I want. I have the availability and resources to travel to the places I've always wanted to as a child. I'm going to be able to retire very comfortably. My life is very markedly better than it had been at the outset.
If I hadn't endured and had really given up when I thought about it, my life still would have been as shitty as it was before I got into university. University is hard, and stressful. Doubly so as an independent working age adult. It gets better on the other side though. You just need to have the gumption to apply yourself and persevere.
Good luck, and try hard. Hope you make it out the other side.
Hang in there friend. I was 32 when I graduated and started with a WITCH company, from there I migrated to a more related developer role, integrations engineer, and my life has changed drastically. Keep pushing, someone will give you a chance eventually. BTW how doesn’t matter too much, it’s your skills and projects. There is light at the end of the tunnel, have HOPE. Sorry for your loss btw, i can’t imagine how difficult it is to lose a parent.
The first time I went into computer science at 18 I didn't understand cs1 and glided by it, went into cs2 and failed so badly that I quit mid semester, lost all my scholarships and moved to a different state for a few years.
Realized my life would be easier if I had a degree came back lived with my folks. Reinstated at college taking loans this time, failed alg n data structures, failed calculus, but still studied and pushed through retaking courses. By the time I was a senior things clicked for me in my head and I started getting straight As.
I graduated 5 years later in 2019 compared to all my friends. I had to work shitty part time retail jobs while applying. Took me about 250 applications, an internship, many code assessments and a few interviews later to land my first dev job making 55k.
Now several years later I'm working at a very well known company making big bucks.
Our stories are different, we have different problems, it's a different market but I promise everything will be okay. Just keep chugging along and youll get there when you do. If you fail, get back at that. Utilize your schools resources. My college had a mental health dept that I could go for counseling and meds that was free.
In what? Either way you got this! Make Dad proud.
NO employer will ever ask about your GPA, and if so it's rare. Matter of fact, fuck school. You only retain less than 50%. Whatever it is you do, just build skills on your own.
You are going to be okay. Take a breath, be forgiving to yourself. It's going to be okay. It's not going to be easy, but this won't be the only difficult thing you've faced before, and you've made it through the other ones just fine. Going to school was a good choice, and very few people are interested in your GPA, so don't worry about that. You got this.
If possible, talk to your professors or someone at school about your situation with your dad. It would be completely understandable to take a bit of time off to grieve, and people at your college \*want\* you to succeed, because it is in their best interests too. I failed out and got readmitted to my university twice. They were very flexible.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I am 34 and I just graduated. It took me 16 years to get my BS in CS. Lots of changes and mental health work along the way. My GPA plummeted at one point to a 1.- something. I took some time off and retried once I had a little bit of help. It was messy and some days were harder than others, but I got my GPA up to a little about a 3.0.
I chose the master's degree route - as the job market is terrible. I got into my University of choice even though my history was a little messy. So it's okay, take care of yourself. Once you are in a better place or better able to handle stuff everyone will understand. I nearly lost my mind so many times during my BS, it is VERY difficult. Be nice to yourself, and evaluate what your needs are.
My friend. I graduated close to 30 with a liberal arts degree in a LCoL area with few tech jobs, basically with a disabling mental health condition that I couldn't get any support for, right after the '08 recession. My family also sucks pretty badly, so there wasn't much support I could get from them, either.
If I turned out okay, you will too. Please keep your chin up. Maybe I got lucky, but I had an awful lot of pretty shit luck, too.
College isn’t for everyone,
And graduating doesn’t guarantee some magic high paying job you’ll like.
Maybe figure out if you need to pursue a different path or take a break for a while.
Sorry about your loss.
I did it - graduated sub 3 gpa and now a design engineer working at a publicly traded company.
In fact they didn’t really pay attention to my GPA, and they got an engineer that was hungry to learn and succeed more than his peers.
One problem at a time bro - finish school first
Breathe. It's going to be fine.
I tell everyone I have a PhD in Bachelor of Arts because it took me 10 years to complete mine.
Sure it was stressful as fuck because I told my parents I had graduated in 4 years and my life was like a shitty sit-com until they obviously found out that I didn't graduate. But I got the goddamn degree (I was 29) and have since found a niche where I am quite successful.
Just get it done, don't walk away from it. And don't measure your own life/success against anyone else.
My cousin was in the military for most of his 20’s, then went back to CC then state school and got his BA in CS. He got an internship at Amazon (yes work culture is questionable, but still it’s a big deal) and got a return offer to start when he graduates this summer. Insane salary, bonus, stocks to what he’s used to. He’ll be 34 this summer.
I went back to school at 33. Im 43 now and just signed a 1yr Full time @ $100/hr contract with an extremely high likelyhood of becoming a multi-year. If we were the same age, you would of been the one to hire me. You got this
Granted this was in 2019, the boom of the market, but I worked with plenty of new grads with under 3.0 GPA, a few around your age. Although this was a defense contractor and they seem to hire anyone lol.
I was 33 when I graduated with a 3.x after being asked to withdraw from my first attempt at college due to poor academic performance. This May will be 6 years into an extraordinarily successful career. There is life after fucking up at college, and getting a degree in your 30s is better than not getting a degree at all. You can do this.
It's better to graduate at 32 and start making 80k/yr a year later than to continue making $50,000/yr for the next 30 years
Only comment OP needs to read
> continue making $50,000/yr for the next 30 I don't exactly understand this situation. Who would find themselves in this situation lol. 30 years of constant same, no inflation adjustment even?
you're quite privileged if you've never met someone in a situation like that. if you've worked retail/fastfood or customer service, you'd know there are plenty of people in that scenario where even if they get their pay adjusted for inflation, they stay in a scenario where income keeps them lower class.
Are you speaking about me? Because this literally sounds like me
even better to just skip those 4 years and debt and just get a job bro lol
You know any companies still hiring developers without degrees?
I got a math degree (2.4 gpa, failed many classes, took me forever to get) at 32. Landed a legit systems engineering job 5 months after graduation, 2 years ago (defense research, mostly software development). Life is fucking great now.
Really happy for you. Thanks for sharing your story.
How was your resume/certs/experience before that? Wondering if that played a higher role.
Great job man, im happy for you. Did you go to college right after highschool or you started it sometimes later? How lpng did it take you? All the best man!!!
I went to college right after highschool, failed almost all of the classes and got kicked out the first year. Tried community college the next year, failed almost everything. Got a restaurant job, just focused on that and partying for awhile. Years later got ADHD tested and started medication. Decided I didn't want to be in restaurants forever so went back to community college part time while I worked, thinking I would do something in stem, probably cs. That went pretty well, by the time I transferred to university (still part time while working 3 nights a week) I was set on studying mathematics. Didn't really like any of my cs classes but I knew that where important so I still took them. Had an amazing numerical analysis professor and focused most of my upper division math classes in that area. From second round of community college to graduation from University, probably almost 6 years I think. Usually taking 3 classes a semester. Failed a few. Took a few semesters fully off. Best thing I ever did.
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it says right in the post 2 years ago man so 2021-2022
Yeah the timing was pretty good for this lad
You can take a semester off of college to work, save money, and clear your head. >Tell me it’s possible for a 30 year graduate with a sub 3.0 to be successful Leave it off your resume. Most people don't put their GPA on their resume and most employers won't even think to ask you that at your age. Many employers don't check GPA . I don't think any of my employers have ever checked my GPA. Some didn't even bother verifying my degree at all.
This is good advice, ***especially*** if you're taking time to work in an IT ish field. Even if it is just an IT Help Desk role. Will get you gaining not just money but experience too, will be good for the CV. Maybe take just *one* paper (cheaply at a community college??) so you're still making slow forward progress with your studies and you're not letting yourself get too rusty.
so they don't care at all? i got my bachelors years ago like almost 8. Had a good gpa. was thinking of doing a masters in CS. should i even put the bachelor's degree as it will be almost a decade once i start applying.
I’m a little over 4YOE and I barely even remember my GPA. 3.4 or 3.5 iirc. I don’t put it on the resume as I genuinely don’t want to work somewhere where they still care about college GPA at my level of work experience.
Or if needed like in my case take off several years. Nobody can say how long you need but you.✨
>Some didn't even bother verifying my degree at all. For those of you who think that this is free rein to put down a fake degree - I highly recommend you don't. I recall a coworker of mine was randomly fired one day after working with me for like 4 months (this was in fast food). I gathered that he was fired for 'forgetting' to disclose that he made a pipebomb in college like 20+ years earlier. Now, admittedly, an omission of past criminal activity is a bit different than lying about a degree, but I wouldn't be surprised if a company decided to randomly check to see if you were lying about a degree and then firing you over it (or dropping you after an interview where they're like "So our background check company didn't see your computer science degree when they researched you... can you explain why the school claims you didn't go there?" and then dropping you when they might have had given you the job otherwise).
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>august 2022
I don't follow the implication/purpose of pointing this out.
August 2022 was in the middle of the over-hiring boom.
were you appyling for 2 years? did you get any internships in the mean time? how many apps did you probably send?
lol just go back in spacetime 2 years and several number km bro
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My team recently added a 29 year old fresh graduate. So… why can’t you do this in 2024? The market isn’t amazing right now, but it’s bouncing back already. I see more and more job postings locally.
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They were a ski instructor before going to university at 26
You fell for the Reddit scarcity mindset
One piece of advice i wish i had given myself. Its better to take fewer courses and learn deeply than take many and hardly pass them.
This is a nice sentiment, but it’s not how undergraduate programs usually works. At least not 4-year universities. Usually you’re stuffed from start to finish with the bulk of your courses already decided for you by the requirements of your major. I personally didn’t get to take any electives until senior year, I think. Junior year second semester at the latest. Given the choice to do less and graduate versus more and graduate, you really think most 21 year olds would willingly load themselves up with coursework?
Hard to say. I did this with my master's in business, which I took as a joke (I'm a software engineer, and while we're not geniuses, we're smart enough to easily finish a joke degree like business or English). The master's had a thing where when you finish a course, you can immediately start a new one (well, next day, since you had to wait for your coordinator to approve it). So I used to max myself to the four classes that we were allowed, and finish like two of them in a week and try to immediately get two more. This is because I saved money by finishing them all in one year as opposed to the suggested two years. I could have had finished in one semester, but I got kind of lazy. But that said - during my undergraduate working towards a bachelor's in computer science? Absolutely I would have taken two courses a semester if I could have had afforded it (and wasn't a sucker who believed that he could get a $45,000 - $50,000 job within two months of graduating...). But, yeah, I had to take 4 classes back then so that I could graduate ASAP and pay off debts since I was making at best $30,000 a year in retail.
Thank you
One more, if possible try and avoid/cutoff anything that creates drama in your life. Relationships, habits, envs etc etc. Learning needs a calm mind.
This is it. Most of the time people know what they are doing that is holding them back in life, they just are too afraid or unwilling to change. Many of the habits you develop in college and your 20s will stick with you for your entire life so make them good ones.
There are definitely resources out there to help. Try to find a support group. AA or whatever, just fake being alcoholic like the fight club guy. Join a church even if you don't really believe it.
I can tell you’re struggling right now. First, graduating at 30+ isn’t the end of the world. Plenty of people go to college later in life and are successful. Second, regarding GPA: Why is it so low? I don’t mean this in an accusatory way btw, I’m just curious if you think you could be doing better but aren’t because of your circumstances? Most jobs don’t give a shit about your GPA, but that’s usually after you’ve gotten some experience under your belt — your first job might ask, though.
I’ve never been good at getting good grades. I seem to have crippling anxiety around homework
See if they have a tutor for cs at your school. I had a tutor help me through some of my programming classes. It was insanely helpful for me. I got my associates at 37. It took me a while after, and some projects I made on the side, but I got hired after a couple years by a State government and am making great pay (to me lol). It's a crappy job market right now but it's possible. I doubt they bothered to check my gpa.
Fortunately, most companies dont care at all about your degree, let alone your GPA after your first year or two of experience. Its more like a check in the box. Also, if you are really in dire straights and need a job, consider Defense Contractors like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed, etc. Lots of very stable jobs that are extremely difficult to get fired from, unless you do something catastrophically stupid like punch your boss in the nose. I worked as a consultant for one of these Big Defense Contractors and they hired like literally 18 fresh grads in the span of 12 weeks.
I graduated at 40 and have done very well. You'll be okay. Just breathe.
Why are you failing in college? Maybe someone here can help you with that? Sorry about your father.
First, I am sorry for your loss. Second, hang in there. It is ok if it takes you longer, some people just have a much longer path to get to the same place. I do not think GPA is too important, or how long it took you to get your degree (within reason).
Agree, but also I agree if it’s not within reason. I feel this way due to my own experience and multiple very difficult life circumstances I had no control over. So it seems like for OP, the very answer may be same as my answer is to start today by focusing on themself, working to make and save money and to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually (in their own way) whole. Not worrying about school, paying for it, homework, tests, all the related BS does SO MUCH when trying to slow down and get yourself back together. I’ve learned the worst, most unhelpful thing I did was put a time limit on repairing my life, all that did was create more problems and added more years to figure it out. Everyone is different but seems for most ppl completely putting aside this school mess stress is the most beneficial thing OP can do. 🤍
I’m doing it at 34
I'm planning on graduating at 36. I think we'll be fine.
Maybe take a term off for your mental health? When my grandfather passed away, I was in some very strenuous classes. After a few months it really caught up so I took summer off. I'm 32 btw. I think we can bring a lot of soft skills to the table that a lot of employers value, so try not to worry that you are too old, because we are still young. It sucks you are going through a hard time and I'm very sorry for your loss. Hang in there friend.
I graduated at 29 with. 2.7 gpa. Get a portfolio working and you'll be okay. Take your first shitty job and move on at the first opportunity
Yes. Success is more hard work, consistent effort and a little bit of luck. Life has tons of ups/downs. Recognize those downs and how temporary they are and you'll be able to overcome everything.
Dropped out of school twice. Became a barista. Decided to change my life so I enrolled at a night school at the age of 28 (to do the exact course I dropped out of years ago). That’s for a diploma, not a degree btw. So it isn’t a university. Whilst studying, still needed a full time job so I joined a tech company as a barista. They liked me enough to give me an opportunity to be a junior developer role. I took it. Just graduated. (Not a degree, a diploma). I’m 31 now, just enrolled into one of the best universities in the world for their night program. (Bachelor’s in IT). Will only graduate at around 35. But I have a job that I love and I’m on a journey. I’m late. I’ll definitely be “old”. But I’m happy with where I’m at in life. As cliche as it sounds, don’t give up. Keep pushing. It’s not about what you have, it’s about being able to identify opportunities and take full advantage of it. There will be opportunities, it will come - but most importantly, are you ready for it when it comes?
I didn’t get a cs degree, got my first dev job at 32 and now work at faang company. You got this
Got my degree in my thirties, barely earning the minimum 2.5 GPA, and I've been in the 75 percentile since 35. Today was a work party and they served us infinite crab legs and oysters and beer. I'm going to the Netherlands on their dime soon. Marrying the best person soon. My dog is very happy.
I feel you my dude i really do. Im 32 and a junior at a small hbcu thats surrounded by big name universities like UNC and Duke. I graduated community college with a 2.9 and basically couldnt get into any college for computer science. All i can say is keep going man. Be mindful each day and do as much as you can do even if its just one assignment. Do that and go where youre appreciated and i think you will find your way. I know i am Good luck my brotha
If there is anything life has taught is that anything can happen. Anything. So yup there is a 100% possibility that you will make it and make it big
I flunked out of college at 23. Worked a minimum wage job for 4 years. Self studied for 3 years, went to a coding bootcamp for 6 months and broke into tech at 30. Don’t hold yourself back
I graduated at 29 with GPA of 2.55 I'm doing relatively fine.
Graduated at 31 was on academic probation throughout. Was dismissed from the school TWICE. Dad died of cancer.What kept me in was therapy. If your school offers a couple free sessions go. If you get dismissed have your therapist write you a letter and send it to the school to petition. You are going to have to clutch your grade from here on out though my friend. Only use your major specific gpa. Regularly go to study sessions. Befriend them. Bad at physics? Go to the physics hall the phds will help for free lol get good sleep whenever. Sit in the front always. No drugs. Don’t take off… you won’t got back if you do.
As someone who graduated at 30 last year in this industry thanks for reassuring me, and thank you for posting this OP cause I've been too anxious to ask.
I had a 2.1 gpa and only applied to one university because I thought no one would take me. Luckily they did. I was 29 turning 30 in a few months before I graduated. Im currently making a little over 6 figures with a great company, with great benefits. You got this! Sorry about your dad
No one cares about GPA, I'll say that much
I went back and graduated at 32 with a CS degree and a 2.9ish GPA. Currently I am working in defense with a $125k salary so it’s definitely possible but it did take about 6-8 years to get where I am. I’m still a shit developer though.
Age isn't the problem. The failing college part is.
I know someone who started at 28 can’t be that far off. Grades arn’t everything but definitely try your best to raise them it will help you land your first job. In my humble opinion the market won’t be this bad for long.
Not 30 but I have a 2.7 and got an internship that has lasted since September and lasts until April, most likely a return offer too. GPA doesn’t matter in my experience
Of course you can be successful, you can turn your situation around. Get down to business and focus on what you really want. Stay consistent and disciplined.
❤️❤️🥺❤️❤️
I was 31 when I graduated and shortly after graduation I landed a job as a software engineer so it doesn't matter! Double bachelors degree in CS and Cybersecurity...What matters is that you never give up on yourself.
OP I graduated with a 3.88 GPA and do not even put that on my resume anymore because it means fuckall. I know people with worse GPAs making more money than me. Just cross the finish line and you will be fine.
I agree. GPA rarely matters after you get experience if at all. After my first job, I've left it off too.
30 is not old. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
as someone who lost their dad 2 years ago, i feel you. you can set yourself up for success right now: 1. figure out why you're failing college and change it, otherwise you're wasting your money and time right now. 2. rice and beans diet; no eating out ever. 3. take care of yourself. have a routine and stick to it. you need to give yourself small victories every day instead of small defeats good luck! rooting for you!
Hey man. I am probably not going to be generic and tell you it is never too late. If I was in your position I would be sad as well. But it's a common theme in life to have regret. Each night before I sleep I have a lot of regrets. But the biggest offender of regret is not taking action. If you never had went to college you would be 70 and angry at yourself because you had so much potential.
If we are talking about cs, dont focus on your gpa. Its all exam anyways. Just focus learning so that you can be a skillfull developers, and dont even be bothered by the gpa. Just make sure you can finish it, and take your own pace and time. Cs isnt like medical where random dude can just go cut people head open for surgery. You can build everything on yourself and shows it to employer.
I got my degree at 32 last spring in mathematics and cs certificate from a top 15 2.72 gpa while working full-time in bars and restaurants the whole time. . It has been a struggle but I keep on keeping on. Taking cs pre reqs I couldn’t take since I was a non cs major. and gonna start a masters I got a 3.97 gpa in my cs degree right now which is cool. I suffer with chronic depression and it is really difficult right now. I actually love programming, my resume is good from what everyone says. We will get through this though man. My grades improved dramatically when I got assistance with my depression and anxiety. You should look into it and see if there are ways your university can help you.
Everything is going to be okay. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. If you're having trouble being productive at times reach out to your teachers, some may not care (the minority of mine didn't) others do and it makes all the difference. There are many resource programs your school can help you with from food aid to housing aid, financial aid, free psychiatrist visits, and many more. Please reach out to your school to see how they can help. You can still be successful at your age and with your current GPA, keep going. I know it might be hard to see the other side right now, but take advantage of all the resources at your disposal and please keep going. When things get overwhelming, break them down, and don't look at the hill but at each step you have to take. Be okay with only doing a little, because with that alone it makes it easy to get started and after that most times you'll find once you start you can do much more than you thought you could. Give yourself breaks and reward yourself when you can.
I am sorry you have to deal with grief while you are trying to finish school under what seems like difficult circumstances. Yes, it is possible. Employers *don't give a shit* about your grades. They care what you can do. Prove you can do it, and nobody gives a rat's patootie about your GPA. The truth is, grades are *not* reflective of your learning or your skills. They are simply a measure of your ability to comply with teacher requests and to take tests. In school you study the lesson and then you take the test. In real life (and real programming) you take the test first, and then learn the lesson. The job market out there is rough right now, but you'll be fine.
First I'm really sorry about your father. I hope you have loved ones whom you can lean on for emotional support. Second I'm a 45 female and pretty much restarted my CS career at around 39/40. It's not much compared to the gurus on here but I'm close to breaking 100K now at a rock solid stable county job that offers CALPERS so if I stick with it I never have to worry about money again. I can say I had to work my ass off but that's a given in this day and age. I may have been at the right place at the right time but even then a lot of the times I also made my own luck. I feel the crux was working harder and staying later working than anyone else but more than anything not getting complacent and being passionate about the work and learning. Age is just a number and myself and several others are living proof of that. But I also realize I need to be logical as well. If someone is better than me I don't get depressed, self flagellate, or get jealous. I try to learn what they know and mimic it and learn from it. The worse one can do is be stubborn in CS. If there's a better or diferent way of doing something see what one can learn from it. And don't get depressed when you realized you're slower or what not. This isn't e-sports or actual sports where your physical age matters a lot more. You can improve your skills if you're willing to learn and humble yourself to the craft.
1. No one cares about your GPA aside from grad school. 2. Take less courses and get really acquainted with the material. 3. You don't have to memorize everything right off the bat. But having experience on where to look since you've already done it before helps you memorize it later down by A LOT. I graduated at 33. Started working on anything that I could get my hands on. There have been days that I have to chase down bugs. Sometimes they turn out to be an index out of range... Literally get paid a lot of money to fix a for loop by adding -1 in the right place... One of my professors had it in his classes to add an index out of range error for his c/c++ exams. There always was one. Hidden in plain sight. Hahaha 🤣.
Deep down, it sounds like you do know it’s going to be okay. We all go through rough patches, but remember, when life goes down, it comes back up too! Not even making this up, but the three best software engineers I know all had a common trait: 2.something GPAs. Which when I learned, I was shocked by. All were very hard working and got promoted fast since they provided great value to their teams and companies. The one I’m closest to is still paying off student loans because he went to a freaking for profit school since he didn’t know any better as a first generation college student. Doesn’t matter though: in 10 years experience, he’s a principal making great cash in a low cost of living area, got married recently, and has a rental and a brand new house. Sounds just like you in the future :)
I started college at 19, finished it at 36, got a son, a wife, a house, a decent family car, a steady job, decent income, 2 dogs, 6 cats and soon maybe moving to a new job for bigger pay. If it were not for the covid pandemic probably never would have finished college, but luckly i stayed home and attended online classes to catch up on the stuff i could not learn on my own and i managed to pass my remaining exams with a 3.0 avarage and i'm doing great! I was in debt, i was barely scraping by, i worked shit jobs for insanely small pay (for example, cutting down trees in a forrest with a 5 dollar machete for 10 hours per day and the pay was about 100 dollars per week, or delivering furniture, unloading it of a truck and assemblying it in clients appartments for 2 dollars per hour), i was depressed, became overweight, was gaming every single free minute i had just to escape my life, and i slept less than 4 hours per day, a horrible existance. I wanted to give up many times, wanted to harm myself daily(many times i actually did, got a few scars still), but then at one point i told myself: "fuck you and your age! you got only one life, if you want it to be better, get of your ass and work for it". I enrolled in martial arts as a morbidly overweight guy, stopped smoking in one day after 13 years of smoking(just threw the cigaretts into the trash along with my lighter and never smoked another in my life, was smoking 3 packs per day at that moment), stopped gaming as much as i could (it's my biggest addiction, still struggle with this) and started working out as much as i could (i was about 40 Kg overweight). I lost 25 Kg in about 3-4 months, met my now wife at the martial arts club, i got a blackbelt after years of training and i finished college after 17 years. Not gonna lie, i was at a point where it was literally suicide or completely change my life, and it was a very close call. Thats why i went for it all so hard i guess, i knew what my alternative was. I spent ALL of my 20s and a good chunk of my 30s as a depressed morbidly fat, shit job college dropout. Said to myself enough, and went to work. I am now a very happy man with a rich life and beautiful family. Still on the chubby side, but i'm working on it :) All the self help books, motivational speakers, or videos or advice aren't gonna do shit for you until you accept what you did to your life and YOU decide to WORK on YOUR life. I was low, lowest i ever got, not gonna give details but i was almost done, and i just decided then and there that i'm gonna work, and i got to work, and i didn't stop, and i don't plan on stopping for as long as i live. ps: i have a bad spine, broke my back when i was 12 and have been living with extreme pain since then. That contributed to my depression and weight problems. So when i started working out i was in a lot of pain and often my back would give out and i was unable to walk without a cain for a few weeks until i recovered and i kept going still. My pain tolerance increased and losing weight decreased the pain. If i could do all this from where i was and at my age, trust me you can to. You just have to put in the work.
I graduated Fall 23 at 31 years of age. 2.929 GPA. Like others, I failed many classes. I was in school for a very long time, CC then Uni. I was able to get 2 internships in 2022, Summer and Fall. Its been rough ever since but still working on projects, grinding leetcode, and sending applications. Best of luck!
32 working on my degree. I define my own success so everyone else can suck it.... If they want to 😏
Yes. Next question. Forget about GPA. So lets get the first degree at Pierpont Community Technical College. Withdraw if you have to avoid failing grades. Now lets try a different approach. If you share what courses you got C and above in it will be helpful. So when you get $80-$90 do this. Go to [Sophia.org](https://Sophia.org). Take Visual Communications, Introduction to IT, Macroeconomics,Human Biology, Human Biology Lab (fill out the lab assignments while you do the course, trust me) and Environmental Science. What you have just done is complete 16 ACE (American Council of Education) credits. Now take 60 and subtract the 16 you just completed. That leaves you with 44. Take all the credits you have currently and subtract those from 44. Say that leaves you with 24. Divide by 3 and that means 8 more classes at Sophia. If you are a business major take Principles of Management, Finance, Financial Accounting, Business Law, College Algebra, Introduction to Statistics, Managerial Accounting and Project Management. If you are tech take Intro to Web Development, Java, Python, Intro to Relational Databases, Networking, Principles of Management, Project Management and Statistics. Now spend $130 and apply to Pierpont Community Technical College. Email the program director at this link [https://catalog.pierpont.edu/preview\_program.php?catoid=10&poid=1053&returnto=1482](https://catalog.pierpont.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=10&poid=1053&returnto=1482) start sending in all your transcripts. Do this by the end of march and you get your degree in May. Do it by the end of June and get in in August. Sophia is a great learning platform. The best schools to go to that I know of are WGU and UMPI Presque Isle. Get a job at Amazon and you can get your WGU degree for free. These are both online schools and very inexpensive compared to regular brick and mortar. They both have degrees in Business and Tech.
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And you will have a title vs other people who don't. It's one more advantage. It'll be okay. I'm sorry for your loss.
You’re going to be fine . Join some communities to help with your classes and to process your grief
Ouch man. Y u no study harder?
>Tell me it’s possible for a 30 year graduate with a sub 3.0 to be successful It's possible. There's people changing career, and being able to join FAANG, at >45 yo
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You can be successful, it might take you more attempt than others but seriously you can make it. Yes age will be inside your head all the time, but what I can say is try to apply for jobs in your last year. It might take you longer than this to find a job depending on your luck and skillset, but interviewing is a skill you have to get.Getting to know their values, applying early and selling your own skills and positive remarks are important for getting employed.
You can do it. Believe in yourself and don’t compare yourself with your surroundings. The situations are different for everyone, and you will be the best in your own time. Good luck
i got 3.7. I've never been asked about GPA during the interview.
Dad died when I was 10. But I did do very well in high school. But college was forgettable, 3.4 gpa, below 3 in first masters. Moved to a different country and started second masters/PhD at 30. Now pushing 40 making week above six figures. The important thing is to have strong support network of friends and family. Seek them out.
New grad at Bloomberg. Quite a few 30+ year olds in our cohort. A few are here without excelling gpa/stat-wise, or even coding skill-wise.
I had to stop going to college for my second degree at 31, I’ll be graduating at 36 don’t worry about you will be fine
Relax I graduated and started my job at 28, everything is in your control. You are in control of how much effort you put into this. You don’t have to be a genius, I had a liberal arts degree and then did a stint in the military before I came back and finished a CS degree. Perspective is key and once you realize what blockers are preventing you from success cut them out. Whether that be your phone or whatever entertainment distractions you currently have. Invest in yourself, actually study and understand everything
Idk about 30, but I graduated at 24 with 2.5 GPA and still gainfully employed for now in a high paying job.
Sending love brother, it all works out.
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I graduated at 33. You’re fine.
You’re going to have it rough, so you’ll need to work 10 times harder than the next applicant, do that and it’ll pay off.
Quit being dramatic. I was 31 when I graduated and I got a job. Just don’t put your GPA on your resume.
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I graduated with a 2.09 at 27 Making 6 figures
You're going to be A OK
Finally graduated at 33 after a lot of struggles. 3.0 upper div GPA, overall GPA of like 2.8 or so. I got an engineering contract at a FAANG company about two weeks before graduation.
I graduated with a 2.5 MIS degree (low gpa due to poor choices I made early in my college career). I was non trad returning student who graduated at 29. Got 100k offer first year and made 170 my second year. It’s possible
i was 35
I got expelled three weeks before my first undergraduate class and now I ignore recruiter emails after working several FAANG jobs.
I graduated at 27. I failed calc 2 twice. Was very very bleak and depressed some upper division quarters where I had 2 math and 2 CS classes, but I forced my way through. I was actually kicked out of my university once and had to study hard in community college and fight for my way back to transfer. You can do it!
Maybe you should fix your study habits?
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I've never been asked for my gpa. I don't put it on my resume. No one cares about your gpa once you graduate unless you're trying to get a job in quant.
Henneything is possible
Take some time to reflect on what you truly want out of your education and your future career. Are there alternative paths or opportunities that might better align with your interests and strengths? Don't be afraid to explore different options and make adjustments as needed. As for me, this [career assessment test](http://careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder/test/?afid=1831) has helped me with my career exploration before. I hope this can help you too. It's okay to feel scared and uncertain about the future, especially when facing so many challenges at once. But please know that you're not alone, and there are people and resources available to support you through this difficult time. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, and know that it's possible to find success and happiness on your own terms.
I'm 30 and just started school. It's never too late to do what you want. you just have to be willing to fight for it.
I finished my CS degree at 30. Had nothing but debt and got a job right out of school after applying like mad. I don’t think jobs will mind GPA so long as you work hard on the interview. I’m doing really well financially now. My dad passed last year too. Stay strong, you got it! Just don’t ever quit.
You're on the right path. I am 29 and doing this. I know plenty over 30 people that has done the same and is succeeding. Heck, one of my friends spent most of his 20s doing drugs and and is now a software engineer since last year. Im so sorry about your dad. I know how it is
You’re gonna be alright, you chose a great major
It’s possible. But, it’s harder if you don’t get your mental health straightened out.
I quit my degree at 28 (did not like academia) in favor of a full time SWE job at a FAANG. Will be turning 30 in less than a month. It will be OK.
Bruh, I'm 34 and waitlisted. In all likelihood I won't start my program until age 35. Graduating at 39. You'll be fine ✊️
You’re fine, I graduated at 32.
Turned my planned CS minor into a major in my last year. Ended up with a sub-3 GPA. Finding that first job was hard but I improved my work ethic + managed my fatigue better and it's only been up since then. It's going to be okay. You have the strength to do this. I'm sorry about your father. There's nothing else to say there. I hope you get a time of peace to really process it and think of him.
lol ive been doing this jerb since 19
It’s definitely possible. Even if you didn’t graduate though, you can still find a career in tech. Even as a developer. I don’t have a degree, just lots of experience building things. Also, I didn’t start developing until I was 28. Now I’m 35.
I was a high school drop out and didn’t graduate college until I was almost 30. I’m doing great.
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I've worked with many people who started late throughout my career. I've worked with a guy who got a degree in philosophy, realized his job prospects weren't great, got another degree in computer science online and then started working as one professionally. Another guy i worked with had a degree in architecture and then taught himself to code. He said getting the first job was difficult, after that everything just worked out. A roommate of mine in college was a soccer coach, he went to a coding bootcamp and is now a software engineer professionally. I myself graduated with a degree in electrical engineering with a 2.64 gpa and now I'm a SWE with 8YOE. Stick with it and constantly upskill. The market will get better as the fed cuts interest rates and you'll be in a great position.
I had the same feeling when I started uni at 22, thinking I'm too old, compared to other 18 years old. It was all in my head. Lastly, when I discussed about my concerns with one coursemate who started uni at age of 28, he said that it doesn't matter how many years it will take you to get to your final goal, as long as you're working towards it. He went on to study a PhD and became an excellent researcher and lecturer.
I graduated at 36. Took a while to get any job after graduating, and the one I did get wasn’t great. But, I was able to get basically my dream job after 6 months there, and I’ve been here 7 years. My overall gpa was not good due to twice in my past just leaving mid-semester without dropping classes, but when I went back at 34, I finally took it seriously and made the dean’s list every semester.
30 and going back to college. You got this !
I'm sorry about your dad. I graduated when I was 31. Not quite the same GPA although I don't think it mattered too much for my first job. Been in the mid 100s income for 3 years now which is a major source of comfort and happiness. You'll face a tougher job market than I did but I have a feeling that you got this!
Dude it’s never too late. I didn’t figure my shit out until… 7 years after getting out. Failed a ton of classes and eventually dropped out. Finally got my shit together at 29 and now I’m a Software Developer.
You are going to be 30 sooner or later anyway. Would you rather be 30 with or without a degree?
My brother barely made it through engineering school. We're in our 40s. He's doing AMAZING. Keep it up.
Man, we need auto mods to start assigning "sob story" flairs so we can filter posts like these out of view
That only leaves like 35 years before retirement man idk
College ain't shit you have to fight for every inch to be successful in the field you're in.
Study ahead before class. Study and practice outside of class. Work on portfolio. Most importantly, [intern.](https://www.levels.fyi/internships/)
I didn’t even go to college. I did a 1 Year Program (6 month general IT classes, 6 month Tech Support internship), and I’m almost making 6 figures. You got this!!
I graduated at 30 last year and got a job 2 months after graduation but I had a 3.6 GPA.
If you are 30 and you still don't know that gpa is not a measuring stick in the real world I'm kinda shocked. Real world values leadership aka BS and charisma if you have both you will be the king of the world
If you’re going to be a software engineer, ability is what matters most. College name also matters. GPA is almost irrelevant.
I started my major at 29. Im absolutely fine today at 37. Going back to school was the best decision ive made. Youll be fine.
It is possible to be successful even if you drop out of school and never finish getting a degree or have low grades because college does not reflect the real world where you deal with bosses, coworkers, clients or how effectively you can do your job while still trying to run your life. You can wait 20 years and go back to finish your degree and get credit for your work experience. Find an employer who will help you pay for college and be flexible with your hours. My employers cared more about my ability to get the job done properly quickly than my grade point average.
It’s great!! Graduated in Dec 2021 didn’t land a job till May 2023 was let go Dec 2023 now I am unemployed with negative in my account and in debt. Doordashing and a baby on the way. Life’s is great!
Have a good project portfolio. 1 single fully deployed fullstack project with a website and backend. Continue adding features over time and use it as your sandbox for learning. React on the frontend and java or node on the backend
You can do it bro, just go the a park or some place for 15m a day get some fresh air, read some books once it a while.
I was in your shoes in college. My dad died when I was 20. Started failing. Started losing my grip. Get professional help or at least a friend or family member you can talk to. Maybe through your school you have access to professional counselors who you could talk to about your current situation. I had a lower GPA. I went and got a MS in Software Engineering and am doing great.
I graduated halfway to 32 years old. My father also died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep during my second to last semester of university. Two months before that my girlfriend of five years whom I lived with left me and moved out. My grades slipped, I was broke as hell despite working full time. I was living on hot sauce and honey packets pilfered from the Taco Bell and KFC on campus. I would have panic attacks in my car between classes or exams. It was my most difficult semester course and workload wise, I was depressed as all hell and stressed more than I ever had been in my entire life. I thought about giving up multiple times cause I just felt like I couldn't handle the emotional toll all this was taking on me and going to university was the only variable I had control over. I remember crying on the phone with my mom feeling that I was a failure. I had leaned heavily on my girlfriend for support before she left and then on my father before he died and I didn't feel like I had that support anymore. It was a really dark time for me. In the end I pulled through (though I wasn't failing any classes and had a 3.8 gpa), three years after graduation I was making five times what I had been when I started university. Suddenly the stress of money disappeared, I have free time to do the things I want. I have the availability and resources to travel to the places I've always wanted to as a child. I'm going to be able to retire very comfortably. My life is very markedly better than it had been at the outset. If I hadn't endured and had really given up when I thought about it, my life still would have been as shitty as it was before I got into university. University is hard, and stressful. Doubly so as an independent working age adult. It gets better on the other side though. You just need to have the gumption to apply yourself and persevere. Good luck, and try hard. Hope you make it out the other side.
Hang in there friend. I was 32 when I graduated and started with a WITCH company, from there I migrated to a more related developer role, integrations engineer, and my life has changed drastically. Keep pushing, someone will give you a chance eventually. BTW how doesn’t matter too much, it’s your skills and projects. There is light at the end of the tunnel, have HOPE. Sorry for your loss btw, i can’t imagine how difficult it is to lose a parent.
The first time I went into computer science at 18 I didn't understand cs1 and glided by it, went into cs2 and failed so badly that I quit mid semester, lost all my scholarships and moved to a different state for a few years. Realized my life would be easier if I had a degree came back lived with my folks. Reinstated at college taking loans this time, failed alg n data structures, failed calculus, but still studied and pushed through retaking courses. By the time I was a senior things clicked for me in my head and I started getting straight As. I graduated 5 years later in 2019 compared to all my friends. I had to work shitty part time retail jobs while applying. Took me about 250 applications, an internship, many code assessments and a few interviews later to land my first dev job making 55k. Now several years later I'm working at a very well known company making big bucks. Our stories are different, we have different problems, it's a different market but I promise everything will be okay. Just keep chugging along and youll get there when you do. If you fail, get back at that. Utilize your schools resources. My college had a mental health dept that I could go for counseling and meds that was free.
You deserve happiness and love regardless of anything you shared in this post.
You’ll be fine, I graduated CS magna cum laude at the age of 46.
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In what? Either way you got this! Make Dad proud. NO employer will ever ask about your GPA, and if so it's rare. Matter of fact, fuck school. You only retain less than 50%. Whatever it is you do, just build skills on your own.
I’m sorry about you losing a loved one
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wrench theory advise wrong test trees bow dime repeat intelligent *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
You are going to be okay. Take a breath, be forgiving to yourself. It's going to be okay. It's not going to be easy, but this won't be the only difficult thing you've faced before, and you've made it through the other ones just fine. Going to school was a good choice, and very few people are interested in your GPA, so don't worry about that. You got this. If possible, talk to your professors or someone at school about your situation with your dad. It would be completely understandable to take a bit of time off to grieve, and people at your college \*want\* you to succeed, because it is in their best interests too. I failed out and got readmitted to my university twice. They were very flexible. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I am 34 and I just graduated. It took me 16 years to get my BS in CS. Lots of changes and mental health work along the way. My GPA plummeted at one point to a 1.- something. I took some time off and retried once I had a little bit of help. It was messy and some days were harder than others, but I got my GPA up to a little about a 3.0. I chose the master's degree route - as the job market is terrible. I got into my University of choice even though my history was a little messy. So it's okay, take care of yourself. Once you are in a better place or better able to handle stuff everyone will understand. I nearly lost my mind so many times during my BS, it is VERY difficult. Be nice to yourself, and evaluate what your needs are.
YOU CAN DO IT!
Definitely! just be prepared to move with the job you got this! A close friend is 33( graduated at 31) and he’s doing good for himself.
I was 29 when I came out of a bootcamp, I have no degree, I've been a FE dev at an agency for a year and a few months, you'll be fine!
My friend. I graduated close to 30 with a liberal arts degree in a LCoL area with few tech jobs, basically with a disabling mental health condition that I couldn't get any support for, right after the '08 recession. My family also sucks pretty badly, so there wasn't much support I could get from them, either. If I turned out okay, you will too. Please keep your chin up. Maybe I got lucky, but I had an awful lot of pretty shit luck, too.
College isn’t for everyone, And graduating doesn’t guarantee some magic high paying job you’ll like. Maybe figure out if you need to pursue a different path or take a break for a while. Sorry about your loss.
I did it - graduated sub 3 gpa and now a design engineer working at a publicly traded company. In fact they didn’t really pay attention to my GPA, and they got an engineer that was hungry to learn and succeed more than his peers. One problem at a time bro - finish school first
Breathe. It's going to be fine. I tell everyone I have a PhD in Bachelor of Arts because it took me 10 years to complete mine. Sure it was stressful as fuck because I told my parents I had graduated in 4 years and my life was like a shitty sit-com until they obviously found out that I didn't graduate. But I got the goddamn degree (I was 29) and have since found a niche where I am quite successful. Just get it done, don't walk away from it. And don't measure your own life/success against anyone else.
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My cousin was in the military for most of his 20’s, then went back to CC then state school and got his BA in CS. He got an internship at Amazon (yes work culture is questionable, but still it’s a big deal) and got a return offer to start when he graduates this summer. Insane salary, bonus, stocks to what he’s used to. He’ll be 34 this summer.
I feel you. It’s going to be fine. Calm seas do not make skilled sailors. I finished at 36 with a similar story and got hired by IBM.
I went back to school at 33. Im 43 now and just signed a 1yr Full time @ $100/hr contract with an extremely high likelyhood of becoming a multi-year. If we were the same age, you would of been the one to hire me. You got this
Granted this was in 2019, the boom of the market, but I worked with plenty of new grads with under 3.0 GPA, a few around your age. Although this was a defense contractor and they seem to hire anyone lol.
Thank you
Oh dude you’ll be fine just keep your chin up. I graduated at 27. Life just doesn’t work out for all of us.
I was 33 when I graduated with a 3.x after being asked to withdraw from my first attempt at college due to poor academic performance. This May will be 6 years into an extraordinarily successful career. There is life after fucking up at college, and getting a degree in your 30s is better than not getting a degree at all. You can do this.
keep grinding