Went back to school at 42 - got my degree

3w ago1 min read

Just walked at graduation last month after 4 years of night classes while working full time and being a dad. I'm a business analyst now instead of being stuck in warehouse management making 38k a year for 20 years. Everyone said I was too old but here we are. My kids saw their dad struggle and finish something hard which I think matters more than the salary bump honestly. Miss having free time on weekends but the career options now are insane. My boss already mentioned promotions. Life completely changed because I decided I wasn't done yet.

11 comments203 views

Comments(11)

RRyanRegular2w ago

Going back to school at 42 while working full time and being a single dad might be the most impressive thing I've read all week. That degree is going to mean something real to you because you actually earned it under real conditions. Congratulations.

JJasonNew Dad2w ago

This is what I need to tell myself when I'm tired. People actually do this. You just did it. Huge respect for putting in those night classes while juggling everything else.

LLance K.Regular2w ago

This hits different. You showed your kids what actually working toward something looks like. That's worth more than just telling them to stay in school.

DDavidNew Dad2w ago

That's incredible man. Four years of night classes while working full time and parenting? That's the kind of thing that takes serious commitment. What field did you go into?

BBrianRegular3w ago

42 and finished your degree is awesome. I'm 38 and keep thinking about going back but the time crunch with two kids feels impossible. Hearing someone actually pull it off is motivating honestly.

MMike R.Regular3w ago

Congrats on walking. That's legit one of the cooler dad achievements I've seen on here.

KKevinRegular3w ago

42 and four years of night classes is wild. Your kids must've watched you grind through that. That's the kind of example you can't buy. Huge respect.

DDerek M.Regular2w ago

Getting a degree at 42 while raising kids is peak dad energy. I bet your kids have a different respect for education now watching you do that.

PPhil M.New Dad2w ago

That's incredible, man. Seriously. Doing that while working full time AND being present as a dad? That takes discipline and guts. Congratulations on finishing.

LLance K.Regular2w ago

What field did you go back for? I'm curious if you have any advice for someone thinking about doing the same thing. The commitment you had to have was insane.

RRyanRegular2w ago

This is what I needed to see today. I've been thinking about going back to school but always talk myself out of it. How did you manage the time with your family?