Student days

Embarking on a journey to pursue higher education at the age of 40 as a mother, and wife definitely feels like the most daunting task I have considered in years. After all, I think I have already built a successful career and established myself in a field that I love, with years of valuable experience that I can apply to work everyday. However, the idea of returning to education at this stage in life I am finding exciting and scary in equal measure.

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I decided to put my thoughts down on the eve of my first day back into formal education, to explore the reasons why pursuing a degree at 40 is not only possible but I am hoping will be a fulfilling and empowering experience. I also want to explore what is often a discussion point amongst, my friends, and colleagues and my better half the question of whether a degree is necessary when you've already successfully navigated your career without one.

Embracing growth and learning

One of the primary reasons I wanted to consider a degree at 40 was the opportunity for personal growth. Whilst I may have reached a point in my career I am really happy, the pursuit of knowledge and personal development I hoped knew no age limit, as my primary focus for the last 10 years has been the education of my children, I hoped now was my time. Studying did not come easily to me during my ‘normal’ education and I hope now I have a passion for the subject I will at last find a new love for learning.

My ambition is that going back to school will reignite my passion for learning and open up new knowledge and skills and ways that I can share these with people who need my help.

Hoping to inspire

By returning to education, I am hoping to set a powerful example for my children who are reaching the first big milestone of their education. Although my son is still finding it slightly amusing, the thought of his mum going to university and having a student card, (although relishing the thought of student discounts) my ambition in some small way is to show a commitment to lifelong learning and demonstrate the importance of education, and despite me not knowing what I wanted to do to at 18 which resulted in me entering the world of work instead of University that it is never too late to chase your dreams.

That much talked about Growth Mindset made real for my children I hope will inspire them in a new way, maybe even help with the homework battle!

But will I drop a spinning plate?

One of my favourite sayings throughout my adult life has always been “If you want something done, give it to a busy woman” but the subject of balancing family, work, and education has been a topic of conversation at our dinner table since starting the application process and I’m sure will seem way more challenging over the next 2 years, but I believe it is entirely achievable with proper time management and support. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by the most supportive husband, children and family, and the best of friends who I know I can call on for support when needed, and that may well not be anything more than an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on.

Being the true Planner and Project Manager at heart I know what will work for me is to create a structure that will enable me to still have my commitments at home and work whilst allowing time for my studies and contributions to the learning cycle we will all be on, at the end of the day what’s the worst that could happen…..?

Cultivating Resilience and Determination

I know that returning to education as a mature student will be a massive test of my resilience and determination, and I know I will face challenges and obstacles along the way, both mentally and physically (I need much more sleep than I did at 19) but I hope the experience that 25 years of working, bringing strength of character and heady resilience along with the odd glass of red (definitely a more refined pallet at 40) at the end of a tough day will help me overcome these hurdles and see me succeed in this next chapter.

I am looking forward to seeing the happy faces of my family as I tell them of some new and weird and wonderful stories from student life over the dinner table for sure.

Do I need a degree at 40

Now, let's address the question of whether a degree is necessary when you've already navigated a successful career without one. Whilst I have indeed made significant strides in my career, I have always thought at different times throughout my life when will not having that badge of further education stop me from progressing and when is enough, enough. My desire now I have made this leap to (hopefully) obtain a degree at 40, is that having this new up-to-date knowledge may give me that competitive edge over candidates for leadership roles in the future, but ultimately this is first and foremost for me pursuing a degree that does not have a primary focus of career advancement; it is driven by a desire for personal growth, and learning.

I will bring my thoughts to a close now, returning to education at the age of 40, as a female, a professional leader, mother, and wife, I hope is a good decision that will lead to the personal growth I desire, expand and evolve my ability to be the best me I can and increase opportunities in the future for me and my team. But most importantly prove to myself that I can!

The main reason why I wrote down my thoughts today was to hopefully inspire others in a similar position, be it age, children, work or family commitments begging the question, ‘but can I?’ I want to help you realise you can answer with “yes, I can”, and to remember that it's never too late to invest in yourself and your education, and I want the journey itself to be just as rewarding as the destination.

I also wrote this as an “in advance” apology to my family and friends if I am a bit slow at replying or a bit tired for the next 2 years.

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