Going back to college in your early 40s...sounds like a terrible idea...but Im considering it.

[YellowDog406]

My significant other was not happy at her job and i told her to quit because it was making both of us miserable. She quit without another job lined up and little chance of being able to find another job locally. She lucked out and found her dream job but now lives 2 hrs away but i think we're both happier even though we're in different cities and regularly thanks me for telling her to quit and that was 2 years ago. So i think youre making the right choice and its surprising how much you can put up with when you don't hate your job, so a little bit of discomfort of relocating and going back to school for a short stint will likely pay dividends and happen in a blink of an eye.

I have friends/coworkers and family that went to Laramie and got a good education. It can be windy AF there so be prepared.

Montana Tech in Butte is a good school with petroleum and mining programs. Butte can be an aquired taste but you're close to lots of outdoor opportunities. As far as job opportunities in those fields in MT, we have the refineries in Billings and I think there's still some amount of oil field work in eastern MT/western ND. Theres some mining going on but not a ton.

MSU Bozeman has a great engineering program if you wanted to finish out your ME degree, or they have some fish & wildlife management and farm management programs that may be of interest. Affordable housing is hard to come by though.

At 39 I've also had some thoughts recently about finding a career in land conservation or similar which would be a big change for me as a mechanical engineer, so I'm interested to see what others have to say.

 

[mighteywhitehunter]

Going back to College at 40+...

I say go for it.

 

[Luke S]

A friend of mine got some kind of forestry degree in PA. He seemed to be making descent money. His job was some kind of soil analysis around oil well sites (checking for pollution I believe). Maybe not as exciting as working in a National Park but probably better pay. And it gets him outside. Something more technical like that sounds better. And he could go work in areas that are not actual wilderness (i.e. more options).

Another idea... have you thought about airplane mechanic work?

I've had a couple "dream jobs" but no matter how good they are, eventually you want vacation time and extra money.

 

[TheGrayRider]

Good luck. Dream big! Travel far and wide. Hunt whenever and wherever you can, stateside and overseas. Don’t delay.

My humble, little story: $7.00 cash in my name, excluding debt, at one point in my life. I think I bought a pizza and quart of cheap beer with the money and contemplated life. Everything works out eventually.

I went back to law school at age 33 after a few years in the military and also working for a brokerage firm for some time.

Self-employed now for 20 years and loving damn life. God Bless America! I encounter bumps on the road every week, like everyone, but still better than answering to the Man. Deciding when to work and when to travel and hunt is priceless.

Education is always an arrow you want in your quiver. I remain blessed, thankful and grateful. Best of luck and go for it…Get those degrees!

Happy hunting to all, TheGrayRider a/k/a Tom.

 

[MallardSX2]

I’m going to differ a bit here….

Unless you are FOR SURE CERTAIN that you can land a great paying job when you graduate, I think it’s a terrible idea to go back to school in your 40’s unless you get your education for free or damn near free without loans.

There are many reason for me saying this but the primary reason is most people never complete the schooling and end up in a bigger hole than where they started. Seen it more times than not.

Prove me wrong if you decide to go, and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[StuckInTheEast]

A friend of mine got some kind of forestry degree in PA. He seemed to be making descent money. His job was some kind of soil analysis around oil well sites (checking for pollution I believe). Maybe not as exciting as working in a National Park but probably better pay. And it gets him outside. Something more technical like that sounds better. And he could go work in areas that are not actual wilderness (i.e. more options).

Another idea... have you thought about airplane mechanic work?

I've had a couple "dream jobs" but no matter how good they are, eventually you want vacation time and extra money.

I've had a couple folks mention aircraft work over the last couple years when Ive mentioned bailing on auto repair. This is not an overnight, I-had-a-bad-day- yesterday decision...its been weighing heavy for quite some time.
I just honestly feel airplanes dont have to much appeal to me though. The couple guys I have known that have done that type of work advised me against it though for various reasons, many similar to what I deal with currently.
I appreciate the input though.

I wouldnt say I am after some sort of 'Dream Job"....Im well aware that no matter you do for money, it's still going to be a JOB some days.

I've got alot more thought and planning ahead of me for sure in the coming months.

 

[FatCampzWife]

Going back to school as a non-trad is..interesting. You'll be class favorite, provided you pay attention, keep up with the work.
I went back for my PhD in my 40's while going through a rough divorce & all that goes with it. It was a brutal time, but I wouldn't have my current position (that I love) without my PhD.
I am on our Admissions committee, & advise several transfer students at my university. Been in academia in some way for 30+ years, & work my butt off for my students. While there's a push to give credit for courses taken within the past 6 or 7 years, anything older than that may not be accepted towards anything. "Degree in three" is a new thing...offering a 4 yr degree in 3, but it's a pretty intense schedule.
Talk to several schools, and get a better idea of what you want to do...you're not at the age where you can switch majors halfway through. Make sure every credit counts towards getting you where you want to go. Wait to take anything until after you find out what your favorite 2 or 3 schools will accept as transfer credits from your previous work. Then figure out what you need & can take online that will transfer in. Not all online or in person courses are equal, and many schools stipulate you need to take your last several credits on their campus.

That said, it's a sketchy time at most universities. Almost all science programs rely on grants and their associated indirects to operate. It's not bloat, or waste, it's simply how groundbreaking research in 1st world countries gets done. Schools that are famous for strong science & research programs will not be the same if the current administration doesn't get their heads out of their butts.
If I were you, I'd look at a two year program. But you need a much better idea of your "dream job" first. Staying at a soul sucking job isn't worth it. Fatcamp & I both made changes late in life, & neither have any regrets. Good luck & keep us posted!

 

[StuckInTheEast]

I’m going to differ a bit here….

Unless you are FOR SURE CERTAIN that you can land a great paying job when you graduate, I think it’s a terrible idea to go back to school in your 40’s unless you get your education for free or damn near free without loans.

There are many reason for me saying this but the primary reason is most people never complete the schooling and end up in a bigger hole than where they started. Seen it more times than not.

Prove me wrong if you decide to go.

That's valid for sure. I've seen the same thing.

Im definitely not in any kind if financial hole and would not be taking out loans. It sure wouldn't be free though. Im not the type to half ass anything and certainly would take the same approach to returning to school. That and my wife would whip me with a ruler if I slacked off on school work...and not in any kind of fun, playful way

Learning doesn't scare me. I've taken classes on the regular over my career and spend more time researching problems and corrections and understanding why things failed than 95% of other folks in my field.
If i can pick a path with clarity I can do about anything. That will be the next hurdle.

 

[MallardSX2]

That's valid for sure. I've seen the same thing.

Im definitely not in any kind if financial hole and would not be taking out loans. It sure wouldn't be free though. Im not the type to half ass anything and certainly would take the same approach to returning to school. That and my wife would whip me with a ruler if I slacked off on school work...and not in any kind of fun, playful way

Learning doesn't scare me. I've taken classes on the regular over my career and spend more time researching problems and corrections and understanding why things failed than 95% of other folks in my field.
If i can pick a path with clarity I can do about anything. That will be the next hurdle.

I really do wish you the best of luck but if you think you are going to get some college degree and miraculously jump out of school with some life changing job that makes you feel all warm inside making $50+/hour you are setting yourself up for some serious disappointment. Not many achieve that dream and end up settling on reality. And amongst all of this you are talking about moving? Sounds to me like you have a lot going on and this is going to be a struggle of epic proportions.

Again, I don't want to sound like a wet blanket it's just that you better be damn certain with your new career choice because this decision could financially torpedo you if done incorrectly.

Conversely, if done correctly, it could be the best thing you ever did!

Best of luck!

 

[5811]

School is fun and exciting but it also sucks sometimes, like anything else. I was non traditional myself. A few bits I wish I knew:

- Do not underestimate the costs. Take what you think it's going to cost and double it.
- The technology changes fast. From how you get, do, and submit homework to how you interact in class and take exams, everything involves technology.
- If you take it seriously and approach it like an 8-5, it's not as much work as you might remember.

I'd start looking at jobs you think you'd like. Where they are, what they pay, and what kind of experience and degree they require. Your first and maybe second jobs with the new degree might just be stepping stones to the job you want, so take that time into account, as well.

But start with your target career in mind and work backward to school. Check out glassdoor and sub reddits that are career specific. See what sounds good and what degree is best for those jobs. I wouldn't suggest going to school with a vague idea and hoping to figure it out along the way.

Have you looked into wrenching at a mine? It might be just enough change to give you a new outlook.

 

[jorswift]

Good luck with your decision. I may be in the same boat after 18 years in the federal gov., I too may be going back to school at 40 if Mu$k draws my number.

 

[StuckInTheEast]

I really do wish you the best of luck but if you think you are going to get some college degree and miraculously jump out of school with some life changing job that makes you feel all warm inside making $50+/hour you are setting yourself up for some serious disappointment. Not many achieve that dream and end up settling on reality. And amongst all of this you are talking about moving? Sounds to me like you have a lot going on and this is going to be a struggle of epic proportions.

Again, I don't want to sound like a wet blanket it's just that you better be damn certain with your new career choice because this decision could financially torpedo you if done incorrectly.

Conversely, if done correctly, it could be the best thing you ever did!

Best of luck!

No such visions of grandure in mind. I fully expect a few years of grinding away and living lean should I go down this path. We are fortunate enough that I can entertain this without putting my family in any real financial stress or hardship...i wouldnt even consider it if that were the case.
No stranger to putting in the thought, work and time...but it is daunting to contemplated.

Alot will depend on what I get from advisors. A realistic time frame and course load will be good info for to planning for sure.

 

[Davyalabama]

There is nothing worse than being miserable in your job.

 

[Mike Islander]

I didn't mention it in my first post, but I was a high school drop out and went back to school at age 24. Not that old, but still a bit late. Put myself through school while working full time most of that time and got my MSME from Georgia Tech at 34. Opened a lot of doors.

 

[dtrkyman]

I took a photography class at the art institute in my 40s, it reminded me why I hated school as a kid!

Was basically a photoshop class and the teacher’s expertise was in taking photos of products for companies!

I wish it were different for me but it is what it is.

Good luck, and regardless of your path there is no reason to be miserable!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TheGrayRider]

There is nothing worse than being miserable in your job.

True that. A prisoner without the prison…

Best of luck to all in your decisions and again happy hunting, TheGrayRider a/k/aTom.

 

[madcalfe]

After working in the oil and gas industry for 16 years I'll tell you this.
you will make good money, far more than an automotive mechanic depending on what you're doing.
But there will probably be as many if not more days where you say I'm sick of this until payday lol

 

[Erict]

Many government/civil service jobs require applicants to be hired off a "list". You take a test and are placed on a list based on your test score.

Be aware of how soon you qualify to take these tests - many allow you to test as long as you meet the job prerequisites before the day of hire. A list may last for years until they offer a new test and they start at the top and work down to fill vacancies. This is why its important to get on the list as soon as practical.

 

[Trogon]

It would be foolish to pursue a degree that relies on a state or federal agency for employment at this point. I’m sure it’s obvious why. University funding was already getting kicked in the nuts the last few years and it will be worse going forward. Less teachers, less programs, less everything. That’s especially true for earth sciences, which are far down the totem pole in terms of support and funding generally.

Petroleum engineering can be a strong degree but the industry is cyclical, it could be good when you go in and bad when you get out or vice versa.

Mining on the operations side usually pays good but be prepared to relocate to Nevada, Arizona, or international.

If I had to go back to school I would look at Montana tech in butte or Missouri s&t in rolla. Places like that.

 

[Tod osier]

Any recommendations on colleges in the mountain west to consider for specific natural resources oriented degrees?
My secondary goal in this is finding a career path that gives me better potential in finding meaningful work in the mountain west.

There are not all that many public universities in the mountain west, so you should be able to pick through literally all of them to make your decision (search "Universities in Montana", etc...). Nearly all have natural resources degrees offered.

If you are saying "meaningful work" that means different things to different people, but in the educational realm that means public service of some sort. A lot of natural resource jobs that are meaningful work would require an advanced degree. Given what you have said, you would want to look at the doctoral granting institutions in each state (3 in Montana, 1 in Wyoming, 2-3 in idaho, a handful in CO etc...).

I'd think UW Laramie would be one of the least expensive, for sure tuition and I'd think cost of living.