School

[BIG AL]

Ok this is no joke.I was talking the other day about thinkking of going back to school.I want to become a lawyer what do yall think about that.I am 37 and best outcome I would graduate in about 6-8yrs.So I might be almost 50yrs old when I would practice law.Is this just a pipe dream or do you think this is a logical goal.Maybe I should go for a 2 yr degree for something:162:

[Victoriana]

I knew a wonderful lady that suddenly started studying law at age 78. She loved it. She never got to practice but did have some papers published somewhere or other.
I think education at any age is worthwhile. Just my opinion.

[zoomie]

I'm 45 and just finshed a degree. Not a lawyer,but a small one to help me get a better job. Your going to be 50 anyway,so why not follow your dreams?

[Chewi]

I've said it before, Al, for me I have to first seek God's will, because I get myself into trouble when I don't pray and listen to God about something first. Then you might try the resources at a university and take an aptitude test to see where your strronger and weaker skills are, what is a good fit for your personality. Then you can look online for study helps and practice LSAT's. If this seems like what you really should be doing and you have the fortitude and financial ability to pursue it, then I say go for it! It will help if this is something you are really passionate about or have a passion for what you want to do with it. Have a serene and sober day!

[johnclmt]

Couldn't you pick a more honorable profession.................say an axe murderer!!!!!!!

Just kiddin' bro. No really that is awesome!!! I say go for it, follow you dream but remain flexible and as with everything ask your higher power for guidance and strength.

[sioux]

Okay Big Guy, this is just me talking here, so don't personalize what I have to say if you would be so kind.

I too should be a lawyer, but at my age, I don't want to spend that kind of time and money. If I were to go back to school, I would look more at trade schools that are going to take less time and energy and ensure I will be turning a buck for my efforts within 18 months to two years.

What about law enforcement, probation officer, paralegal, private investigator, drug court, friend of the court for minors...there are so many alternatives to a law degree that will give you earning power and challenge you daily.

Blessings on whatever your journey is: Sioux

[clean42day]

I'm working of my BA in Sociology right now and I am 47. I want to get a masters in Counseling and social work.....might finish when I am 52. But hey you know what?......I look at it this way.....I am going to get older anyway - I might as well do it with an education and have something to show for my efforts. It doesn't guarantee that I am going to get that really good job - but I will make me a more knowledgeable person than I would have been without an education. Plus - if I don't get my BA - those jobs that I really want - I wouldn't even be able to apply for.

I say keep your dreams alive and let them pull you forward one day at a time.

There is nothing like having a goal in life and achieving it one step at a time.

good luck and God bless you

Gail

[Tom1]

Al, I say if that is your dream you need to do it. If you were to be on your death bed 40- 50 years from now, what would you look back and regret not doing. Live life as if you are going to be a hundred. My dad was killed at 44 years old, does that mean he never should have been a teacher because he only had 14 or 15 years to work in the field? I went back to med school at 35, graduated at 39, now will turn 42 in 2 months and at end of my residency. A colleague worked in corporate America till he was 54, went to med school at 55, graduated at 59 and finished residency at 63. Plenty of research shows that the more things you do the more new pathways your brain develops, what better way to replenish those lost neurons that you ( and I!) have from past activities. One caveat: If you are not passionate about it don't do it. Doing stuff like this later in life is very taxing.I have a much harder time recovering from my 30 hour shifts than the docs that are 10- 15 years younger than me, and you will likely be up many long nights doing papers, working on briefings, etc.. Law is tough, many lawyers getting laid off, several close friends who are lawyers struggling constantly.Make sure you know what you are getting into. If you have time, volunteer at a local office several hours a week, might I suggest that you find somewhere that has a practice related to drug, etoh addiction? You are such tremendous help to all those who read your posts and think God puts us all through our experiences to learn from and help others.God Bless, Tom

[psylence]

School. Yes, the epicenter of my life. I am young ( only 24) and have devoted so much time into getting a Masters in Bio-chemistry. I could not imagine that in 20 or 30 years, going back for something new.

I believe and know it can be done, there where people at the community college I started out at in their 40's. Most going back for a quick 2 yr degree. A lot of them seemed to focus on Information Technology and paralegal studies.

Never too old or young to accomplish anything.

[CathyS]

I went back to school at the age of 41 to get a MAsters degree in Counseling. I am now 47 and finishing up a Ph.D. in COunseling PSychology. I have loved it!! I say go for it!! We are only in this world once and need to live it while we can.

Cathy

[MichelleW]

My counsellor says that I should retrain in computer programming and get a Microsoft certificate. I've always been very analytical and methodical. My best and worst asset seems to be my brain! I'm 36 years old and I'm considering it. Just my mind doesn't feel that clear at the moment. Once it does I think I'll look into it more.

Just mind, I think that being a lawyer could be somewhat stressful and 'intense', but if that's where your real passion and interest lies then I say go for it!

I also feel that learning new things can be a very integral part of recovery.

[psylence]

My counsellor says that I should retrain in computer programming and get a Microsoft certificate. I've always been very analytical and methodical. My best and worst asset seems to be my brain! I'm 36 years old and I'm considering it. Just my mind doesn't feel that clear at the moment. Once it does I think I'll look into it more.

Just mind, I think that being a lawyer could be somewhat stressful and 'intense', but if that's where your real passion and interest lies then I say go for it!

I also feel that learning new things can be a very integral part of recovery.

an MCSE is what you would want. Its a battery of about 7 exams, but well worth it.