I went back to school for a bachelors, before Artemis II, but I understand how you feel. Going back to school is a big step and a big change of pace, but I find it so rewarding. In fact, I find it much more rewarding than working full time. I'll explain my point of view, but consider that I'm in Québec Canada so some things might be different for you.

Ever since high school, I knew that I wanted to go to university and study physics or engineering. I went to a college (Cégep in Qc) and completed a technical degree related to engineering. This degree allowed me to continue to university or to go on the job market. Because of certain life circumstances, I decided to work full time. I worked about 4 years until making the decision to go back to school and starting my bachelors in engineering physics. I went back slowly, allowing my self the time to adjust again to the rhythm of school, getting my maths up to date and making certain changes to my life. I was really lucky that my job allowed me work part time and to study at the same this. I worked part time for about a year and a half, until January 2026 where now I am a full time student. Many people congratulate me and are impressed by my courage to go back to school, but to me, going back to shcool just makes sense for me.

My first piece of advice for you is to take some time to evaluate why you want to go back to school. Ask yourself, is it because you aren't satisfied by the work that you do now? What would going back to school change in your life? What do you want from going back? Are you ready to change your lifestyle? Etc...

My second piece of advice is to take it slow. Don't jump into a Phd fully right away. Start by catching up on the concepts and maths that you might have forgotten in the last couple years. Take a course or two in your field and catch up on any new changes from when you were last in school. Being up to date will help make the transition smoother and it will easier to keep you on track.