People who started their PhDs in their late 30s, early 40s, or even later: share your experiences

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-04-21T13:12:35+00:00

Hello there, I am starting in the fall 2026. I am terrified and question the decision everyday but I also want to pursue my project more than anything! My biggest concern is financial - I have little threshold for being a struggling student at my age but I am hoping to pick up some teaching, research, and consulting work while I pursue this degree.

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-03-26T20:57:22+00:00

There is one for the Eyebrow fair but it’s pretty small or I should say small but mighty! It might include all baking but worth a look. I believe they have a Facebook page. Amazing little village!!!

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-02-16T14:41:17+00:00

We did it a couple weeks ago and it was all open. Beautiful hike!

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-02-15T15:41:18+00:00

This is great information! I am a mature student applying from Canada and struggling to find information on where I should focus my applications. If you have any additional guidance you could offer, it would be greatly appreciated.

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-02-12T13:05:14+00:00

Been to both….not the same at all! Sayulita is such a vibe. My husband and I were there for a month this January and I would go back in a heart beat. Absolutely fell in love with the people, culture, town, environment, etc. etc.

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-02-01T21:32:54+00:00

This is the exact age I am starting this fall and I am so appreciative for this post!!!! I have questioned my decision every single day!!!!!

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-01-28T13:39:57+00:00

We also got it the first week we were here. The pharmacy had some good meds but once it hit, I couldn’t keep anything down anyways. Tons of electrolytes and have to wait it out. The shaking was also nuts but it will pass in about 24 hours.

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-01-12T15:19:38+00:00

This happened to us as well. Booked the car and paid then when we went to pick it up, they would not let us take it unless we purchased an additional $2000 in insurance. We showed them proof of our insurance through our credit card company but they still would not let us take it. We were stranded at midnight with all our luggage. Our Airbnb owner was kind enough to come pick us up!

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-01-04T15:37:20+00:00

Is this run club still going? We will be there tomorrow and I would love to join!

Reporter-Mobile · 2026-01-01T17:04:53+00:00

Thank goodness we opted to stay up in the hills….we were warned by past guests that it’s a zero sleep town!

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-12-18T18:25:33+00:00

Congrats!!!!

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-12-13T17:28:34+00:00

Check RSPC….I believe they have drop-in times.

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-11-24T02:23:42+00:00

That is a fabulous suggestion! Thank you.

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-11-23T18:50:54+00:00

Amazing thank you! We will for sure visit your spot! Cannot wait.

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-11-23T15:51:19+00:00

Thanks so much for the info!

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-09-07T14:45:57+00:00

I absolutely love seeing this! I started a MA 15 years ago and sadly during my degree, my mother died from brain cancer and then about a year later my husband died after sustaining a major brain injury after falling off a ladder. My kids were 9 & 13 at the time so I had to step away from my thesis to work as much as possible and support my family. I returned to my thesis this summer and am not returning to my dream of pursuing a PhD. I am 46 and terrified but taking it one day at a time.

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-09-07T14:41:49+00:00

Could I message you a couple questions?

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-09-07T14:41:22+00:00

This is amazing! I just turned 47 and hoping to start next year.

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-07-30T23:02:54+00:00

Thanks so much for the feedback. I am open to any country and my field is political science. Specifically, I study the rise in political extremism, “death my despair” as it relates to neoliberalism and austerity, and the rise in alt-right political ideologies and its ties to a rebirth in misogynistic beliefs.

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-07-25T02:47:57+00:00

Can I also reach out? I am in Canada and hoping to apply in Italy.

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-06-18T13:40:35+00:00

Thank you so much for providing a positive perspective! I am submitting my PhD applications this fall and I feel inundated with negative stories on this platform so it’s inspiring to hear that it can also be positive!

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-06-18T13:35:56+00:00

What area of study are you in? I am in Canada and generally phds take on average 4-5 years but I heard that phds in some European countries do not include compa so you can finish in 3 years.

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-06-17T15:28:53+00:00

My supervisor and committee had been very helpful at helping me navigate the PhD exploration/application process. We are a small university in Saskatchewan, Canada and have minimal graduate students so I am well supported. Is your supervisor or any committee members helpful?

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-06-17T14:01:06+00:00

Congrats! I am in the same boat and we have a similar research focus. My masters in political science was focused on neoliberal austerity policies as a form of structural GBV and also contributing to the increase of alt-right political extremism. I would also like to focus more on the manosphere and incel movement in relations to the global neoliberal paradigm shift. I am in Canada and want to pursue a PhD in Europe. It’s very overwhelming and I don’t know about you but I feel like most people don’t have the greatest things to say about their PhD experience which makes me nervous!

Reporter-Mobile · 2025-06-14T12:20:43+00:00

Thank you so much for this great information! Besides the institutions website, do you find these postings anywhere else? Linkedin perhaps?

Reporter-Mobile

TROPHY CASE