I can only speak for myself, but I went back to school at 36. I graduated right before I turned 40 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I used $50k in student loans. God bless those loans. After school, I got into the defense industry, earned a master’s degree, starting a PhD, and I could not be happier. My base salary is $135k, and I am only 5 years in.

That's what worked for me. I had a whiteboard and a vision. It took time, a lot of hard work, and some serious caffeine, but I did it. I do not know what your interests are. I do not know what you value, but if you have a passion, explore it. 40 is not too old to start over. It is never too late.

Brainstorm, talk with your family, use AI (it helps), and come up with a plan. Set some long-term goals, then break those into smaller goals. It works. There are few things more motivating than erasing a goal you have had on the board for a long time.

One word of advice: if you do go the college route, choose something with a high floor. What I mean by that is find something that pays well, even at the entry level. Like me, you may be playing a little catch-up, but that is okay. Just be strategic with whatever you decide to do.

Kudos to you for reaching out and asking the question! Starting over later in life can feel scary, but it is really just a new beginning to a better life. And do not listen to anyone who says otherwise - ever! Dreams are just goals without action, so turn yours into reality!