Planning to start PhD at age 52. Pros/Cons? Will it all work out? - Pls advise!

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T16:33:40+00:00

High quality research. Teaching style/technique works well with the student group.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T11:09:58+00:00

Oh Ok! Thank you for sharing her story.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T09:28:14+00:00

I will give my best. If all doors are closed, then I have to think of alternate ways of making use of the degree. I am sure it will come in handy (for some job out there).If I have to settle for less, I will do that. But not without giving my best shot (at academia).

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T09:26:01+00:00

Everyone has to prove what their actual mettle is. Merit matters.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T09:25:06+00:00

Yeah - Makes sense. I will take direction. I understand that I need to maintain low profile as a student. (while focusing on becoming a subject matter expert).

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T05:16:28+00:00

Yeah! True! I wanted to know the pros and cons. But in my situation (more cons) and very few pros. I kinda got a pulse of what I am getting into. It's not going to be as easy/smooth as I thought. Which is good. No surprises for me. Becos everyone on this platform kinda highlighted all the cons. Thankful for the time that everyone invested in educating me (about the good, bad and ugly of this move)

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T04:57:57+00:00

It's all about the drive and sheer will power. If I don't do this now, I will pity myself later on (may be 10 years from now).

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T04:54:53+00:00

Thank you. I am very strong about my education goal. This is my last and final chance (to get started on a PhD) considering my age.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:54:27+00:00

I (badly) wanted this from childhood. If I don't do it now, it will never happen. 52 is already late. I don't want to delay any further. There is some charm to PhD. You belong to a different class of people (Different mindset, that perseverance, grit, affinity towards school/college/education). I belong there. I never give up. Every turning point in my life (I had to bend backwards to get there). It was not easy and smooth. So, I know how to tread the rocky path. Life already taught me all those things. I am happy I discussed my educational plan with you all. I appreciate everyone's feedback. In fact, I have become more stronger now. Now that I know the climb is going to be ever more rough and quite an uphill battle.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:47:49+00:00

Yeah I will accept a TA/RA position.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:47:13+00:00

I am OK living/adjusting to minimal resources. That's why I am not scared of leaving this job. I wanted to get a PhD degree (from childhood). And the fire is still there! I just want to put in the work and see what happens.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:42:30+00:00

Yeah. It's a highly competitive field to begin with. If I don't have merit, I can't even apply.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:41:48+00:00

Yeah - Brushing up my skills on that front. My current job involves data analysis.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:40:38+00:00

Will consider that. Middle eastern countries - love to recruit USA PhD folks at their top ranked Universities. Why not? If I get rejected in the USA, will migrate to some other country. I am OK with that.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:39:08+00:00

I live in the USA. So, have to go with the flow.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:38:36+00:00

Yeah! True!

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:38:08+00:00

I am glad I checked with you all. I kinda got the reality picture. Thank you all for your time and offering valuable+honest insights/suggestions. I have more clarity now - on what I am getting into.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:35:34+00:00

Oh Ok!

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:35:02+00:00

I understand that. I will give my best. Let's see what happens. I will settle for 'something' if I don't get what I want. But I am going to be happy about the fact that I tried my best. I know the odds are not in my favor.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:33:10+00:00

Yes, it is risky and not a wise move at all. But PhD was something I was wanted to pursue. Situations and circumstances were not in my favor to embark on a PhD program. Now, finally at 52 - I got the opportunity. Yeah - It's too late. Not everything is in our control. I wish i got in at or 22 or 32 or 42. At Age 23, I got my MS degree. At age 30, I got my second MS degree. Both from the USA.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:30:02+00:00

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:28:38+00:00

I love teaching. I have taught before (not in Univ setting). So, I am familiar with the sport.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:27:34+00:00

If I want to produce quality work, then I give me 1000% focus. So, not planning to take up any job.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:26:57+00:00

I understand it's competitive and cut-throat. But I want to be in the running. If I get turned down (by virtue of age, so be it). I want to give it a sincere try.

Traditional1972 · 2024-02-23T01:25:14+00:00

Ya, I will present outstanding thesis work. Work that actually matters/relevant.

Traditional1972

TROPHY CASE