cross-posted from: https://linux.community/post/4052877
don’t give me the it’s never too late bs. Life happens, people have jobs, debts and rent to pay.
Going back to school when you’re employed means debt, earning way less or nothing during your bachelor or master, stress, opportunities you’re not aware of because you’re simply not at your workplace anymore, unpaid overtime during those 2 to 3 years… the money you lose is more than what the bachelor / accreditation costs.
When does it start being a stupid idea? Is it when you’re 30? 40? 50?
It depends.
If you’re old and wealthy, doing it for the education, not for the income, then it’s never too late. If you’re not, then spreadsheet it. Calculate expected working life and expected income for current career trajectory, and compare with expected working life after education and expected income for new career minus full cost of further education including lost income while studying.
Or if your current works options suck, pursue further education so you can do something that doesn’t suck as long as it won’t leave you much worse off by retirement.
The calculations will be different for every person.
Remember any calculations and expectations will change over time, especially with the advent of AI. So do the calculations, then follow your heart. There’s no guarantees.