If you have been thinking about going back to school, particularly for some time, I recommend getting online to see what your options are and consider how you could successfully integrate your education into your current stage in life. Let me share my after-40 education journey with you.
In 2006, I finished my MD residency at age 30. In 2008, I began seriously studying leadership and business on my own. I wondered then if I should get an MBA. About three years ago, I started an MBA online, but I did not feel engaged since by that time I had already accrued about 15 years of business and entrepreneurial experience in addition to extensive personal study. But theology was something different…
About four years ago, when I was 44, a dear friend shared that he had gotten his masters in theology in the midst of a wonderful career in business. He believed that since all Christ-followers should minister, why not get more training? That made sense to me. After prayer and consideration, I decided to pursue a degree in theology, but I was concerned whether I would be able to devote the time required. Ultimately, I decided to start with one class and see how it would go.
With my wife’s encouragement, I applied to Southwestern Baptist Seminary and started my MDiv (Master of Divinity) journey. I take eight-week classes, but one at a time. And I love it! I have finished about 35 hours out of 88. I should complete my degree in another two years. Even with full time work and a young family, it is doable.
To get a masters degree, usually 10 hours per week of study is required, sometimes 15. How do I find the time? When our kids fall asleep around 8pm, I spend some time with my wife, then I study. The courses have been extremely helpful, interesting, and have added to my walk with the Lord.
If you are mid-career (or even late-career) and have thought about schooling, go for it! You can do it. I am certain it will add value to your life. In fact I feel at mid-career, there are three specific benefits to obtaining a new degree.
- Generates Exposure: School exposes us to the latest and greatest on any one focus of study. Some may wonder, could you not read on your own? I can and I do, on topics of leadership and business. However, to have holistic training, to hear directly from well-known professors and engage with them—it is hard to do that on your own.
- Opens Doors: When you have a degree, you are seen in a different light. A degree can open doors for you that would otherwise remain closed. Now, when a door is opened, a degree alone will not keep it open. It stays open when you work with excellence.
- Builds Self-Image: I don’t mean here that once you have a degree, you have more confidence. I mean that you gain self-awareness that you can push yourself and do more than you first believed. As Plato said, the first and best victory is to conquer self. Going to school at any age, but certainly after 40, fits the notion of conquering self.
By the way, if you are like me, of the generation that did not have access to online classes when you finished schooling in your twenties, I can testify that online classes are great! I can sit in bed at 10pm and listen to a lecture. There are programs in which you have to be online in a live setting, but many others are available to listen to as pre-recorded lectures, as most of my current classes are. I love those because I can rewind, stop the recording, or speed up.
I pray that you continue your journey, equipping yourself to do the work the Lord wants you to do in the best way possible.
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