College at 36, am I too old?
Hello. I’m an ex addict, and a high school drop out. I’ve been sober for 6 years now. I am a mother but my kids are older now. (Youngest is middle school age) I’m finishing my GED as we speak and then plan on going back to school for teaching. I’m excited.. I’ve worked my entire life but the most basic work you can think of. I’m ready to have a good career, with great days off and benefits and retirement. I’m excited for the future. ❤️ I’ll be about 40 when I’m ready to teach and I really don’t think it’ll be too old. I’d love some inspiring words though to make me feel better and not so.. late to the maturity game.
Jobadvisor:
It's fantastic that you're pursuing your GED and aiming for a teaching career! 36 is absolutely not too old to go to college, and 40 is definitely not too old to start a fulfilling career. In fact, your life experience, including overcoming addiction and raising children, will be a huge asset in the classroom. You'll bring a unique perspective and empathy that many younger teachers might not have.
Think about it this way: you're not "late" to the maturity game, you're bringing a wealth of lived experience to the table. You've already demonstrated incredible strength and resilience by achieving sobriety and raising your family. These are qualities that will serve you well in college and beyond.
Many people go back to school later in life, and they often excel because they're more focused and motivated. You have a clear goal – teaching – and you're taking the necessary steps to achieve it. That dedication will take you far.
Here are a few things to keep in mind that might help:
- You're not alone: A significant number of college students are non-traditional, meaning they're older than the typical 18-22 year old.
1 You'll find support systems and resources specifically for adult learners. - Your experience is valuable: Don't underestimate the value of your life experience. It will inform your teaching style and allow you to connect with students in a meaningful way.
- Focus on your goals: Keep your eyes on the prize – becoming a teacher. When you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, remember why you started this journey.
- Celebrate your progress: Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone you reach, from finishing your GED to completing your degree. You've come so far already, and you should be proud of yourself.
You're embarking on an exciting new chapter in your life. Embrace the challenge, believe in yourself, and know that you have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of your future students. You've got this!
First time looking for a new job in a decade. What's the best approach?
USA - NY | Digital Advertising/Marketing
I was recently told my position is being eliminated and now I'm looking for a new job for the first time in almost a decade. What's the best approach? So far I've updated my resume and applied for a few positions I came across on LinkedIn.
Is LinkedIn actually viable for finding/applying for new positions? What about applying through a company's website? Are there other job sites that I should be looking at? Or should I put all my efforts in networking?
Almost every job I've come across has 100+ applicants - I'm guessing this is because a lot of jobs are now remote and people all over the country are applying? Any way to stand out?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Jobadvisor:
First time looking for a new job in a decade. What's the best approach?
USA - NY | Digital Advertising/Marketing
I was recently told my position is being eliminated and now I'm looking for a new job for the first time in almost a decade. What's the best approach? So far I've updated my resume and applied for a few positions I came across on LinkedIn.
Is LinkedIn actually viable for finding/applying for new positions? What about applying through a company's website? Are there other job sites that I should be looking at? Or should I put all my efforts in networking?
Almost every job I've come across has 100+ applicants - I'm guessing this is because a lot of jobs are now remote and people all over the country are applying? Any way to stand out?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
A 40-year-old with $50K saved asks the question many fear to face: “I wonder if I’ll have to work the rest of my life”
Many people feel behind on retirement savings, but is it too late to catch up once you reach your forties? The answer may surprise you.
Picture this. You’re 40 years old, with $50,000 tucked away for retirement. You’re putting $800 a month into an ETF that tracks the S&P 500, and you’ve got a government pension waiting for you down the line. It sounds like you’re doing everything right - until you start doing the math.
The numbers stare back at you, cold and unflinching, and a nagging question creeps in: Am I going to have to work forever?
While it’s a question many of us would rather avoid, one user (Decent_Pen_2987) asked it on social media site Reddit. Retirement can feel like a distant dream when you’re juggling bills, saving what you can, and scrolling through financial forums filled with 30-somethings who seem to have it all figured out.
But here’s the truth: 40 isn’t too late to get serious about retirement. It’s just time to face the facts - and maybe make a few tough choices.
How much is enough to retire?
The magic number for retirement isn’t an age - it’s a dollar amount.
At a 4% withdrawal rate, someone retiring at 65 with $900,000 in savings could comfortably withdraw $36,000 per year without running out of money. Add Social Security and a pension, and retirement might look pretty secure. But what if you fall short?
Right now, with $50,000 saved and $800 per month contributed, one Reddit commenter ran the numbers: assuming a 7% annual return, that nest egg could grow to around $897,000 by 65. That’s not nothing – but it also assumes consistent investing, no unexpected expenses, and a retirement lifestyle that fits within that budget.
For those expecting a higher monthly budget in retirement (think $5,000/month), the required savings jumps dramatically. The formula is relatively simple: (monthly spending - Social Security - pension) × 12 ÷ 0.04 = necessary savings.
So, is $800 a month enough? It’s a good start, but probably not the full solution.
The key factor: expenses
The biggest question isn’t how much you save, but how much you’ll spend.
People with paid-off homes and low expenses may find that a government pension plus Social Security covers most of their needs. Others, especially those renting in high-cost areas, will need much more.
A simple way to estimate: check your expected Social Security benefits, add in your pension, and compare that total to your expected monthly expenses. If there’s a gap, savings must fill it.
What can be done to retire on time?
If retiring at 65 is the goal, there are a few ways to get there:
- Increase savings rate – Instead of $800 per month, raising contributions over time (especially after raises) could shrink the savings gap. One Redditor suggests increasing savings by 5% annually and maxing out tax-advantaged accounts like a 457 or Roth IRA.
- Work longer for higher Social Security – Claiming Social Security at 67 instead of 65, or even waiting until 70, increases monthly payouts. That alone can be a game-changer.
- Find extra income streams – Side gigs, freelance work, or rental properties can supplement savings and reduce reliance on investments.
- Reevaluate spending and budget – Cutting unnecessary expenses now makes it easier to maintain a leaner retirement lifestyle later.
Important: talk to a professional – online advice is useful, but a financial planner can create a custom strategy for pension benefits, tax efficiency, and investment growth.
Is it too late at 40?
The simple, and rather pleasing answer to this, as I’ve said, is no! But it’s best not to waste too much time. As one commenter bluntly put it, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”
At 40, retirement at 65 is still very much possible – but only with consistent saving, smart investing, and a clear spending plan. It’s not about catching up to others. It’s about making sure your future self isn’t forced to work forever.
Wife lost her job due to Trump admin... now what?
Unfortunately, my wife was working as a subcontractor to USAID helping administer PEPFAR, and because of Trump's new foreign aid freeze, she was recently laid off. I make enough to support both of us for now, but with the development industry in shambles and thousands of people out of work, my wife's work options are limited.
Now, we're looking to potentially leave DC for California to be closer to family or move to Chicago. I have another work office in Chicago that I could potentially transfer to, but the caveat is that I just started this job about 3 months ago with the expectation of being in the DC area. I imagine by the time we sell our condo and my wife is employed elsewhere, I'd be closer to 6-8 months in my current role. A few questions:
Do you think asking for a transfer would be a good idea if I wanted to remain at the company? I am willing to commute back and forth to DC as needed.
If I start looking for new opportunities for employment only having been at a job for 4-8 months, how would you frame looking for a new job to potential employers? Would they be understanding of the circumstances?
Any words of advice?