Author Topic: Going back to college after becoming FI  (Read 1483 times)

HBFIRE

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Going back to college after becoming FI
« on: June 27, 2019, 12:04:12 PM »
Has anyone returned to university after FI?  I've been considering the idea, thinking about what I'd like to study etc.  I like the idea of becoming more educated into my later years.  I am even toying with the idea of teaching at the high school level after the necessary education.

Lady SA

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Re: Going back to college after becoming FI
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2019, 12:44:20 PM »
I might consider auditing a few classes that interest me, but I likely wouldn't pursue another degree. Unless there was some for-fun job or position I wanted to get into in my FI life that required a masters or something. Like if I wanted to have a second career as a therapist or similar that required a degree.
But I totally could see myself dabbling in random classes that catch my interest. Like history classes or art classes or language classes or sociology classes. I think many universities offer programs to retired seniors to audit classes for free or very reduced.

Miss Tash

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Re: Going back to college after becoming FI
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2019, 01:48:38 PM »
I went back to community college after becoming FI.  I'm taking classes in Fine Woodworking but have no intention of getting an associates degree.   I take classes that interest me or take a semester off if there's nothing I want to take.  I do have to pay tuition myself (no grants, etc.) but it has been so worth it!  I meet fun people from a variety of backgrounds and ages from just out of High School to retired.  I make very cool furniture that I could sell and also do the odd commission, if the work is interesting and I like the client. 
The school lets students have free run of the machines and they have every woodworking machine you can think of, including CNC routers.  It fills up my need for socializing since I cut down to one day of work a week.  Also, it allows me to keep learning new things which I think is important as we get older.  Eventually, I will have taken all the classes I need/want and will have to move on, but they've already offered me an instructor position so I may do that when the time comes.
I encourage you to find something you love and give it a try.

A Fella from Stella

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Re: Going back to college after becoming FI
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2019, 08:21:42 PM »
So awesome, dude! You can be what you want to be when you grow up. Or explore it, at least.

A cousin of mine took a BUS101 class, and loved it. He's not FI, but his wife got a better job than him and he's loving being at home, fixing up the house, being with his kids, and seeing what else is out there.

Steeze

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Re: Going back to college after becoming FI
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2019, 08:52:35 PM »
The father of one of my professors in college moved to a university town in his 70’s and audited classes full time. Always thought that was a good idea, I used to sit in on random lectures when I was at university and enjoyed it. I like the idea of trade school like miss stash is doing. Not sure I could do the work of a degree program though.

It would be cool to get certified in a bunch of random stuff too. Personal trainer, sky diving, pilot license, scuba, sailing, ski instructor, yoga, some martial art, commercial trucking, pest control, real estate agent, etc. Why? Because you have time and money so why not?

Luz

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Re: Going back to college after becoming FI
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2019, 12:06:58 AM »
I'm not FI, (not even close) but my plan includes going back for a Master's of Public Health when I am. I'm in the clinical side of patient care right now and would enjoy pursuing the systems side of it later on. I also thought it would be an interesting way to be involved while I'm in the third act of my life (both the school and later that particular field). If time and money were on my side now, I'd spend my time in school for sure. Adult life has been fairly laser-focused and serious (raising kids, career, household chores, etc) and I'm looking forward to having more space to explore and be curious.
What areas of study are you considering?

MrThatsDifferent

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Re: Going back to college after becoming FI
« Reply #6 on: June 28, 2019, 04:10:46 AM »
Nope. Not at all. I’ve done enough with formal education. With all that’s available now, I’m not sure why anyone who doesn’t need the paper would need university? You can access the syllabi’s of any subjects, download the texts or order them yourself and read them. Have questions? Find groups or pay someone online to tutor you or find a discussion board and ask questions. Once you have the tools you can teach yourself. Or find the YouTube video.

HBFIRE

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Re: Going back to college after becoming FI
« Reply #7 on: June 28, 2019, 09:45:25 AM »

What areas of study are you considering?

Anthropology interests me.  I'm also considering going for a teaching degree, maybe teach HS math or biology.   I did some assistant teaching when I took a year off during college and it was immensely enjoyable and satisfying.  I didn't pursue teaching mostly because of all the people telling me how poor of a financial decision it would be at the time.

Quote from: MrThatsDifferentlink=topic=106085.msg2404693#msg2404693 date=1561702018
With all that’s available now, I’m not sure why anyone who doesn’t need the paper would need university?

For a couple reasons.  First, I really love the college experience.  Meeting other students, having discussions about class topics, etc.  I enjoy the intellectual community.  Second, I would want to pursue a degree.
« Last Edit: June 28, 2019, 09:48:58 AM by HBFIRE »

 

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