Why 40 Is The Perfect Age To Start Your PhD Journey!

Yes, it is absolutely ok to start your PhD in your 40s. Should you start your PhD in your 40s? That is a much different story and it depends on you. Here are some factors to think about when you start a PhD in your 40s.

You are likely not going to get tenure until you are in your late 50s.

You are likely going to move several times to secure a PhD position.

Some people may find the commitments to many other things in their life difficult, as well as being a student.

The rewards for starting a doctoral program do not usually occur until much later in your life.

What are some of the benefits of doing a PhD in your 40s.

You are going to be way more mature, and likely find it easier to find teaching positions.

You have outside commitments, which may improve your mental health during the process.

You might have more financial resources, which is the largest reason why people stop pursuing their doctoral studies.

You do not need the doctoral degree for validation in your life.

You may become friends with your professors, and the students keep you young.

You likely will be doing research that is more relevant to managers.

Check out:

How Long Should A PhD Personal Statement Be? Answers To Questions About PhD Personal Statements

PhD Exhaustion And Feeling Overwhelmed: Words Of Encouragement With Your Doctorate

Your Research Is New York City: Growth Mindset For Researchers Working On Complex Research Streams

Don’t Give Up. Don’t Quit. Become An Explorer With Your Dreams.

Go Be YOU! Be Proud Of Your Unique Self. You Are An Incredible Person And You Have Something To Say

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David Maslach is a research professor of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business strategy, I discuss topics, such as behavioral science, strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and apply these to my new peer proofreading and editing platform. Topics include the sharing economy, altruism, investing in technology, starting a business, and bounded rationality. My favorite videos pertain to incentives, goal setting, and learning from failure to drive behaviors such as weight loss, stopping telemarketers, creating novel technologies, and creating new movements.


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[oregontocarolina]

I am just finishing my undergraduate degree at 58. I’m going to apply to a Masters program soon. I am only getting it so I can volunteer. We will see if I get accepted.

[kkhalifah]

I saw how much of a challenge it was for my father to attempt his PhD in his mid-30s while grappling with us 4 young kids. So I consider it to be a blessing for me to start my doctorate part-time at age 49 when my 2 grown-up kids have started college themselves. The difference between my father and I was that he was in academia, so he needed that PhD to progress in his career while I'm not and my career doesn't need a terminal degree. I decided to attempt my doctorate for 3 reasons 1) because graduate and postgraduate journeys are actually rewarding and satisfying when your decades of industry experience come into play and they're directly relevant to what you do at work at the senior level 2) to inspire my children to do well in college, since we're all students at the same time 3) so that I have the option to teach when I retire from my career.

I don't know why but I discovered since starting my master's earlier in my mid-40s that I really liked going back to school. Maybe it's because I was such a gormless git when I was doing my undergraduate in the mid-90s (I was a C-average student because I was so damn clueless). I really missed being a student after I graduated from grad school and published my research, so after discussing it with my supervisor I decided to do my postgraduate school. Work is work and I love my job as a dept director, but school is something else - the pursuit of knowledge just makes me feel ALIVE in a whole different way and it's so rewarding when you learn to see things differently at work as a result. I know it may sound lame when I say this... but it's actually addictive!

[cedargrace]

I'm just finishing my undergrad at 41, I'm going to grad school in the fall. I really want to do a PdD for fun, personal growth, fulfillment, and being part of a community of passionate researchers. I'm eager to be challenged. Fortunately I don't have many other commitments that would distract me from my work. I am concerned about the financial piece however, I'm used to living below poverty level so maybe it won't be that different. Attempting a PhD is my life's goal. Thanks for the informative video. Very helpful for first generation college students like myself who don' know much about the culture of academia.

[erickaL]

My husband starting his PhD at 39. He was accepted at 32 but turned it down to work instead. He feels smarter now.

[debasishraychawdhuri]

I got into a PhD program at 38. What you are missing is that not all PhDs have to be in the academia. My employer is a funding my PhD and having a PhD works towards getting higher paying clients and also allows me to solve more complicated problems in a better manner for them. We sometimes work as an outsourced R&D for startups. The moment I get my PhD, it will start to matter.

[Theredbastard]

You gave me a MASSIVE useful filter. Part of me wants it for validation and I will use that to screen any topic I’m thinking of for it. As you say it’s too much of an investment otherwise. Thank you so so so so much

[fadakelzahra]

i am in 46 and i quit my PhD now because of mental and physical health issues... thanks 😌 from Iraq

[JohnHoganArtist]

Im 56 loving every minute, soon to qualify, then on to well paid employment. what's not to like

[TheDiaryofDaniel]

Thank you! This was really insightful and well-balanced. I appreciate your candor.✌️

[GoodmanMalaya]

What is important is that you are interested and knowledgeable to your research topic.

[mirellalastar]

Yep, I am called, I am pulled... That's the best way to describe it.

[godmakesnew]

Can you start your PhD before starting it. For example, studying for the love of it and when ready then just do it?

[gkqftml]

@Phd so you Did this video to Say to people that they are better Off Having such ideas? This What your body language is saying Even if you are trying poorly to Say it with word that you think that are “good”
You are a Little bit frustrated about the opportunity cost, people in their 40’ don’t need an answer like you are giving it to your students of 25.
Thanks but not the message I was looking for …

[mc]

I think that business management Phd's should actually be starting later in life, when they have real-life experience. I have been taught at school by many Phd professors who have not worked in a real company and I have not learned much from their classes. On the other hand, lecturers who worked in real businesses and managed companies are much better at teaching students and provide much more value. As a student who is paying for education, if they gave me a choice, I would choose 80% of lecturers with real business experience

[ShiZu-ep]

Im 24, but i dont understand why older people are scared of studying at 40, 50, 60? Ageism in society? Or the brain doesnt function properly?

[nivoonairam]

You look so scared to just say, "no." Speak more confidentially!

[JamesJoyce]

Be real folks, you are not getting a TT slot in your 40's with a minty-fresh PhD - if it is an expensive hobby, then fine.