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Starting a Career in Science at Age 38?

A Science Nostalgic writes "I'm 38, have a successful career as a software developer but feel the all-too-similar enterprise apps are boring my brains out, and I'm intensely missing the world of science, which I didn't pursue in favor of programming when I got my engineering degree. Now, I'm contemplating a job in research, but fear the age and the lack of 'exercise' with math and physics would pose an understandable handicap. If I study math seriously, I can realistically shed the 'rust' in a year, maybe two, but I still fear I'll be considered too old for research. I graduated abroad so I don't have any old contacts at the local universities (there are a few in my city). I checked their job boards, and they have no positions for research, just the usual ones in software development that I could use as an entry point. Do you have any experience with such a career change? Is it feasible at all to get into science once you approach 40? I feel my brain is still alive and kicking, and years of debugging have taught me a few things about investigating causes and correlations, which are useful skills in research."

3 of 112 comments (clear)

  1. no by stoolpigeon · · Score: 4, Funny

    Do you have any experience with such a career change?
     
    no - it's weird you would even ask.
     
      Is it feasible at all to get into science once you approach 40?
     
    like i said, i'm probably not the best to ask but my guess would be no - it's not. i've never found taking risks or pushing for change to be worthwhile.

    --
    It's hard to believe that's how Micronians are made. Why don't we see it right now by having you both kiss one another?
  2. Climate science needs researchers by fotoguzzi · · Score: 3, Funny

    I hear there is good money in debunking these scurrilous theories about man's effect on climate.

    --
    Their they're doing there hair.
  3. Re:Age Irrelevent by NewWorldDan · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wow, like my horoscope this morning totally said like the exact same thing. Are you a Taurus?