Is it still possible? PhD dreams...
Quote From pm133:
Yeah, I feel the same way about postdocs. I will probably also return to my previous career although I strongly suspect that I will run my own business. The thought of working for someone else makes me physically recoil in horror. I have tried to make sure I am as attractive as possible to employers though should I go down that route.
Your story about those technicians is not an exception either. You'll see it happening in a lot of places. Ageism in a time of skills shortages is a "luxury" businesses simply cannot afford. Some people (usually younger people) have very firm biased views on what older people are like. Their views are very old fashioned. Ironic.
Quote From EmmaDreams:
[quote]Quote From pm133:
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You are right with regards to age and career prospects (in Science at least) I know of two recent Research Technicians hired in my former department aged 49 and 55 both with BSc degrees and years of experience only. Luckily, I have no interest in the unstable Post Doc job market
[quote]Quote From pm133:
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You are right with regards to age and career prospects (in Science at least) I know of two recent Research Technicians hired in my former department aged 49 and 55 both with BSc degrees and years of experience only. Luckily, I have no interest in the unstable Post Doc job market
Yeah, I feel the same way about postdocs. I will probably also return to my previous career although I strongly suspect that I will run my own business. The thought of working for someone else makes me physically recoil in horror. I have tried to make sure I am as attractive as possible to employers though should I go down that route.
Your story about those technicians is not an exception either. You'll see it happening in a lot of places. Ageism in a time of skills shortages is a "luxury" businesses simply cannot afford. Some people (usually younger people) have very firm biased views on what older people are like. Their views are very old fashioned. Ironic.
Definitely, some of the things the younger students used to say made me laugh and shake my head, really old fashioned views. I know what you mean about working for others. If I was a millionaire I would just have my own private lab in my house and do all the research I want..................actually that sounds a little Dr Frankenstein-ish, but you get my point.
Quote From ologist:
To be honest, I don't think it came up. I think I was able to demonstrate in the interview that I was genuinely interested in the project and that I had a suitable background for it. I actually did an MRes first, but that was because my BSc was with the Open University, so my lab experience was limited. That obviously doesn't apply in your case.
Quote From EmmaDreams:
Thank you! you are giving me hope. May I ask, were you upfront in interviews about it just being for interest rather than furthering your career?
Quote From ologist:
I got a funded PhD in biosciences at the age of 58, so it is possible. Like you, I was only doing it for interest.
I got a funded PhD in biosciences at the age of 58, so it is possible. Like you, I was only doing it for interest.
Thank you! you are giving me hope. May I ask, were you upfront in interviews about it just being for interest rather than furthering your career?
To be honest, I don't think it came up. I think I was able to demonstrate in the interview that I was genuinely interested in the project and that I had a suitable background for it. I actually did an MRes first, but that was because my BSc was with the Open University, so my lab experience was limited. That obviously doesn't apply in your case.
I am hoping knowledge and interest will outshine the fact I am doing it for pure interest only. Thanks for responding.
Hey everyone, Just wanted to say.....I got a PhD offer!!! shockingly with one of the UK top 5 universities. What tipped it in my favour was that I had a lot of firm ideas of what I wanted to achieve for each year, the outcomes and avenues I wanted to pursue depending on those outcomes. I am starting in a month. So exited and a little scared lol. Luckily the stipend is very generous so covers everything.
Thank you all for the honest and positive (also realistic) advice.
