That's really good to hear PD. Second time you told me good news about education.
I never like to comment about the education stuff, cos of different countries and all, but lots of my friends did uni as adults - some in their thirties, and even forties. And got jobs.
I am less sure re the computing area, of course...
The trick is how to go to school and work too. Not easy, even though I suspect Craven will fly through some college classes.
UC has an extension system that is fantastic, with a lot of career oriented course programs, most given at night, but UC extension is expensive. Worth looking at a catalog though. UCLA's extension catalog was vast, I would guess UCSD's or UCIrvine's is too.
Somebody like you, Craven, with your rather broad knowledge to start with, might be able to take some journalism classes through that and then segue into a job by virtue of doing well in the classes, which are taught by people working in the different fields. They probably have IT classes too...
It's definitely doable. I've got myself through the bulk of a B.S. in the past couple of years, working full-time for most of it, cobbling together night school classes for the lower-division courses, and dropping a lot of money on a 4-year to finish it up. Have been accepted to vet school for next fall (pending a successful appeal of my residency status) -- all at the ripe old age of late-20s. And believe me, the advanced age gives me a marked advantage over these kids, despite (or perhaps because of) all the brain cells I murdered when I was there age.
When I got my (second) degree, I started university - being in the midthirties, after my alkohol therapy - as a normal daytime student, without working. (I was thus known all over the place soon, it wasn't common in those days :wink: )
Quote:I've been so stressed that I'm turning 24 this year with no real shot at education in sight (as in, "I will be 24 and no closer to my education") that I'd been thinking I was 24 all year (I only turn 24 in June).
i'd be stressed too if all my posts got edited that many times by a friggin rodent.
patiodog wrote: And believe me, the advanced age gives me a marked advantage over these kids, despite (or perhaps because of) all the brain cells I murdered when I was there age.
heh.
In all seriousness, Craven - and keep in mind this is coming from a journalism student - I wouldn't pursue a career in journalism if repaying loans and old age is a problem for you. Far too many journalists flipping burgers. I myself am contemplating taking some university night classes in a more practical field...
I have heard that journalism IS a young profession - ie you need to be young to get in (not to uni, to a job) - not sure if it is so over your way - though Moondoggy is studying it, and I believe he is 40 odd by now....
dlowan wrote:I have heard that journalism IS a young profession - ie you need to be young to get in (not to uni, to a job) - not sure if it is so over your way - though Moondoggy is studying it, and I believe he is 40 odd by now....
I would think that would apply more for the journalists behind the camera. not so much the ones who write the stories. Or are they in a different profession. Not journalists but anchors. Shows what I know...
I was thinking of print journos...but doubtless you are right - though in TV they are often one and the same for - except for the anchor.
dlowan wrote:I was thinking of print journos...but doubtless you are right - though in TV they are often one and the same for - except for the anchor.
Print journalism is a young profession indeed. And competitive. And poor. And based more on politics than skill. And far less glorious than most think. Yet, I pursue it anyway.
I have a friend who is an anchor and she writes a lot of her own stuff, always has. Don't know if that is routine though. She's older, but started as a reporter young. Not that Craven or ILZ want to be anchors...
Used to play softball with some sportswriters; definitely something nobody got into "old." They simply wouldn't have been hired by this crowd -- and THAT's the way things work.
I've seen some older Anchors, ofcourse the one specifically that I have in mind was with the station for over 20 years.
Most of the older journalists seem to be stuck toing the commentary segments or they get their own sunday talk show.
I've never noticed that before but I guess it's true. Why do people go into journalism if their future is uncertain. Probably for the same reason I pursue the technical field. I just enjoy it.
Journalists -- esp. print journalists -- get to have a sense of being "in the know." This is a very exciting, sexy thing to some people. It ain't for the shy and retiring, and I'd guess the burnout rate would be pretty fast. Spent a couple of weeks pushing paper around at the Chicago Tribune one time, and it was definitely not a prim, proper environment.
ossobuco wrote:I have a friend who is an anchor and she writes a lot of her own stuff, always has. Don't know if that is routine though. She's older, but started as a reporter young. Not that Craven or ILZ want to be anchors...
I used to work in broadcasting. I think it all depends on the station you're at and what practises they have. I know that at one station I worked at, the anchors were just the mouthpiece and didn't write the copy. They might reword stuff, but they weren't the overall authors.
colorbook wrote:Wait until you get older, it happens more often.
I'm not sure it always has to do with mental lapses though.
I'm 36. I've just started my first courses, working toward my Degree. I won't graduate for 6 years. C'est La Vie.
