Kudos to getting another degree later in life

[shootingstar]

Wow, Blueberry.

Crankin, yes life experience counts in favour of being a counsellor.

As for age discrimination, yes it does exist sometimes (when I applied for some jobs). I found myself in my volunteer work section in resume, stating up front my cycling advocacy work...it genuinely does have people see you differently if they know you are physically active and trying to remain healthy (=lower absenteeism). I have no doubt, that I am benchmarked against a recent graduate from same program who is only 5 years into their working career.

However the organization who I work for (municipal govn't), I have met quite a number of employees in the 35+-50 yr. age range, who have only been with the organization for the last 5 yrs. An indicator, that in particular, relevant but diverse work experience prior to govn't, can be valued. And especially with some relevant private sector employers.

I have always believed that a person brings more value to government organizations AFTER they have first worked for least 1-2 relevant private sector firms and maybe 1 other non-profit organization.

Otherwise it's government employee from cradle and retirement who doesn't experience the in-your face reality of private sector firms who work at different pace/different goals. Certainly as a govn't organization to lay down rules, etc., it helps to read between the lines of what various lobby groups might be claiming vs. whatever their real agenda / causes for their unwillingness to cooperate for long-term public good.

I did take a few evening courses work-related during the first decade of my career. Then later I interpersed with...personal interest, art courses. I am so glad I took the latter too, 'cause now I live in a city which does not offer the same degree of quality in fine art instruction and diversity of art media choice.