You are certainly not too old--not by a long shot. Law school is only three years and I have a secret for you--it's not really that hard. It's also perfectly possible to have kids in law school. I did it.

But the world is full of unhappy lawyers with mountains of debt. So think hard and long about the life you envision as an attorney and be sure to talk to some people who are doing the work you envision doing.

I’d really have a few sessions with a counselor/therapist. This is a huge life decision!

But that being said, good enough and just fine wear out more quickly than you think. And kids with “just fine and good enough” is going to drive you right off a disappointment cliff

I’m not saying you CAN do everything, but if law school is calling to you, it’s probably a good idea. And kids can happen well into your 40s. Not easy, but lots of women are having “late in life” kids. And you may even do that by yourself!

It’s never too late to craft the life you want❤️

I went to med school with two guys in their 50s. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE.

Also, don’t settle for “good enough.” Long term partners need to be A++++++++ or it’ll be miserable. If the dude is truly good enough for you, then he will support you in your career change and the implications on family planning.

Hi sweetie, I agree with Susie. These are decisions only you can make, and talking them through with a therapist could be enormously helpful. Please don’t settle for a life that’s just “fine” and “good enough.” But going back to school with all the financial and mental load that will entail has to be something that you want with your whole heart, so please try to speak to someone who can help you sort all this out. We’re behind you whatever you choose. ❤️

It is never too late to make changes in your life. Never! And since it is never too late, that means you do not have to decide all of this right this second. For career stuff--if you haven't already, reach out to people you know, friends, friends of friends, etc who have gone to law school and work in the field, because plenty of people like law school and hate working in law and vice versa. Especially when we're looking at big changes, we want to think through what the reality might be like. Likewise, are there ways of mitigating the financial toll? Have you looked into law schools with support programs for mature students? Some schools offer more flexible programs, etc. You say it will take a huge mental toll--why? Is there stuff you might want to work on before making this change?

Now for personal life--the way you describe your partner is "good enough." Duckling--you deserve better than good enough. You deserve someone who is great.

For what it's worth, I know plenty of people who have started new careers at 40 and been very very happy. Whatever you decide--I hope you will be happy! And if you aren't--you can ALWAYS change things.

I’m more a big sis than a mom, but perhaps separate the two items?

Item A: health scare got you examining the relationship and the desire for kids. I’m hesitant on you guys as coparents with the lack of enthusiasm for each other, though.

Item B: career. Susie’s right, I wouldn’t have finished my architecture licensure with a “good enough” guy. Let alone finished it with a “before the kid can crawl!” goal.

I’d listen to Susie on the therapist and personalized approach, but you sound like you’re not completely happy in this relationship. And if he was a comfort during this scare, you might be staying out of guilt and you need someone to help you with those conflicting feelings.

I don't think it's ever too late. My mother got her masters degree when she was 60.

Sweetheart, it is NEVER too late to make your dreams come true. NEVER EVER let anyone make you belive that you are too old or is to late to make it happen! I mean, I went back to school at 39 and graduated at 43! and here I am, reinventing myself once again at 51! you are young, and you are fortunate to be a male, therefore your swimmers are good! look at Robert DeNiro or Al Paccino! they are popping kids at 80!

Please go and enroll in law school! Make me even prouder that what you make me already. Not because you are going to be a lawyer... but because you make your dream come true!

Love, MOM

I went to law school at 34. There were several women who had babies in school. If I had it to do over, I would have been one if them rather than waiting. But it sounds like your guy is "good enough" and you really shouldn't settle. Break up, freeze your eggs, go to law school, and find someone who knocks your socks off.

When I turned 40 I was doing a teaching degree, my dad did his first degree at a similar age, you are never too old to follow your dreams.

Dream big, there are other options for kids if you want them when you have completed your course.

I began a new career at 43 after finally returning to university and it was the best move I ever made. You can do it!

It's not too late, and it's not a decision you should or need to rush! Remember, even if you DO pass the window, there is still adoption at any age and there are so many ways that a child can come into your life, and so many other ways to give your life meaning too. Take your time and make the decisions that are right for you in your heart. If something is a priority for you because you want it truly and deeply, then work toward it. Don't worry about what you're "supposed to" want or have. Listen to your gut and, if you're having a hard time finding clarity, try journaling!! It will help you work through your thoughts and feelings. Therapy can also help with that if you're still needing help finding your path. 💜

Can you shadow a lawyer? Do you have Ann idea about what kind of law you’d like to practice? I actually know several lawyers. One teaches at our local university, one clerks for a judge and loves it. One does litigation and seems happy enough. But before paying for any graduate school, have an idea of what you want to do with it.

It’s worth going to a therapist before making any life decisions. What about your life are you dissatisfied with? Exploring that with a therapist can be life changing. Making big changes without a plan can just be a way of avoiding what really bothers you

That said, I got a phd in my 50s because I’d always wanted one, but had kids before I finished my undergrad. My ex said he supported me, but…

You are not too old! If you want to practice law go for it!

I started an accelerated nursing program at age 56 and graduated at age 57. Am successfully working in my new career. It's not too late.

Never. If you are still alive, it's not too late.

When I was considering a Ph.D, I said to my husband "it'll take 4 years! I'll be 43 when I graduate!"

He looked at me and said "and how old will you be in four years if you DON'T do it?"

That was the push I needed then. And we're now in our 60's, both taking classes for fun. Lifelong learning is a thing.

With that said... Consider carefully why you want to be a lawyer and what you'll do going forward.

Best wishes!

PS - we had given up on kids, but I got pregnant right after graduation... So, you never know!

My husband started a new career path at your age. Within four years, he found great success, earning more money than he ever would have if he stayed where he was. It was a huge shift that came with lots of sweat and sacrifice, but in the end, it was worth it. Not saying every story goes this way, but his did.

Yet, at the same time, we had a different business venture in our early 30s... it didn't end well. But that's just how it is sometimes. I don't regret the things in my life that failed. My original career choice I had in my early 20s completely fell apart, haha. There are no guarantees in life, especially in regards to success. But I do like to look back and my life and feel good about the fact that I tried.

If law is something you really want, at the very least you should explore the logistics of how you could make this happen. Also, older people can have children. In fact, older people are often more financially prepared for children. But that's a separate discussion all together, haha.

It's not too late. Just step back, figure out the logistics, and make the decision that feels right for you. You got this. :)

I started over at 35. Let me tell you, it's totally worth it! I would rather be happy at work for the next 25-30 years & have no regrets than to make the safe choice and be bored, unhappy, and full of what-ifs and if-only:s.
Write down different plans. Write worst case scenarios, one for each option.

Write pros and cons, even budget if that's a concern ( short term and long term!), and don't forget the emotions and well-being aspects. Of you were to do both, how would that work? Is your partner supportive? Would your partner take on childcare and/or more household chores? Etc.

I went through university as a single mom with two small children. It's possible, even convenient since it's more flexible than working full time. You can do it!

Sweetie, it’s never too late. You got this!

Sounds like you're not really sure about the relationship you have. That can affect everything. That can make any health scare, even more frightening. How did partner react? Were they supportive?

It might be worth it to talk to a trauma-informed therapist, to discuss where you are and clarify what your needs are at this time, before you make any life changing decisions. if you're very passionate about law, there are many avenues you can take for career changes.

"Good enough" as in great, or "good enough" as in meh, he's fine? Because the latter is not enough for someone you plan to hopefully spend the rest of your life with. Maybe that's the real underlying question here, separate to whether or not to go back to school?

Age is nothing but a number when it comes to trying new things or making changes in your life. That being said, examining why you want to make changes is very important, particularly when it comes to a career which requires large investments in time and money. I am retired from a career in law, a field which I loved. I am also a mom of two 30 somethings who experienced the time commitments litigators make and chose not to become lawyers. Have you thought about volunteering in a local courthouse, working as a paralegal or clerk in a law office or even as an arbitrator to see if you are truly interested in law? This would give you the opportunity to look at what the field offers and if it fulfills your needs and expectations. Best of luck.

Just became board verified as a natural functional medicine dr. Also a product formulator, with 2 phds. I started over at 40 leaving tech behind, also an author. It’s NEVER too late. You can if you choose to, if it’s truly what you dream of, and no - you can have children, go to law school, pass the bar and be the best happiest attorney you want to be - it’s up to you. Life pivots us on crazy directions. Take a deep breath, invest in your dreams life is too short for regrets, have a serious discussion with your partner see if they want to step up support you. Mine didn’t and that was fine, I did it alone with 3 children, a host of health issues and I did it. You can too

No! It’s not too late!!

You are not too old. If this is something you want and you believe in, go for it! As to kids, if that's what you want, then don't settle for a "good enough" partner. It's hard work and you'll appreciate good support. There are women having kids in their 40s now. It may be you'll adopt instead. Plenty of kids need a loving parent. There are still so many paths open to you! You can do this!

Go for it! You can have it all. Get a professional loan, go to school, let your man support you and have a baby while at school! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

You're never too old to go to college, to start over, or try something new.
My grandma went to college as a therapy assignment. Just one class. About 10 years after that first class, she had an English literature degree. When I was 16 she gave me some of her old textbooks to read for fun. (It was fun for me) DO IT!

The time will pass anyway, might as well do what you want with it. It's never too late to do something that will make you happy.

Baby, you will be 40 any way you look at it. Whether you go back to school or not. If you want it, do it. Kids can happen in between, like it did for me. Take that chance.

Not a mom, but a sister. My favorite award winning poet, Claudia Emerson, didn't start writing poetry until her 40s. So many people don't start things until halfway through life and the social obsession with doing one thing forever for your whole life is weird.

The only way you're too late is if you're already dead. Things will work out as long as you don't give up on moving forward.

Law school or a child? You pick whichever you want more. 

DONT GO TO LAWSCHOOL! Haven’t you seen how it almost killed me?!? You don’t want this life I have.

Love, Your Mom