Pursuing higher education has become a controversial topic due to economic concerns. For many, there is no longer a return on investment in an education, due to student debt and an unreliable job market.

A 31-year-old man, unhappy with his current life, plans to go to college after giving up on his studies as a teenager. However, his parents are not supportive at all, causing him to question his desire to obtain a college degree.

A man feared he would be considered a “loser” if he started college at 31.

“I just want to reach my full potential,” the man admitted. in his Reddit post. “I’ve worked in food retail since I was 19. I’ve struggled with self-esteem for most of my life and it’s hard to admit that it didn’t help me retained.”

“I live with my parents, I have no friends, not many hobbies, no real prospects for a better future,” he continued, adding that he wanted to change that by going to the university.

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However, his parents do not support this businessarguing that he would “waste” his time and go into debt for a piece of paper.

“I feel like I have nothing to lose and that college could give me purpose,” he wrote. “Is this a bad decision?”

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You’re never too old to get a college degree.

First of all, it doesn’t make him a loser for wanting to go back to school and get his degree. Although college is not necessary for career success and success, it can be a great way to meet new people, network with professionals, and gain insight into the workforce. This is the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills and grow as an individual.

Although the average age of students is between 18 and 22, there are no restrictions or limits. Actually, according to College Vine“Age diversity in college is increasingly common, as more students take gap years, attend a community college before transferring to a four-year institution, or follow non-college pathways traditional.”

In the United States, approximately 38% of all undergraduate students are over the age of 25.

No matter where you are in life — if you’re 18, 31, 50 and have kids, or 65 years old with grandchildren – college is always an option if and when you choose to embark on this journey.

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Still, this man must be smart about financing his higher education.

College is definitely an expense – his parents aren’t wrong about that.

Student debt hits record high, with Americans I owe $1.74 trillion of federal and private student debt in the second quarter of 2024. According to the Education Data Initiative20% of all U.S. adults with an undergraduate degree have unpaid student debt, while 24% of postgraduate degree holders report unpaid student loans.

No one should have to go into crushing debt just to be able to get an education and earn a degree. On average, the total student loan debtincluding private loans, is estimated at $40,681.

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If this man really wants to go back to school, he doesn’t have to immediately enroll in a 4-year university that will force him to take out absurd loans.

There’s nothing wrong with community college: it’s significantly less expensive than an institution and can allow him to narrow down the exact major he wants to study without hurting his bank account. He can still find the “goal” he is looking for.

He shouldn’t be ashamed of wanting something more in life and in his career. I hope his parents understand one day that he is only doing this to better himself, no matter how old he is.

As one commenter said, “The best time to plant a tree is 25 years ago.” The second best time is today. »

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Nia Tipton is a Chicago-based entertainment, news, and lifestyle writer whose work focuses on today’s issues and experiences.