Were you military, police, or fire? Many colleges have B.A.A.S. programs (Bachelor's of Applied Arts & Sciences), where they give you credit for military, police, or fire courses and experience, speeding you on your way to a Bachelor's. My university has two popular BAAS programs: Emergency Management and Sociology/Criminal Justice.

It's possible that the you in parallel universes will make/has made every other possible choice. I'm confident you'll make the choice that the other yous wished they had. Bon fortuna!

If you feel this way Wow you need not worry about what to major in, IT will find you first. You have the sense to know the right direction and most importantly you want the new direction. Oh yeh, The second you sit in the learning chair and see the brightness ahead (for those that actually have the vision) , you will be tackled by your major, Follow the passion

I was 41 when I got my B.S. - it's never too late. And life is way too short to spend it in a job you hate. What are you good at? That would be a good place to start in figuring out what to go to school for.

I've been in college classes with people up into their eighties. If you want to fit right in you can follow Eric Andre for fashion examples...

"Almost 40". How quaint, ya spring chicken.
You gotta go just so you'll know.

My last job got so bad that after a last straw moment, I applied for a part time job. I now make more at that part time job than I did at my full time job and deal with WAAAYYY less bullshit. It's scary, but sometimes that big leap is worth it.

With a Master degree, I love learning. My goal was to have a Master degree by age 30. After dropping out for 1-1/2 years, I redoubled my efforts and graduated three weeks before turning 30. I was working as a YMCA program director while attending graduate school.

Look at it this way: you will be 40 in four years. When you turn 40, do you want to have a bachelor degree?

With most bachelor degrees, students don't have to declare a major until junior year. This gives you time to explore different subjects.

Check out the college scholarships and financial aid.

Colleges have guidance counselors who can test your aptitude for different career paths.

Same here only I can’t afford it. The career I’m interested in would require full time focus on education for 2-3 years and as a 100% single mom that’s simply not an option as far as I can tell. Good luck with whichever path you choose!

You are far from alone. I started with a career in sales straight out of high school and made damn good money until I got burned out in less than a decade. Became a 26 year-old college freshman and studied finance and accounting, and worked in that field until I was 42. Then spent 4 years becoming a surgical floor RN before finally returning to finance again last year. And, at 47, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

Try Harvard or Yale...that's where all the rich guys go.

I went back to school at that age. Learning something new is always fun. Do it.

I think after this year, I'm done with it ALL! I feel ya, Brother.

Do it .

Does the VA offer any career counseling? I know when I wanted to change from electronics to business they made me see someone, but that was 20 years ago. Or maybe you could find some on-lines tests to see what career would be a good fit.

Learn a trade. There will always be work for electricians & plumbers. Their jobs can never be exported.

You gotta do what you gotta do. I would try to get volunteer work or a part time closely related to the job you want. I got a technical degree after high school and was not prepared for the office politics.

It's never too late to start something new.