Going back to school in my late 40's

pippy · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Wisconsin

I decided to go back to school and get a degree in Radiography. I just turned 45 and by the time I receive my degree I will be in my late 40's!

My question is, will my age be a factor getting a job in this field? I don't look my age and I have excellent stamina, however I don't want to put the time effort and $$ into something that will not work out for me.

Thanks

hjhogle · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2008 9:13 pm Post subject:

Not really sure what you're asking - are there plenty of RT's over 40 (or 45) still working in radiography? Yes. Was it easier when I was 25? Damn straight.

Or is your question about age discrimination? That's not been my experience. I didn't see it when I was younger, it hasn't been my experience since I got so dang old. I turned 50 this year (how did THAT happen?! Don't tell anyone) and I've been in my current position for 2.5 years. And THEY came looking for ME.

So don't let anyone tell you you're too old, or that you can't. You can. If you're good at what you do, you're a valuable job candidate.

You want to do this? GO FOR IT. Good luck. You need a pep talk? Send me a message.

hjh, RT

pippy · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Wisconsin

Yes that is what I am asking. Being new to the field with lack of experience, will I be competeing with canidates in their 20's and 30's for the same job with the same experience.

I know if I was in the field since I was in my 20's or 30's I would not have a problem getting a new job in my 40's or 50's because of my experience. However- just starting out...I'm concerned that they would rather hire some one with the same amount of "no experience" instead of me because of age. Is this field competitive?

hjhogle · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:22 pm Post subject:

Yes, the field is competitive. You'll find managers who prefer more mature staff .. others who prefer younger ones. Age discrimination has not been something I've either experienced OR seen in Radiography.

hjh, RT

papa · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 12:31 am Post subject:

hj, come on. you're not fifty, you're 25 squared.... sorry bad joke.

one word i can say about the new "younger" techs - DRAMA [ insert bad funny accent here]

too worried about what they'll wear to the club the next night, too much attitude, not enough respect. i remember when [god, did i just say that?] you had to say "yes sir, no sir, yes ma'am, no ma'am".

maybe it's just my air force father speaking to me...

papa
_________________
Mr. Green

papa RT(R)(CT) Mr. Green

Delusional Radiology
never meddle in the affairs of a dragon, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup

hjhogle · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 1:27 pm Post subject:

OMG, Papa ... we're turning into our parents. Scary thought .. but at the same time .. back in the day, we had to work awhile and pay some dues before we.. were given overtime .. were allowed to cross-train into other modalities .. were given weekends off .. were allowed to swap holidays ..

New graduates (at least the ones I've run into east of the Mississippi) seem to have such a sense of ENTITLEMENT. They think that they shouldn't have to work weekends or holidays or do anything over and above.

Guess what, kiddies. This is healthcare. A 24/7, 365 industry where the work product has more to do with how much you give to the people you're supposed to be caring for and less to do with how many hours you're on the clock. Or how many patients you've done.

I took a friend to a nearby, busy hospital recently. Do you know the RT had the brass to talk to the PATIENT about how busy she was and how she'd missed her break? Good GOD. And yes, I sent a complaint to the Director of the Department.

hjh, RT

papa · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:17 pm Post subject:

i hope to holy heck that the tech knew who you were... THAT'S going to be an interesting conversation Embarassed

do students still have to clean cassettes when not "busy"? jesus i swear if i had to clean one more darned dirty cassette one of them was going to go through a wall.... then they had us clean the intensifying screens.

i just started my sunday eve. shift, and the tech i was relieving just recently graduated. guess what. she's never seen conventional film before..

man, am i too young to feel old? remember cardboard cassettes?

papa
_________________
Mr. Green

papa RT(R)(CT) Mr. Green

Delusional Radiology
never meddle in the affairs of a dragon, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup