Am I screwed? Is it too late for me to start a career?

31 isn't old for a job.

Age discrimination might kick in around 40 or so when a company is looking at developing talent to advance. Or with defined benefits retirement plans. But now a days, most companies aren't thinking much beyond the current year and aren't developing people, and most have defined contribution retirement plans.

Dur wrote:

31 isn't old for a job.

Age discrimination might kick in around 40 or so when a company is looking at developing talent to advance. Or with defined benefits retirement plans. But now a days, most companies aren't thinking much beyond the current year and aren't developing people, and most have defined contribution retirement plans.

I appreciate the encouragement and reassuring perspective man, thank you

Your grocery store experience might count for more than you think, depending on what jobs you apply for. That's actual business experience, so could help if you're applying to consulting firms or corporations. So describe it as such on any resumes.

To me, it looks like you have given yourself a good starting point.

Starting your career at age 31, with several years working in a grocery store, including years managing the store, a BA, and an MA in Economics is just fine.

Here's a possible path: After getting your Econ MA, you could work for 2-3 years at the best job you can get -- make sure it's a relevant position. Then get a better job in a position that is also relevant. After being at that job for 6-12 months, start a part-time MBA in Finance. When you complete your MBA, your resume will look like this:

- managed grocery store for 3 years, along with all details & responsibilities.

- 1st post-MA position

- 2nd, better, post-MA position

- MA Economics

- MBA Finance

That would be pretty solid for someone in their late 30's. You'd be set up for good earnings over the next 20, 25, 30 years or however long you keep working.

I used to hire for a small company. I would've counted the grocery store management experience as a plus. And, no, I don't think the OP is too old to have a good career.

Just become a cop

Nothing wrong with your path. I would probably go for an MBA rather than a masters in economics as I think the prospects are better and your grocery management experience would be more applicable. Going to school during a recession is actually a good plan.

I stated law school at 29. I did feel old compared to all the people who went straight through from college. But being a little bit older was an advantage when I got out. People took me more seriously than a 23-24 year old.

Be realistic about job prospects. Generally speaking, most fields have a few dream jobs and then everyone else gets funneled into very conventional work. Alumni associations and professional associations are good resources to find out what is really out there in terms of employment. Econ degrees are pretty broad and not like law or medicine where you have a pretty straight line to employment upon graduation.

And for what its worth, my little brother didn't go to MBA school until he was about your age, a number of years after undergrad (dual degrees in political science and economics). He taught middle school history for a couple years, worked as a congressional aid for a couple years and held a variety of government jobs for a couple of years before going back to school and getting his MBA. He makes close to $150,000 a year now. You're not too old.

I am 60 and happy that I do not have to make career plans any more.

Avoid occupations that are likely to become automated over the next 10 to 20 years.

History teacher is a job that can easily be performed remotely. One teacher can have 200 students and the quality of education will not be affected. Local school districts can get rid of 4 out of 5 history teachers that are currently on the payroll - and Geography is not even a real subject.

Responsibility without authority is a rotten position to be in.

Yes, you are screwed. Don't worry about it too much though. We're all screwed. Stay rad!

Never too late to start anything you're passionate about, including a career. And 31 is not old anyway. I did not start in my long-term job field until 30, love what I do and have zero regrets about what I did in my 20's (college, travel, grad school, etc.). Large luck to you.

When I read the title of the thread I thought you might be in 40s.

You're not too old and your story is impressive. Good luck

Wow thank you all so much for taking the time guys, a veritable goldmine of valuable advice in here. It's nice to hear that the limited job experience I have is worth more than I thought lol, I'm encouraged by all this, appreciate all the help once again!

At 30, life is just beginning. People open their own business, develop their company. You are at the very age when you can choose what to do in your life.