It’s Not Too Late - And You’re Not Too Old
Dreams don’t have an expiration date. Here’s why age is just a number and why it’s never too late to start something new.
I started studying psychology at 33. By that time, I already had a master’s degree in literature, a stable job at a large company, and several years of experience in digital media. And yet, I chose to start over—because my desire to do something more meaningful with my life was stronger than my fear of leaving the safe path.
The pandemic made me rethink many of my career choices. I enjoyed working in media, but the dream of studying psychology had never truly left me. After high school, I chose a different path because I was intimidated by statistics. I don’t regret that decision, but somewhere in the midst of the second lockdown, I felt the urge to finally give it a try.
In 2021, I quit my job and moved to Amsterdam—another long-time dream of mine. I wanted to step away from my daily life and see how I really felt about my future. After returning home, I applied for both a psychology degree and a new job, that I hoped would be less stressful than my previous one, so I would have the mental space to study. Now, I’m halfway through my degree and happy with my choice (even though statistics is just as much of a pain as I expected).
What surprised me most during this whole process was how people reacted. I lost count of how many times someone responded to my plans with, "I wish I could do that, too." Almost everyone had a dream they had never even tried to pursue. With every conversation, my curiosity grew—why do so many people hold themselves back from going after what they truly want?
Of course, there are real-life circumstances that make big changes harder. I’m well aware that having enough savings to relocate for a few months and take a break from work is a huge privilege. I also don’t have kids, a mortgage, or health issues to consider. But surprisingly, none of these were the main reasons people hesitated. The response I heard most often? "I’m too old to try something new."
I never understood the idea of being "too late" for dreams. There are people running marathons at 94 or earning their PhD at 79.
tells the story of her mother here, who has published her first book at 88. She is a great example that almost anything can be achieved regardless of age. Sure, you might have to adjust your expectations along the way, but you can always start working toward some version of your dream.If I truly want something, I’m at least going to try—regardless of what society thinks about my age. Did I expect to be back to exams and research papers in my thirties? No. Did I expect to start fresh in another career field in my forties? Also no. But here I am, doing it anyway, because this dream never left me. And I’d rather take a chance than live with a "what if" for the rest of my life.
Of course, I’m not saying you should burn through your savings, ignore your responsibilities, or make reckless decisions just for short-term gratification. But the next time you talk yourself out of pursuing a dream because of your age, ask yourself: Is it really your age holding you back—or society’s expectations of what life at your age should look like?
MORE FROM COPPER AND GOLD:
Don’t Wait, It’s a Trap
Mental Health in Difficult Times: How to Stay Sane in a Chaotic World
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