Age and urban planning profession

I applaud your interest in green city/regional planning. There is much work to be done and too few qualified planners. I'm sorry to hear that staff or faculty at one of the schools you are looking at wasn't more supportive. Maybe they weren't trying to discourage you, but wanted you to be realistic about your opportunities.

I think if you are passionate about something and doing this would enrich you and the community you live in, I'd go for it! What you have to consider is(and this is what I am up against - going for a Masters in Planning - although I am in my mid-forties), Am I willing to work entry level and the salary that comes with it? Am I willing to work an internship to get the experience I need, or do I expect to make the money I was at my previously chosen field? I think you also have to ask your self if the high cost of an education is worth it when you will be somewhat limited in the years you can practice. For all we know you could work another 15-20 years. I know I am concerned about going into deep into debt late in my life, while being compensated with an entry level salary. That is the slary I am worth, but can I afford to live on that at this stage in my life? I know us "old folks" bring much to the table in maturity, life experience, etc, but it is hard to compete with these tech savvy young planners that are willing to work for entry level dollars, and are more flexible with finding inexpensive living arrangements, etc.

I think this also depends on what you your bachelors degree is in, and what type of work you have done throughout your life. If you are an architect, or civil engineer, even an ecologist or geologist, a MCP/MCRP could build on what you were previously doing. If you were say arranging flowers or a field unrelated to planning, you would basically be starting from scratch. That's okay, but you must ackowledge where you will start from.

I am not one to be concerned about wealth and making alot of money, but as we approach our later years, economics becomes a prime consideration. Unfortunatley we are less flexible with salary as we age. I know I'm as concerned about getting my MCP/MCRP as I am about building my retirement funds (which are very few) - I only have so many more years to save.

If you are already set for retirement, and/or independently wealthy, or you have decided the scarifices are worth it then you should follow your passion and go for this. This experienec could be fun and enriching and you could really help your community. Best wishes withyour future plans.