Considering Going Back to School as a Mature Student: Need Some Guidance

I’m currently in a programming program too, and I don't think 38 is too old at all! There’s a lot of diversity in age among students; I’ve seen folks in their 40s and 50s in my classes, and it feels pretty relaxed without any of that 'youth party culture' you might be worried about. Most of our coursework is online and very hands-on focusing on things like Unity and C#. If you enjoy learning and are committed, you can definitely thrive in this environment!

From my experience in college, older students are pretty common, and they usually don’t face issues outside of the usual student struggles. Regarding office culture, I’ve been fortunate to avoid many of the typical corporate politics as a developer. However, it's true that different companies have different vibes. You could find small game studios where you feel comfortable being yourself, or larger firms where office politics are more muted.

Just a heads up, age discrimination can happen in the software industry, especially in game dev, which tends to attract younger talent. It might be more challenging to find a good fit as an older candidate. Also, many game studios have a culture of long hours and crunch time, so it could be tough if you're looking for a more laid-back environment.

I have to say, game dev is a tough industry with a high burnout rate. Sure, you might enjoy working in a studio where you can express yourself, but if you’re worried about HR and office politics now, it could be a bigger concern later. It’s essential to keep an open mind and not get stuck in your ways. Programming is a solid choice for you, but maybe think carefully about game development and how it aligns with your temperament.