Chronicles of a Vintage Boomer PhD Student - Part 1: Against the Odds

A Memorable Question

Three years ago, when I first shared my intention to apply for a Doctorate program, a professor I deeply respected asked me a question I’ll never forget:

“Joyce, are you pursuing a PhD for vanity?”

Translation: Was I doing this for the praise, prestige, or those shiny letters after my name? That question lingered, sparking some serious self-reflection—which I’ll unpack a bit later.

Fast forward to the present. Picture this: a 64-year-old sitting in a seminar room, surrounded by classmates who probably think vinyl records are cutting-edge retro. That’s me—a proud Vintage Baby Boomer, diving headfirst into the challenge of a PhD program while juggling work, family, and life’s many curveballs.

Now, at 66 and two years in, I’m fully immersed in researching the connection between minimalism and living the good life. Some might call this journey unconventional, but I call it timeless ambition.

A Decade in the Making

This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision—it’s the culmination of a ten-year plan I crafted in my fifties. I wrote a book, Reimagine Your Retirement: How to Live Life to Its Fullest and Leave a Lasting Legacy without knowing exactly how it would take shape.

Watching that plan come to life is a testament to careful visioning, preparation, perseverance, and yes, just a dash of stubbornness.

The odds? Let’s just say they’re not exactly in my favor. Statistically, I’m in uncharted territory—but here I am, taking it one step at a time.

Navigating Graduate School as a mature PhD student

Why the Odds Seem Stacked

According to Statista Research Department, the average age of PhD graduates in Canada and the US is about 34 or 35. People over 60 rarely enroll, let alone finish.

Then there’s the dropout rate—20% in the UK, and a staggering 36% to 51% in the US for popular programs. It’s daunting to know that even younger, seemingly more “ideal” candidates often don’t cross the finish line. High dropout rates, delays, and dissatisfaction among PhD students are common problems in doctoral education. But here I am, stubbornly making my way through this academic marathon. My goal is to finish within 4 years, no more than 5, paving my way through the next ten-year plan.

Challenges of Being a Vintage Boomer PhD Student

Every PhD student faces hurdles but tackling it as a Vintage Boomer comes with its own unique twists. Here are a few of mine:

Personal Challenges
Life at this stage is full. You can review a glimpse of it in a previous post. Family milestones, unexpected events, and the occasional existential questions (Why am I doing this?) constantly test my focus. Even before the journey officially began, the application process alone tested the limits of my patience and determination.

I vividly remember requesting an electronic transcript from my undergraduate university—a seemingly simple task that turned into an exercise in frustration. Their response? My original transcript was stored in microfiche film (mind you, this was almost half a century ago, back in 1980). It would take a few days to retrieve and digitize before they could email me a scanned copy. Days turned into weeks, and I found myself teetering on the edge of giving up altogether. With the application deadline looming, I wondered if this was a sign to quit before I’d even started.

But somehow, I persevered. That microfiche fiasco became my first lesson in resilience on this PhD journey—reminding me that even when the odds seem stacked, persistence can get you through.

Balancing Work and Academia
Many PhD students are full-time scholars, but not this Boomer. Juggling a full-time job alongside a demanding academic program feels like performing a high-stakes circus act. Picture a tightrope walker balancing deadlines in one hand and commitments in the other, all while being firmly glued to a desk chair. My family doctor gently suggested daily exercise to stay healthy, but honestly, even that reminder feels like just another item on my ever-growing to-do list! The move to Squamish was a ready-solution and a game-changer to keep me active.

Program Demands
From coursework and ethics approvals to the intimidating dissertation, the academic grind often feels unrelenting. Deadlines loom like ominous clouds, and imposter syndrome whispers in my ear: Do you really belong here? Yet, the regular check-ins with my faculty supervisor—and her steady encouragement—have been my anchor, keeping me moving forward.

Emotional Strain
Feelings of isolation and doubt often sneak in, making me question: Can I really pull this off? Am I too old to keep up? Add to that the pressure to succeed, and some days feel like an emotional marathon. Once, a professor I deeply respected asked if I was pursuing my PhD out of vanity. My immediate reaction was anger and hurt. Did they think I was chasing fame and fortune? Even they seemed to mis-judge my intentions. But instead of reacting, I chose to let the comment go and refocus on my goals—a small victory in staying true to myself.
Technological Barriers
Let’s face it—this Boomer didn’t grow up navigating apps, tools, or platforms like Zotero or other reference management software. Every tech-related task feels like scaling a digital Mt. Everest. Yet, drawing on my years in Information Technology, I’m holding my own. It turns out, contrary to popular belief, old dogs can learn new tricks—and maybe even teach a few along the way!

Challenges being a Vintage Boomer PhD student

Early Rewards

Back to the earlier question: Am I doing this for vanity? Not at all. Fame and fortune aren’t my motivators—what would a minimalist even do with all that? The rewards, for me, lie in the journey: learning new ideas, connecting with scholars, and pushing my mental boundaries. This stage is already enriching my life, and I know the best is yet to come when I complete my studies in two years.

Why Share This Story?

This journey is about more than earning a PhD. It’s about defying norms, embracing lifelong learning, and proving that age is no barrier to growth. It’s about reimagining what retirement—or better yet, reinvention—can look like.

Coming Up in Part 2: In the next post, I’ll dive into the benefits of being a Vintage Boomer in academia, from personal fulfillment to sharpening cognitive skills.

For now, I’ll leave you with these thoughts:

What odds have you been tempted to defy? Whether it’s chasing a dream or trying something new, remember—it’s never too late to start.

So, what’s stopping you?

Let’s make 2025 the year of bold moves together 🚀. Share your bold move for 2025 in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!

Chronicles of a Vintage Boomer PhD Student – Part 1: Against the Odds