Felicia Said:

How much per hour do I need to charge my clients (being self-employed) ?

We Answered:

The rate you charge clients highly depends on the type of service you are offer, also the supply vs demand of your service.

Gabriel Said:

Older returning students (40+), how did you handle the humiliation?

We Answered:

I think you need to keep an open mind. Education is not restrict to the young. We the 40+ people are entitled to educating ourselves in the later years. Plus the fact that we are paying for it our of our pockets. As to where some of them have their parents paying for it. You are paying your money thus you are entitled to get your degree just like anyone else that is in your classes.

There is no humiliation associated with educating yourself or being a life long learner. That is a motivator - I had a high school students I taught within night school who were older students: 65 (female grandmother) and 40 (male father) in a class with an average age of 21. They both wanted to attain their diplomas for themselves and their offspring.

The years of life experience they brought to the classroom played a role in enriching the learning environment. As they shared their observations or insights it was refreshing to me and educating to the young students who had not had those experiences as of yet. You could tell the young ones were listening or paying attention since they were asking questions or inquiring.

You likely acquired a wealth of knowledge in that career you had prior to changing (as well as in life experiences). You do not know what you may bring to the table in making those classes an enriched experience with your knowledge and how it may help the younger students. Keep an open mind and move forward.