I know, I know… this question has been asked many times. But I do really need some advice from others.
On my case. I started university at 20. I graduated high school at 18 1/2 but then I took one year to study english since I am spanish native. But when I started university I had decided to make a career change and study what I really enjoy, thanks to that, I should be graduating at the age of 26, it annoys me a bit, I mean, it could have been when I was 24. On the other hand, I am from Colombia, and here, EVERY career/degree takes 5 years, does not matter if it is Engineering or Journalism. I do also speak French fluently and some Italian, hope this will make employers taking me into account, 4 languages speaking, an engineering, and multicultural experiencie (study english and university abroad), should I really worry about?
Being in your 20s is not going to matter. 21, 24 or 26 - you will still be considered early career. (You may even be viewed as more mature and a better candidate.) I wouldn’t worry about it at all.
Plus, what can you do about it now? Nothing. So, just roll with it and make the best of your opportunity. You will have a nice, long career, even starting at 26 (or 28 or 30 for that matter).
How old would you be if you hadn’t completed your degree? It really doesn’t matter. Someday when you are 55 or so, maybe sooner, you’ll realize just how young 26 is.
Oh my god. You are NOT “old.” I agree with NorthernMom. Eployers wouldn’t even be able to tell you’re not 22; you have to be like, VISIBLY old (40s, 50s) for people to really notice. I’m TEN YEARS older than the average student and employers still don’t know until I tell them, “I have a decade of manufacturing experience.”