Ijust discovered this site today, and was going to lurk for a bit until I discovered this thread and couldn't resist a response! I'm self-employed and have been doing a part-time self funded PhD for the last two and a half years. And I'm 60 next month, with no intention of retiring until I turn up my toes. My first degree results were achieved despite a disparate amount of time in the Uni bar, my Masters got done in my mid forties through gritted teeth and I was determined to never do academic study ever again. But I got to registering for a PhD when I had a random conversation with a Prof from my local Uni about my passion on the importance of effective leadership in a crisis. He said, "I think you should do a PhD and I'm happy to supervise you". This seemed such a crazy idea, I loved it and still do. My friends and family think I'm nuts, but hey..