So, I'm 48. Should I get my Masters in Economics?

[ArcticE]

35. I vote YES.

I went to college from 1987-89. I dropped out after two years for a variety of reasons. I decided to go back to school 3 years ago at age 48 to get a nursing degree. Obviously none of my credits from nearly 30 years ago counted so I had to start from scratch. I will be getting my RN next May/June and will continue for one more year to get my Bachelors after that. I will be 53 when I get my bachelors. I am amazed at how many people are amazed that I am doing this.

I decided at age 30 that I would pick up a major skill every decade. I started playing piano at age 30, then got a guitar, then a keyboard, then drums, then congas/bongos, bass, etc. etc. My goal for my 50's and 60's is to become fluent or near fluent in at least one more language. I wish more people would fight the notion that education is a young persons game. You surely have developed many skills over the years (organization, prioritization, resilience, insight, foresight, patience) that younger students have not developed. Those skills will serve you very well WHEN you are working on your masters degree.

You are ONLY 48 years old. You don't know what the future will hold. You may work for the next 10 years or the next 30 years.
It is likely you will have more options with a masters. It is possible you may stave off dementia. It is likely you will make a lot more money and be better prepared to enjoy the little things in life once you do decide to retire.

Whatever you choose, best of luck!