Career/ "the future" thoughts... Need advice

[slackerinabox]

I've been really confused about this and would like some input

-I'm 25 but,4 years ago, quit college because I had a job that paid $85,000 a year that had me working 60 hour weeks and Icouldn't juggle school and work

- I recently was fired from my last job and I'm conflicted - go back to school full time or just find another job

I've been a pretty successful person without finishing my undergrad and am sure I can get a job based on my work experience, but I part of me feels like I should get my BA for reason other than my career - self respect, getting it over with, making my parents happy, etc...

But I also need to pay rent and bills and can't work full time and go to school full time, I tried it and I crashed before.

What would you do if you're in my situation? Go to school full time and get a part time job plus lots of loans? Work and just save college for some other time?


UPDATE

Sorry for abandonng this threat, I've been busy. So I made a partial decision. I applied for re-entry into my old college. I really need the college experience (including meeting cute girls!) and would dedicate myself to school if I went to class vs. taking online courses. I'm going to try to get a part time job but may have to live off of loans since I want to finish this quickly by taking a killer courseload vs. a few credits here and there. Things got a little complicated when a friend offered to try to get me an editorial job at her firm,which would be great but I think I have to pass. I'm not doing this for the money, I could get a good job if i want to. I just want to give myself the best opportunity to succeed and not having my B.A. feels like it's holding me back.

I'm open to other thoughts, I have to register next month and am still in deep thought about this. On a side note I'm a bit depressed because this is really affecting my social life- I can't date or even hang out with friends much because money is going to be very tight. I also feel a bit embarassed -friends who didn't know that I'm a drop out will know once I go back to school, even though that shouldn't matter.. It's an odd, kinda lonely time because I feel directionless and depressed and feel that, at 25, I'm pretty backwards and immature.

 

[huberm]

i'm in the same predicament....i think the only way for me is to do online courses while working :~(

 

[LegendKiller]

Education never fails, whether it's to achieve greater success or to just make yourself a better person.

 

[slackerinabox]

UPDATE

Sorry for abandonng this threat, I've been busy. So I made a partial decision. I applied for re-entry into my old college. I really need the college experience (including meeting cute girls!) and would dedicate myself to school if I went to class vs. taking online courses. I'm going to try to get a part time job but may have to live off of loans since I want to finish this quickly by taking a killer courseload vs. a few credits here and there. Things got a little complicated when a friend offered to try to get me an editorial job at her firm,which would be great but I think I have to pass. I'm not doing this for the money, I could get a good job if i want to. I just want to give myself the best opportunity to succeed and not having my B.A. feels like it's holding me back.

I'm open to other thoughts, I have to register next month and am still in deep thought about this. On a side note I'm a bit depressed because this is really affecting my social life- I can't date or even hang out with friends much because money is going to be very tight. I also feel a bit embarassed -friends who didn't know that I'm a drop out will know once I go back to school, even though that shouldn't matter.. It's an odd, kinda lonely time because I feel directionless and depressed and feel that, at 25, I'm pretty backwards and immature.

 

[EGGO]

Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

 

[slackerinabox]

double post

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

 

[Chaotic42]

$85K? Holy crap.

 

[erub]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

that's pretty messed up that you were making 85K and don't have a penny left to show for it. Where did you blow your money? You say your parents were hard workers in college/early adult life..making the reasonable assumption that hard workers in early life continued to work hard, they should have made some money to be able to help you out, too..or are they just selfish?

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

wait, you were making $85k for 4 years and you don't have any money saved or anything?

 

[blackdogdeek]

why is full-time job, part-time courseload not an option?

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

wait, you were making $85k for 4 years and you don't have any money saved or anything?

Welcome to New York.

 

[Al Neri]

make a YAGT about it.

 

[Al Neri]

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

wait, you were making $85k for 4 years and you don't have any money saved or anything?

Welcome to New York.

give me a break. i was making about 2/3 that salary started from zero, and now own a place in NYC and still save a ton.

live at/below your means, while still living your life ftw!

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: Don Rodriguez

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

wait, you were making $85k for 4 years and you don't have any money saved or anything?

Welcome to New York.

give me a break. i was making about 2/3 that salary started from zero, and now own a place in NYC and still save a ton.

live at/below your means, while still living your life ftw!

Of course you can live well and save here. Just pointing out the trap that lots of young people fall into, especially if they start with a high salary out the gate. I was guilty of it when I first moved up, myself.

 

[Al Neri]

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: Don Rodriguez

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

wait, you were making $85k for 4 years and you don't have any money saved or anything?

Welcome to New York.

give me a break. i was making about 2/3 that salary started from zero, and now own a place in NYC and still save a ton.

live at/below your means, while still living your life ftw!

Of course you can live well and save here. Just pointing out the trap that lots of young people fall into, especially if they start with a high salary out the gate. I was guilty of it when I first moved up, myself.

::nods:: i agree

your post of

Welcome to New York.

made me think you were saying it is impossible

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: Don Rodriguez
your post of

Welcome to New York.

made me think you were saying it is impossible

Sorry, it did come off that way. People just coming out of college are bound to want to live beyond their means anywhere they settle for their first real job...it's just sooo much easier here than most of the rest of the US to really get in economic trouble.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

wait, you were making $85k for 4 years and you don't have any money saved or anything?

No, that's what sucked - they closed my department after I worked their a few months - then I got a modest paying job.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: erub

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

that's pretty messed up that you were making 85K and don't have a penny left to show for it. Where did you blow your money? You say your parents were hard workers in college/early adult life..making the reasonable assumption that hard workers in early life continued to work hard, they should have made some money to be able to help you out, too..or are they just selfish?

As i said, the $85k job convinced me to quit school but they closed my center after a few months... My parents are in an odd spot - my older sister's education and wedding bled them dry. They're willing to help a little but they don't really have a lot to spare (my dad is retired).

 

[Al Neri]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: erub

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: EGGO
Do you have the time and financial backing for this? I'd say if you can, go for it, especially since I'm sure it will open bigger doors down the road.

I know someone who is 25 and is in my grade and we're awesome friends. As someone said in a YAGT, "there are ages and stages."

Thanks.Time? Well, if I don't make the time now it'll never happen. Money? Not at all so I'm going to have to live off of loans. I go to a local college so tuition is very cheap ($2,300 a semester about). So I'll be taking loans to cover rent and living expenses, which sounds crazy but I think it's what I have to do.

My parents tell me that they worked 2 jobs,took care of as family and went to school. I hate myself for not being able to do that but working and going to school is what made me quit -I never slept and slept through classes. So it's a major decision. I see myself being very poor for the next year or so. No dates for me (less YAGTs for you ), no enjoying the life I used to...That's why I'm still hesitating to press the GO button, there's a lot of sacrifices ahead if i go back now.

edit: my S key is acting screwy.. Sorry..

that's pretty messed up that you were making 85K and don't have a penny left to show for it. Where did you blow your money? You say your parents were hard workers in college/early adult life..making the reasonable assumption that hard workers in early life continued to work hard, they should have made some money to be able to help you out, too..or are they just selfish?

As i said, the $85k job convinced me to quit school but they closed my center after a few months... My parents are in an odd spot - my older sister's education and wedding bled them dry. They're willing to help a little but they don't really have a lot to spare (my dad is retired).

it's ok, just make a YAGT, then everything will be ok

 

[Cal166]

My advice is try to register early as possible and get the classes at the day/time you want, leaving you couple of days to work part time. One thing I did not like about the CUNY system is that it has a limited amount of classes and they would fill up fast. One of the reasons why I did not want to go to a CUNY. Most of my friends who did went to CUNY and worked part time, took them 5-5.5 years to complete their degree. At my University, I managed to take 6 classes (18credits) in two days (Tuesdays and Thursday) from 7:30am - 6PM which leaves me Monday, Wednesday and Friday to work. Working three days a week paid for most of my tuition and expenses.

Good luck and hope everything works out for you.