Work Vs. School

seehawkmomma

I have an opportunity right now to consider going back to school. My work has laid me (and 30 others) off. I have debated with myself on whether I should go back to school (probably be online due to having a child) or just heading back into the work force.
How many of you have succeeded with doing online schooling? Do you think it’s better finically to work and go to school or to just focus on school??

Thoughts?

galegetsthin

I have done almost all of my college online. For me it worked well, but I am very disciplined and made myself do it. I have heard some people say that is their issue

AllanMisner

As a hiring manager, I cannot say this enough. We look at the university you went to and discount online education if it is from a for-profit company. While you'll get what you put into it, that value is only evident if you get an interview. IMO, you get things from a brick and mortar university that you won't get online.

Before you just go for the education route, think about what you want or need to accomplish. Is a degree valued in your current field? Or do you really want to be in another field and need an education to do so? There is little sense spending thousands of dollars and coming out financially worse off for it.

garnet1483

I think one of the biggest things is balancing your financial situation with the financial obligations of going to school. I worked while I was in school (not online, according to my friends who've done a majority of their college online, that's easier) and honestly, my grades suffered a little bit, vs. not working, but I didn't have a choice. I think if you're in a position where you can go to school full time, even online, you should. It's just as much of a commitment as physically going to a school, and sometimes even more so because the accountability is all on your shoulders. At the same time, if you're in a position where you have to work, even part time, it's totally doable. Good luck!

badgerbadger1

As a hiring manager, I cannot say this enough. We look at the university you went to and discount online education if it is from a for-profit company. While you'll get what you put into it, that value is only evident if you get an interview. IMO, you get things from a brick and mortar university that you won't get online.

Before you just go for the education route, think about what you want or need to accomplish. Is a degree valued in your current field? Or do you really want to be in another field and need an education to do so? There is little sense spending thousands of dollars and coming out financially worse off for it.

This.

I went back to school full time when my daughter was 18 months old and I was single parenting. It was my second degree but I needed a career change. I researched the field and the prospects of finding a job in that field, how much more money I'd make, and if that would be worth the cost of going back to school. It worked out very well for me.

There is no reason why you have to do online schooling if you have a child. Also please research the field you plan to study to see if it's even financially worthwhile.


Also, sorry to hear you got laid off These generally turn out to be a blessing in disguise in the long run however, if you take advantage of the opportunity.

the_journeyman

Also, look for brick & mortar universities with a good online program. That way, you get the flexibility online courses with a respected name on the diploma.

JM

Noki1024

I work full time, have two kids and have been going to school part time since 2008 - I have 2 years left. Some of it I did online which was very convenient for me. Good luck to you!

seehawkmomma

Well I want to be a drug and Alcohol Counselor so I have to go to school.

Otherwise I'll be stuck doing CSR jobs for the rest of my life.

DQMD

My education was online BUT it is also a bricks and mortar school.

I am thinking about getting an MBA but will do it from a completely different school to show variety. UMUC is where I will get my MBA.

cygnetpro

I am partway through my doctorate at Univ of Florida's online program (I live in Pennsylvania). I really like it. I loved "real" college, with classmates, lectures, etc., but this works just fine with me. I do sort of miss the networking that comes from sitting in class with people (which has served me greatly in my current job), but this is fine. You have to be self-motivated and have excellent initiative. :-)

I also work full time while doing it. There's no choice for me as a single mother.

cygnetpro

Be very careful to pick a prestigious program-- most online psych/counseling type programs are not viewed favorably by employers. Which sort of makes sense, since in order to be able to counsel, you must be observed counseling (i'm a school psych). I would get my doctorate in psych, but there are no good online programs that are APA approved at this time. So I'm getting my Au.D. (audiology- my first career) now, which CAN be done online in an accredited program.