A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I'm not sure how to explain this but here it goes. I got into a full time job right after High School, I never went to college. This was mainly because I needed/wanted money because I wanted a car, needed to put some money into savings, and other things. I had no money, nothing after high school.Well, things happen. Money became a big issue in my life and I had to move in with my dad. I could no longer afford my rent. I've been very bummed out and frustrated since this has happened.My dad is also someone who's always lived paycheck to paycheck, just like me. To be honest, and I don't mean this in a bad way, but money has always been a problem within my family. As you all probably know, being so low on money is scary.I don't want to sound selfish, but I just want better for myself. I want a better life. I want to be able to provide for myself. The only thing I can think of to be able to do this is to put myself through college and actually make something of myself. I'm tired of working minimum wage/dead end jobs.I guess my question for you guys is....should I put myself through college? Or is it kind of too late? Should I just stay working instead so I have money?I'm 23 now and it's been a while since I've been in school. Assuming a bachelor's degree will take 4 years to complete, that just seems like such a long time for me to be out of full time work...Things will be rough for those 4 years. What do you guys think would be the best decision for me? Do you think I can do it?
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (11 March 2015): I didn't go to college right away either. I was 22 or 23 when I started to take classes.
It is not too late for you to start. In fact, I believe you are at a better age to start. You will be a better student and get more out of your classes now than if you just went on someone else's dime right out of high school. You will care more & be willing to work harder because you know how the real world works a bit better than someone who has never held a real full time job.
My first suggestion to you would be to find out if your employer offers tuition reimbursement. This helped me so much. It did take me about 6 years to get my associates, but I did it without any debt. You will have to save up for the first class or two, then your company reimburses you for that & you use that money to take the next classes, and so on.
It helps if you can also find a good business school or a program that you can attend in the evening (if you happen to work 1st shift), or around your work schedule. This will take a little longer but I promise is totally worth it. Speak with an advisor at your community college about the different programs they offer, and where they can transfer to. Your work may even promote you after you graduate!
After I got done with my associates at community college, I transferred my credits to a state university and I got my bachelor's degree in 2 years. I did take out loans to speed up the process for that one, but I also got some scholarships from my prev college experience & grades. The program was an accelerated evening one. Very challenging but geared toward working professionals.
Another thing to watch out for. Do not attend a for-profit school like ITT, or Univ of Phoenix, or Vista College, or one like that. They are super expensive and are not accredited. Meaning the credits cannot be transferred to a real university or state school. Nor do they help at all with job placement, and have no alumni activities to help you network after you graduate. You will want these things. Start off at a community college since money is an issue.
I hope this helps encourage you. Returning to college was one of the best things I have done for myself and my future.
Best of luck to you!
A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (11 March 2015):
 The sooner you get started on a degree, the sooner you will be done!
If you can find a part time job WHILE doing college, you can HELP your dad while living with him.
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A
female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (11 March 2015):
 Yes, you can do it. And no, of course at 23 it's not too late !
Put it this way : if you begin now, you will have 4 or 5 years of living lean, yes.
And if you do not start now, you'll have a whole lifetime for living lean , stuck at minimal wage/ dead end jobs.
Now there's nothing wrong in working for minimal wages, if you do not mind, and do not care about financial security or social prestige or other stuff.
As a matter of fact, I know two people who , for different reasons, had to go from white collar, high profile, high income jobs to VERY modest jobs , and when they where offered to go back to their old jobs or better, they turned the offers down- they like their new life better. Less money, but less hours, less pressure, less responsibilities etc.
But you DO mind, you are ambitious and money conscious
( which does not mean greedy ). Apparently you are not the type who would be happy just getting by somehow. You feel the push to improve your lot in life. You need to get the tools for that ; and you can get these tools- if only you sacrifice for a few years.
It would sound like a no brainer to me...
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (11 March 2015): You don't say enough about what your actual job is for us to get an idea of whether this would have many prospects for you. I am guessing it doesn't have many otherwise you wouldn't be writing in, but can you say more about your job please? And, if you were to study what you would like to do? AND, finally, do you have any dream job/ideas for jobs that you would love to do?
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