(no subject)

[zestfive]

There has been some changes at my current full time job which decreases my enjoyment at the position. I've also been a bit tired about the lack of time that I have to do everything. Working 51 hours a week, parenting A by myself and school leaves little time for myself....I want to complete my degree and focus my energies to working in the field that I'm passionate about.

I'm considering quitting my full time job just before summer session classes begin(assuming that between summer sessions and fall semester would provide the balance of my core classes) and taking 2 classes per each summer semester and 2 for fall which would allow me to graduate by Dec 04.

What I would attempt to do is support myself as much as I could do with keeping my library position and perhaps trying to work as a grad assistant through the school. This would cover approximately 50% of a bare bones budget. I've got tuition in the bank but would need to borrow about $5000 to make sure that I could pay my mortgage. I could get basic health insurance through school as a student.

My biggest concern is being able to get a full time job once I've completed my degree. I would start searching before I did complete the program.

Do you think I should take a risk and do it ? Do you have any suggestions for me ? Is there something you think I should pay special attention to that I might not have thought about ? Do you think I'm being too risky ?

Please give me any feedback you can offer !

Thanks !

Comments

[libbyelf.livejournal.com]

I would be really careful about quitting the job you have now. I got lucky in finding a job so quickly, but I know people who graduated in August and are still looking. I don't mean to be discouraging, because if you're truly passionate about the profession, I think that will come through in any interview. And I don't know the job situation in Minnesota (although University of North Texas, where I got my degree, does have a MN cohort, and local job postings do come through my email sometimes - I'll be sure to pass them on to you!). I know plenty of people who have done grad school with kids and didn't have a full-time job other than grad assistance (my mom being one of them), so I know it can be done. One thing to consider, as far as health insurance is concerned. How many hours are required to be considered a full time student? And are you eligible for health insurance if you're not full time? As far as the hours you're planning to take, 2 classes per term is quite doable, especially if you're not working full-time, and I have known people to do 2 classes, *while* working full-time. I have a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old (and they were 2 and 4 when I started) and typically took 2 classes per term. For about half of the time they were home at least part of the day with me. And I survived!

Would it be possible for you to keep the job you have now, with reduced hours? Have you looked into paraprofessional jobs at a local library (or is that what you're already doing?)? A full-time job in a library might be a little more forgiving than one outside of the field.

Just some thoughts!

The Grain of salt

[fierce313.livejournal.com]

So, the grain of salt should come with this advice,
but I say: follow your heart. 51 hours of paid work outside the home is a lot to do.

Do what feels right (provided you are an okay decision maker).

Working for money is far too overrated.

Re: The Grain of salt

[fierce313.livejournal.com]

Yes, time is way more valuable than money, although a lot of people don't see it that way.

Wish you luck!