OT: Going back to college

[Vang]

Been browsing a while, and the insight in this forum is probably the best I've seen, so here it all is.

I graduated at my local college with an AS of Applied Science: Interactive Media Technology: Midi Option. My degree is actually near worthless as I didn't pick one study from all the option courses, and took a "Jack of all trades" route. That was oh..2years ago, I graduated December 03'. I've been debating about going back and starting fresh and becoming a history teacher. But I've made my mind up that if I go back I'm not settling for anything less than a Masters. Actually going back isn't really an issue, its more of argh..do I really want to deal with all that studing, fulltime job, etc.

Any of you go back to college for a different course of study after you already had a degree? Would like to hear from anyone who has been though something like this or is anyone currently doing this?

[YoungDbl]

My sister went and got her degree in medication. She went to college for three years. After that she didn't want to be in medication was to cheap. She went back to college for 4 more years then onto a bigger company. She now has her masters in secratary work and social worker. If you dont like what your doing of course you should change. Golden rule to work - you have to like what you do or else you'll despise getting up every morning/afternoon/evening for it.

So in my opionon
1: go back for history
2: blame durf for not wanting to do science

[Shagsbeard]

I got my B.S. in Physics before going back 5 years later to get a Masters in Mathematics... not such a big stretch.

You seem to me, after reading all of a paragraph, to be one of those people who just want to be a student. Nothing wrong with that. I'd whole heartedly recommend getting that Masters and teach at a JC or a State school, or what ever they call them where you are from. You can be that student for the rest of your life, and draw a paycheck while you're doing it.

[Cattleya]

I got my original degree in Chemistry a while back, and after spending some time working in industry, I ended up pulling a "take this job and shove it." I took some time off to figure out what to do next, and now I'm back in school studying art. (With the intention of going into graphic design.)

It was a significant risk, considering that I actually had no art background when I started. Things are going okay, though, and I definately feel that this is going to work out for me. It's also very hard going from a good paying job to being in debt with no money in the bank.

It's not a decision to make lightly. I struggled with it for a while. The problem was, everytime I would go for an interview for a job in my original field, I would get a sense of dread and a wash of depression at the thought of actually getting the job. That was a surefire sign that a new path was needed.

[WhiskeyJack]

I'm in the same boat about considering going back. I have a degree in engineering, and well, after some issues with a ph.d. course, I ended up out of it, and well, every job description I read sounds bland and uninteresting. Basically, I just wanted to say 'good post' since it's something that interests me as well.

[whichever]

Hey Vang, nice to see that you're still hanging around!
/spam

[Eustacia]

I'm getting my degree in physics, but as much as I love studying the material, I cannot imagine doing physics for a career. I really don't care about physics, but nothing else challenges me and is rewarding in an intellectual sense. And I absolutely cannot stand other physicists. I really just want to be some sorta chemistry lab tech or accountant/quant, but I find courses on those subjects agonizingly boring and not challenging. That being said, there's no reason I can't go into those fields with a physics degree (probably masters since I'd like to specialize in atomic/molecular/chemical physics).

So...with a degree in chemistry or engineering or whatever, do you REALLY have to go back to college to do what you now want to do? Are you sure you couldn't teach yourself, or apply what you already learned to your new field?

You should also figure out just how much of a financial hit your are taking by going back. What you spend could be earning 10% interest in an average mutual fund...

[Vang]

Yes I'm still around Whichever, just D2 isn't holding my interest currently, but I'm game for some D1 sometimes still.

Thanks for the replies, look likes I'm going to walk(well..drive) myself down to the admissions office today or tomorrow then.

The problem was, everytime I would go for an interview for a job in my original field, I would get a sense of dread and a wash of depression at the thought of actually getting the job.

I know that feeling well. I actually only went in for 3 interviews of my study and didn't really care about them, it was something I'm glad I learned, but to do on a daily basis is a wholel other story. Seems like I took the degree because I thought it was something more, and it seemed to fit with the AutoCad I took in HighSchool. Although both were good to take, actually working on them full time, won't give me any sort of pride or satisfaction. Which to me is the deciding factor in a job. If I feel like I can't accomplish anything or be proud of what I did, I will just get bored of it.

[salvo]

That's cool Vang, if were you I think I won't have enough spirit to go back to sit on a class

[maewyn]

I was in a similar boat several years back. My declared major was mathematics in the school of education (studying to be a high school math teacher). I was within one semester of graduation and 1) ran out of money, and 2) decided that teaching was NOT what I wanted to do for the rest of my life :lipsrsealed: . I dropped out and entered the workforce for a few years. Eventually, I decided to go back to school. Today, I have my BS in accounting and have taken and passed the CPA exam :cool: . It CAN be done.

It sounds like you have made your decision, and all we can do here is offer support and congratulations for taking control of your life. Good luck...