I’m in a weird position where I’m making an okay wage ($25 /hr) for not having a college education, but my wife is encouraging me to go to school full-time as a mature student to make use of my potential. I’m open to it, but I also have two kids (a 6-year-old and a 2-month-old), and at my current job I make my own schedule and have the flexibility I often need to deal with unexpected child-care issues like illness and school closures. I’m also treated very well at my job, and it’s the only job I’ve ever enjoyed going to. I haven’t felt Sunday work anxiety in years.
I know that higher education is always the answer, but I don’t know when to pull the trigger on it. As a father, there is a lot more value to my current work situation than the wage I’m making.
I also have no idea what type of career I would even pursue, and it kind of scares the shit out of me.
If you enjoy your current job, then you could go for the higher education that’s the extension of that. (Even if it’s like chef or bartender there are qualifications and education you can attain that get you paid more).
If you make your own schedule and it’s not a “work 60 hours a week” kind of make your own schedule then you have lucked out. There is no price you can put on free time and freedom.
If your current job is that flexible with your schedule, can’t you just take like one (or two) course per quarter or semester and continue to work full time?
I managed to do that when I went back to school to finish my undergrad. I was able to take two courses per quarter. One online class and one in person. The general ed requirement classes I could usually find ones the university offered online. For my major area they required you take classes in person. So I split it up that way.
I’m in exactly the same spot. Not looking to get out just yet, I’m actually starting as manager tomorrow, but maybe in a year or two going back to school, but I have no idea what for. I’d consider just moving up to higher management positions but the next step up from where I’m starting tomorrow is outside the union and I’d like to stay unionized. At the same time, the non-unionized job pays way more (over double) so it might be worth it in the future. That’s a bit away yet though.
I’m in a weird position where I’m making an okay wage ($25 /hr) for not having a college education, but my wife is encouraging me to go to school full-time as a mature student to make use of my potential. I’m open to it, but I also have two kids (a 6-year-old and a 2-month-old), and at my current job I make my own schedule and have the flexibility I often need to deal with unexpected child-care issues like illness and school closures. I’m also treated very well at my job, and it’s the only job I’ve ever enjoyed going to. I haven’t felt Sunday work anxiety in years.
I know that higher education is always the answer, but I don’t know when to pull the trigger on it. As a father, there is a lot more value to my current work situation than the wage I’m making.
I also have no idea what type of career I would even pursue, and it kind of scares the shit out of me.
There’s nothing wrong with being content where you’re at. Your mental health is more important than a better wage, IMO.
If you enjoy your current job, then you could go for the higher education that’s the extension of that. (Even if it’s like chef or bartender there are qualifications and education you can attain that get you paid more).
If you make your own schedule and it’s not a “work 60 hours a week” kind of make your own schedule then you have lucked out. There is no price you can put on free time and freedom.
If your current job is that flexible with your schedule, can’t you just take like one (or two) course per quarter or semester and continue to work full time?
I managed to do that when I went back to school to finish my undergrad. I was able to take two courses per quarter. One online class and one in person. The general ed requirement classes I could usually find ones the university offered online. For my major area they required you take classes in person. So I split it up that way.
You need at least 2 out of 3 and the 3rd can’t be negative. source: no clue, not from me.
Keep in mind that higher wage jobs also usually have higher expectations in availability.
I’m in exactly the same spot. Not looking to get out just yet, I’m actually starting as manager tomorrow, but maybe in a year or two going back to school, but I have no idea what for. I’d consider just moving up to higher management positions but the next step up from where I’m starting tomorrow is outside the union and I’d like to stay unionized. At the same time, the non-unionized job pays way more (over double) so it might be worth it in the future. That’s a bit away yet though.