I've gone from having too much time on my hands...

[Tobin S.]

...to there not being enough hours in the day. But I think this way is better.

Actually, I have a little bit of time now in between semesters at school, but I'm preparing to head off to work now and after today that will make about 55 hours for me this week. Once school gets back underway, that combined with work will be closer to 80 hours a week.

I'm not going to complain too loudly, though. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to go to school, especially at 40 years of age. And, like I said, staying busy is better than sitting around. I think it's healthier.

I'm also looking to the future. In December of next year I'll have my degree. That's not very far off. I have to come up with a strategy for how I'm going to proceed after I graduate. I know a degree does not guarantee a job, especially in the current job market. But I think my chances of living a better life are much better with that degree.

So I'm thinking and planning and looking down the road. My wife gets impatient with me sometimes. She's more of a here and now type of person. But we love each other and we try to make each other understand. We're going to make it.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. Having a degree doesn't guarantee a job, that's true ...

... but having a degree AND being currently employed seems to increase the chances of more job offers.

[femmocrat]

2. You are definitely on the right path, Tobin.

Keep your "eyes on the prize"!! I think many employers would prefer a mature applicant with life skills and determination, like you have shown.

I went back to college at age 40 and was hired for a full-time position at age 46! It can be done -- And you will do it!

[mnhtnbb]

3. I agree that in spite of having too little time in your day that holding on to your job

while you are in school MAY make it a lot easier to find a new job once you have finished
your degree. For some reason, employers seem to want to hire people already employed.

I know of one person locally who started looking for a new job--so he could move
from Greensboro to the Triangle (in NC)--and it only took him about two weeks
to land a new full time with benefits job. Yes, he had a personal connection
knowing someone in the company--but still, I had expected he'd be looking for at least
3-6 months before finding something.

BTW, the job is in tech support for a software company. He was hired for their help desk.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. It is WAY better, my dear Tobin!

You've got your opportunity, and you're making the most of it. Congratulations!

Your degree will open doors. YOU are the one who has to walk through them.