The beginning of the New Year brings an important personal milestone with it.

[Tobin S.]

I started back to school to finish my bachelor's degree in early May of 2012. I will graduate in August of 2015, so I've made it half way there as I prepare for Spring semester starting on January 13th.

If I didn't have to work full time I could be done by the end of the year, but I do, so I take three classes a semester. That's a lot of work all together and I am no spring chicken. Somewhere on my resume it will say "Driven to succeed" and that will be no lie.

[hunter]

1. Absolutely no lie, you are driven to succeed.

I'd be a total coward about picking up math or chemistry classes where I left off many years ago.

[Tobin S.]

2. Thanks, hunter

Good to see you this evening. I hope you are doing alright.

[Locut0s]

3. Indeed this has caused me some panic in the past...

I'm very much a perfectionist but despite having done very well academically in the past every time I go back to school after a long hiatus due to a breakdown or something similar I tend to panic when presented with the material. It's not a logical response as with some simple review of past material and making sure to keep on top of things I'm sure I'd have no trouble getting back on top of things. It's an immediate visceral response for me.

[Tobin S.]

6. I think it might be that you just haven't found something you like enough to study and know deeply.

I have a natural aptitude for my major (business). It fits well with the way I think and what I like to do. I've actually owned three small businesses in the past, before I had any formal training in business, that were somewhat successful. I have some talent for it. Couple that with a driving desire to improve my life and make things easier for my wife, and you have a guy doing what I'm doing now.

Your situation is different. You have more freedom to study what you please. You have also said in the past that you aren't in a situation in your life that is very motivating. It may just come down to something as simple as desire. And I know it's hard to feel motivated when you have your brain chemistry working against you.

[Locut0s]

4. Congrats Tobin keep it up...

You are going places, even if there is some frustration with the speed.

I wish I could get out of neutral right now.

[Tobin S.]

7. I've got a feeling you'll find your path

It may not include school at all. You can still be successful and happy without a college degree. I think here in the states only 25% of the population has a bachelor's degree or better. Most of us get along alright.

[bluesbassman]

5. Keep it up Tobin!

No easy task at any age working full-time and carrying that class load. Good for you!

[Tobin S.]

8. Thank you.

[Paulie]

9. I know it well. Went back after 16 years

Took me 6 years to get my associates while working full time (2.5hr round trip commute) plus my first child was born during my 2nd semester.

Only two of those semesters I did 3 classes at a time. It was crazy!

But it feels great knowing I got it done. Maybe the bachelors I'll have by the time my oldest reaches college herself.