School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

nifheim Posted: Mar 15, 2009 08:34 AM

School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

Eh well hard times are falling all around, my job is fine but maybe I should take some classes. I am finding print design is getting way to hard to get jobs that pay more then 30k a year unless you can do more then print design or work in the city if the college will not hire me perm. I am tired of just making 32K a year its not enough since dh only makes a little more then that. I didn't go to college to make that, i could of stayed at Waldbaums and been a manager and make 50+k with insane benefits and not have paid for college.

I was thinking of just take a few classes in computer programming focused on computer programming for websites. I find that since we hired a programmer she is doing most of the jobs that I would be doing and taking it to a level I wouldn't be able to do. I love print design but I find since we are doing green initiatives and printing less I have less work (which doesn't look good) we are doing data based driven forms online, regular forms, shopping cards, etc and I want to know how to do this all.

The last issue is I am debt free - paid off loans, paid of cc, paid off car, etc so i know i would have to take loans out to pay for classes so I would go back to debt (but min. since i think i might get a scholarship for 1k.) My parents think it is unfair for me to put dh and us in debt for possibly up to 8k.

MikeandJess Posted: Mar 15, 2009 08:54 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

If you really think that you'll be bettering your chances of making more $$$ in the long run than I think it's worth it to be in debt for a little while. I'm not positive but I think tuition debt isn't looked at the same by creditors as regular credit card debt.

When you're done with school and have a higher paying job you can slowly pay off your school loans. I don't think it's wrong to put you and FH in debt for a little while if you're doing it for your future and will be able to pay it off. IMO, go for it!

TommysWife08 Posted: Mar 15, 2009 09:05 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

DO ITTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!

student loan debt is GOOD debt... its the best debt you can be in and a lot of places are VERY flexible with repayment if you EVER run into issues paying the $$ back!!

i say go for it!

Cutechef729 Posted: Mar 15, 2009 09:37 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

I think going back to school is always a good idea. Yeah it's expensive, but the interest is not terrible and you can always do a quicker payment schedule to help you pay it off faster. Is there anyway your current company or other companies will pay for part of it? Good luck!

skinny237 Posted: Mar 15, 2009 09:45 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

Maybe u can take classes at a state school where the tuition per credit is lower?

Enrollment at a lot of colleges and universities is up bc, in this economy, going back to school will open up doors for you.

Student loan debt isn't 'bad debt.' A lot of schools also have Time Option Payment Plans so maybe u wouldn't even have to take out a loan?

nifheim Posted: Mar 15, 2009 09:48 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

Funny thing is my student loan I had I paid it the day it was due 100% so I am thinking if I have to take sometime to pay off the next loan its not a huge deal.

As long as the union accepted my application (which it should) at the college I work for they will pay for one class per semester but I am finding out from co-workers that they have other incentives for textbooks, etc. I am trying to find out if I am allowed the scholarship on top of the one class deal as well.

Thanks!

kirstenjk Posted: Mar 15, 2009 09:50 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

Go for it! With the way things are, we all need to have that extra edge over the competition.

Look into taking classes at CUNY or SUNY, which have lower tuitions than private schools. Look into financial aid packages, other scholarships, and receiving credit for life experience. You could also think about taking classes online at an out-of-state school that might be less expensive.

This kind of debt is not a bad thing - it will ultimately further your career and help you make more money in the long run - which is good for you and DH.

lizzie217 Posted: Mar 15, 2009 11:30 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

I think that if you are unhappy in your current career and know that taking these classes will lead to a more enjoyable and profitable career you defintly should. Of course no one wants to take on debt, but student loans are the best kind of debt I am all for it. Good luck

HamptonsBride Posted: Mar 15, 2009 11:32 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

I'd say take the classes...i am currently a Graphic Designer and I started way back before the internet was anything...it does seem like all design jobs require web related skills...it will can only help propel your career further..i took some basic web classes years ago....good luck!

skinny237 Posted: Mar 15, 2009 12:20 PM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

Posted by nifheim

Funny thing is my student loan I had I paid it the day it was due 100% so I am thinking if I have to take sometime to pay off the next loan its not a huge deal.

As long as the union accepted my application (which it should) at the college I work for they will pay for one class per semester but I am finding out from co-workers that they have other incentives for textbooks, etc. I am trying to find out if I am allowed the scholarship on top of the one class deal as well.

Thanks!

I used to work at a state school and our union paid for 1 class----but the state of NY also paid for 1 class too. Maybe u can look into that?

Autumn08 Posted: Mar 15, 2009 01:40 PM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

I put other.
I don't know much about the field, I don't know if you need a degree or not. So I'm wondering if you could possible take some classes or possibly get a certification of some kind to update your skills. As long as your and DH agree I believe it's an investment in your future.

jgl Posted: Mar 15, 2009 08:15 PM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

i voted you go to school... even if you need student loans. you getting a higher education will only help you in the future. making what you are making, like u said is not going to be the best for you and your DH in the long run. going into a bit of debt to end up making more money, makes sense. just be careful and make sure you stay debt free in all other aspects

bluekat16 Posted: Mar 16, 2009 09:01 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

I say you do it. It sounds like something you love to do and want to expand so you can make more more and make yourself more marketable. It's worth the investment just for the jump in salary alone.

Autumn08 Posted: Mar 16, 2009 09:14 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

I was rereading the thread. I think you should definately do it. Honestly 8000 isn't a lot towards education and you will be able to do so much more. You'd have computer and print skills you know? Will you be able to stay where you are when you finish?

nifheim Posted: Mar 16, 2009 09:20 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

yes they always hire programmers here and if i can keep my current position but just make it a perm fixture instead of just a renewable position I have a better chance if I can do more.

I do graphic design, photography then I can do programming its like a triple threat IoI

Future Mulligan Posted: Mar 16, 2009 09:21 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

for you its probably worth it....i still have to finish school actually - i started going to college at night while i was working - right now i have a good job and i make a good salary - my salary does not reflect the fact that i did not finish college - my thing is, i don't plan on working that much longer since we plan on eventually moving and then having kids - im not looking to have a 'career' and if i do work its not going to be in a field where i 'need' college.....so for me it doesnt seem worth it to go into debt (bc like you we have no debt right now) to finish school when i plan on being a SAHM and working part time for extra cash.....part of me wants to do it for myself - just to say i finished - b/c financially im not sure if its going to be worth it....

wo0shply Posted: Mar 16, 2009 09:31 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

I would go back. Student loans are good debt and are tax deductible.

I would check with your employer to see if they have a tuition reimbursement program. If you job has a union I would also call them.

Autumn08 Posted: Mar 16, 2009 09:32 AM

Re: School or no school? (long but please give opinions)

Posted by nifheim

yes they always hire programmers here and if i can keep my current position but just make it a perm fixture instead of just a renewable position I have a better chance if I can do more.

I do graphic design, photography then I can do programming its like a triple threat IoI

Exactly!

Find out about scholarship, financial aid and if your job offers tuition reimbursement.

Sounds to me like you know what you want to do. Good Luck!