Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

BoogieDownBride Posted: Feb 19, 2004 09:35 AM

Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

Do your bosses/coworkers know you’re going to school?

If you’ve had to take a class that starts before work time was over, was it difficult to arrange?

Is it really hard to work full time, go to school, and do homework/papers?

I’d appreciate any guidance that can be offered. I am in the process of applying to grad schools, and I just want to know what I have to look forward to, and what to be weary of…

TIA!

Betty Posted: Feb 19, 2004 09:39 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

My boss has been pretty cool with it. I'm in a nothing job now and they know I'm going to school for teaching. My classes start either at 5:30 or 7:45. I usually work until 8 or so on Thursdays and they've been great at letting me go at 7:30.

As for the work load it does get tiring. This semester I work 9-5 (or so) except Thursday 9-7:30 and I go to school from 7:45 till 10 (or sometimes 10:15 ) I do have Wednesday off so that helps a great deal. I also have a no brainer job so that helps too.

Papers and projects YES, very annoying but just try to space it right. Don't leave it all to the last second and it all works out.

Best of Luck to you

reallybehind! Posted: Feb 19, 2004 09:40 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

i'm not doing it now, but i did it a few years ago when i got my master's. yes, my bosses knew. it would have been impossible not to tell them as i needed to change my work hours to 8-4, plus they paid for a lot it! so yeah i used to work til 4, then commute about and hour to school take classes til 8:30 and then it took me a half hour to get home.

it was hard. really hard. i didn't get to read half my assignments b/c there just wasn't time. i had to decide what was more important- doing readings or writing the papers. you just have to prioritize the work b/c there's no way you can do everything. so if you're okay with not getting to everything then you'll be fine.

one thing that really hurt me was that i didn't have time to do internships and practicals and stuff while most of my classmates did. and for my field it would have really helped me get a job after if i'd had those opportunities, since my job at the time was not related. but this may not matter in your field.

anyway, good luck. it can be done. you just have to stay organized, realize that you can't do it all, and recognize that it's only for a short period of time and soon it will all be over and you'll be doing what you love (hopefully!)

NYCHICK Posted: Feb 19, 2004 09:52 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

Yes, they all know, I partially got the job because i was in school. It is fine to arrange. I have to leave at 4 to get to class by 5. I could have worked 9-4 but chose to work 8-4 instead.

BoogieDownBride Posted: Feb 19, 2004 10:05 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

Are you all studying things that are related to your current jobs? I do administrative work now, and I want to enroll in an Education masters program, and I’m not sure if my company will reimburse for something that doesn’t apply to my current job. Also, I’m nervous that once my bosses find out I’m studying something that will take me away from the job once I’ve finished my degree, they will not be too keen on letting me adjust my work hours, etc.

Maybe I’m just worrying for nothing…

Sassyz75 Posted: Feb 19, 2004 10:08 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

I go to school at night for my MBA in Marketing- although it is related to what I do- I do not get tuition reimbursed- b/c I work for a very small company. So I take out loans. My boss knew I was enrolled when i was hired. I leave early 2 times a week....

eventually I'll probably open up my own business....

NYCHICK Posted: Feb 19, 2004 10:08 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

I am studying things related to my job but it doesn't matter. My job reimburses for every thing, no matter the major. Is your company fairly large?

TwoBugs Posted: Feb 19, 2004 10:10 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

Boogie - you've asked a lot of questions about this, so I know it's something that's very important to you. You should just GO FOR IT!!! Don't worry about what your bosses will think - you don't even like your job, do you? This is something you should do because it's one huge step towards doing something you will LOVE.

I know it's just easy for me to say because I'm not in your situation, but I just really want you to be happy!!

julz33 Posted: Feb 19, 2004 10:14 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

My company doesn't reimburse so I don't have to tell them what classes I am taking. I actually take classes at Stony Brook, they usually start at 5:20. I am off work at 5:00 and I work sort of on campus - right nest to the Stony Brook hospital. So for me it works out great...school does not interfere with my work schedule!

Betty Posted: Feb 19, 2004 10:44 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

I am in the Masters of Education program as well. I am NOT in any type of teaching job right now. My work does not pay for it either. They have been great about adjusting for my schedule. Thank God I'm almost done!

BoogieDownBride Posted: Feb 19, 2004 11:03 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

Thanks to everyone for your encouraging words. I feel more confident about attempting this.

TwoBugs – You’re right, I want to do this and I shouldn’t let my job hold me back…

to you all…

alina Posted: Feb 19, 2004 11:05 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

Do your bosses/coworkers know you’re going to school?

Yes, and the company helps me financially

If you’ve had to take a class that starts before work time was over, was it difficult to arrange?

due to the nature of my work it would be difficult, but classes don't start till 6pm anyway

Is it really hard to work full time, go to school, and do homework/papers?

its not easy and I end up not really having weekends all that much b/c of homework. It depends on your workload at school and work, i.e. if you can leave at 5pm, you can study after work

reallybehind! Posted: Feb 19, 2004 11:12 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

my job was not related to what i went to school for but it was not a problem at all. they knew it when i took the job that i was going to school and they were fine with it. i would think your bosses/company would be happy for you and supportive of anyone that tries to improve their life by going back to school, but maybe i'm naive or deluded. in any case, i agree, go for it! if this is really what you want to do then don't let anything stop you.

eroxgirl Posted: Feb 19, 2004 11:17 AM

Re: Question for anyone going to school after work (9 to 5)

Yes, they know, and yes they allow me to be flexible. As it is I have to leave early 2 days a week (only 15 minutes though and I told my professor to always expect me late). I work for a law firm and eventually want to become a lawyer and my boss has this thing about 'home grown talent'

I don't see myself working here after the fact but if it benefits me right now, I'll let him think what he wants.

I have quit a job in the past for not allowing me to change my schedule. School is my priority!

ETA: I lose my social life from midterms through finals but it's worth it. And I do all my reading on the train so that helps.