MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 2, 2015 10:04:27 GMT -5
Yesterday I downloaded the form for taking a math class at the community college last year to prepare for my return to school for engineering. I filled most of it out. A couple of months ago I started a full application for the associates degree program (to then transfer to a 4-year college to finish). I thought "what the hell" and finished it. It's for Fall 2016, and I haven't yet hit "submit". I've been on the fence about what to do because I often freeze when I'm about to make a major life decision. I've been looking for part time jobs to give me some more pocket/savings money but it's also been a distraction from me making a choice. Easing in is a good idea but I'm tired of pissing time away. I want to start this and be done so I can start doing cool work and so I can start providing a better life for me and my kiddo. I'm scared of being uncomfortable (financially), but I know that discomfort will be temporary and things will be so much better. I think I'm finally ready to move on!  |
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mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
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Post by mmhmm on Nov 2, 2015 10:09:25 GMT -5
Yesterday I downloaded the form for taking a math class at the community college last year to prepare for my return to school for engineering. I filled most of it out. A couple of months ago I started a full application for the associates degree program (to then transfer to a 4-year college to finish). I thought "what the hell" and finished it. It's for Fall 2016, and I haven't yet hit "submit". I've been on the fence about what to do because I often freeze when I'm about to make a major life decision. I've been looking for part time jobs to give me some more pocket/savings money but it's also been a distraction from me making a choice. Easing in is a good idea but I'm tired of pissing time away. I want to start this and be done so I can start doing cool work and so I can start providing a better life for me and my kiddo. I'm scared of being uncomfortable (financially), but I know that discomfort will be temporary and things will be so much better. I think I'm finally ready to move on! Sounds great! I understand about freezing up over major life decisions. I do the same thing. This decision, though, sounds perfect for you. I know you'll do well because you have the drive and initiative to do well. Yeah, it will be difficult for awhile but the pay-off should be well worth it! Go get 'em!  |
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taz157
Senior Associate
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Post by taz157 on Nov 2, 2015 10:16:18 GMT -5
Good luck! We are cheering for you!  |
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Nov 2, 2015 10:30:32 GMT -5
Joining in the cheers. I went back and finished my education when I was in my late 40's. It was exhilarating, challenging, exhausting and one of the best things I've ever done for myself.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
Senior Associate
"How you win matters." Ender, Ender's Game
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:33:09 GMT -5
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Nov 2, 2015 10:58:38 GMT -5
The discomfort will be temporary.
The benefits will last a lifetime.
Go for it!!!!
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Green Eyed Lady
Senior Associate
Look inna eye! Always look inna eye!
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Nov 2, 2015 11:05:00 GMT -5
Awesome! It is a major decision seeing as how you are a single mother and have a job. Good for you! As someone said, the struggle will be temporary and well worth it for a lifetime of a better standard of living. I'm the opposite. I make snap decisions because mulling them over causes me tons of anxiety. I have to say...they all didn't work out so well! All the best to you. |
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 2, 2015 11:45:59 GMT -5
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2015 11:50:13 GMT -5
WHAT DID YOU DO?!?! j/k  Good job!
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Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Nov 2, 2015 12:58:21 GMT -5
Good job. Do it now when kiddo is younger.
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 2, 2015 13:06:56 GMT -5
transcript requests have been sent to my high school and college. Since I'm going partially insane, I may go full on nutzo and apply straight to NJIT, Rutgers, and Stevens as well - who knows, I could get in on a full scholarship, lol! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2015 13:07:39 GMT -5
Good job. Do it now when kiddo is younger.  The "kids needing you most when they're little" is BS. My 13 year old is way more of a time suck then my 5 year old. |
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 2, 2015 13:08:22 GMT -5
hold up - how am I infected already?!
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
Senior Associate
"How you win matters." Ender, Ender's Game
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:33:09 GMT -5
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Nov 2, 2015 13:50:49 GMT -5
transcript requests have been sent to my high school and college. Since I'm going partially insane, I may go full on nutzo and apply straight to NJIT, Rutgers, and Stevens as well - who knows, I could get in on a full scholarship, lol! Don't sell yourself short. Schools have all kinds of scholarships and other aid for "non-traditional" students. You're more mature, know what you want, and aren't likely to be puking in the dorm elevator on a Saturday night. |
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 24, 2014 10:27:09 GMT -5
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 2, 2015 21:26:17 GMT -5
Started the application for NJIT, just have to do an essay. They want to know about any accomplishments not given in my application... Let's see, I got a college degree, worked full time for 10 total years, and pushed a baby out of my jayjay - when do I start?
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Jaguar
Administrator
Fear does not stop death. It stops life.
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Post by Jaguar on Nov 2, 2015 21:30:23 GMT -5
Go Get Em' Tiger !!!!
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Nov 3, 2015 10:12:12 GMT -5
You can do it!
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ArchietheDragon
Junior Associate
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Post by ArchietheDragon on Nov 3, 2015 10:13:18 GMT -5
Started the application for NJIT, just have to do an essay. They want to know about any accomplishments not given in my application... Let's see, I got a college degree, worked full time for 10 total years, and pushed a baby out of my jayjay - when do I start? Don't forget your tenure on YMAM. |
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 24, 2014 10:27:09 GMT -5
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 3, 2015 10:32:03 GMT -5
Started the application for NJIT, just have to do an essay. They want to know about any accomplishments not given in my application... Let's see, I got a college degree, worked full time for 10 total years, and pushed a baby out of my jayjay - when do I start? Don't forget your tenure on YMAM. oh yes, who could forget that? |
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
Senior Associate
"How you win matters." Ender, Ender's Game
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:33:09 GMT -5
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Nov 3, 2015 11:01:31 GMT -5
Don't forget your tenure on YMAM. oh yes, who could forget that? It's all in how you frame it. I have spent the past 10 years working in X industry with increasing responsiblity and challenges, however, my heart is not in it. I want to build and design things that work for people, not for them to wear. I want to simplify lives, not decorate them.
In addition to my full-time job, I have devoted a great deal of time to learning about personal finance including buying/renovating/selling a home, budgeting, cost analysis, wealth building, and retirement planning. I was not taught these topics while growing up, so it has been a steady period of experiential learning and learning from others' advice. My growing knowledge and understanding of finance can be readily transferred to mechanical engineering by guiding and informing me as I design projects for clients subject to their budget constraints.
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 24, 2014 10:27:09 GMT -5
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 3, 2015 11:11:06 GMT -5
LMAO, I supposed I could say that if that's really what I learned on YM. Mostly I've learned that:
Women on welfare have at least 3 kids by 3 different dads, an Escalade, and at least one Coach bag full of crab legs.
Non-STEM degrees are garbage.
You should have at least $100,000 saved before you even consider having a child.
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Regis
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 12:26:50 GMT -5
Posts: 1,414 
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Post by Regis on Nov 3, 2015 12:13:49 GMT -5
My mother got her BS in nursing the same year I graduated from high school. She was 42 years old. I've got a degree in engineering. Trust me...if a couple of us hicks from southern Indiana can do this, you've got this!  |
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bobosensei
Well-Known Member
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Post by bobosensei on Nov 3, 2015 12:29:04 GMT -5
Good for you! My application is in too. According to the graduate admissions office I should know in about 3 weeks. Now that I've actually done it, I'm really excited. Before I submitted I was still a bit ambivalent. Good luck.
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The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 13:30:33 GMT -5
LMAO, I supposed I could say that if that's really what I learned on YM. Mostly I've learned that: Women on welfare have at least 3 kids by 3 different dads, an Escalade, and at least one Coach bag full of crab legs. Non-STEM degrees are garbage.
You should have at least $100,000 saved before you even consider having a child. Not to be snarky but you do realize the irony here, right? |
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 24, 2014 10:27:09 GMT -5
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 3, 2015 13:32:22 GMT -5
LOL, that was not lost on me.  I don't regret my first degree. In fact, I would have loved to go on to be a college professor and researcher. But that just really didn't work with my life at that time and I know it would not work now. |
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The Captain
Junior Associate
Hugs are good...
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Posts: 8,717
Location: State of confusion
Favorite Drink: Whinnnne
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 13:36:02 GMT -5
Well, kudos to you for working with the hand you were dealt, as opposed to complaining about not getting the hand you want.
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 24, 2014 10:27:09 GMT -5
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 4, 2015 9:29:27 GMT -5
I got an email from the CC telling me that I'm in. I also got an email yesterday from my college confirming that my transcript is on its way to the CC. I started the FAFSA yesterday and will finish it over the weekend. I didn't do the essay for NJIT last night. I had lots of meal prep to do and I was completely drained afterward (been feeling unusually tired lately). I'll do that over the weekend too as early decision admission ends Nov. 15th. Might as well finish that application and try to have two options instead of one. I'm excited though!  |
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zibazinski
Community Leader
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Post by zibazinski on Nov 4, 2015 11:12:47 GMT -5
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Ava
Senior Member
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Post by Ava on Nov 7, 2015 9:42:21 GMT -5
Very exciting! It's great to take the plunge. There will be times when all you want to do is sleep till it's over. It's not easy going to school as an adult, especially working full-time during the day. But you will feel so accomplished when it's done. And it will definitely give you more options. |
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MJ2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 24, 2014 10:27:09 GMT -5
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Post by MJ2.0 on Nov 7, 2015 11:00:31 GMT -5
I'm going to see if I can get PT work at my company. No way am I working full time so I can take 6-8 years to finish.
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