New career? Back to school? Anyone else?

Taddyangle · Feb 1, 2017

Rodmar
Same here, went to a 4 year school after the military, and grabbed a degree in something that interested me, but I didn't know what I wanted to do with it 😀 I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life now. I worked full time while going to school full time, so I missed out on the college experience, but maybe this this is my second chance 😎
I'm sure it'll be a rough 2 years this go around as well, but like you, I'm sure I'll be glad I did it. I just wish I felt that now.

Same here. I actually served 7 years, started going to school on my 4th year in military service (thank goodness for shore duty) and picked a degree I had an interest in (Geography) and one that would allow me to finish school the fastest. But I had no clue what I wanted to do, but back in those days, I figured any college degree would give me way more options than no college degree.

I will share a funny story... It was the early 90s. I worked at the Unemployment Office. The economy was pretty rough back then. Basically, I sat at the front counter handing out the paperwork people needed to file for unemployment benefits. I was laid off from the freaking unemployment office. It all worked out, it actually forced me to find an internship, which also led to a full-time job upon graduation.

Foo2rama · Feb 2, 2017

My nich of the computer gaming industry is going the way of the Dodo... starting a watch website that might grow into something. Then again I've been approached for something that might make me have to take a second residence in DCI. 2 years... depends on how many people like me. 😉

63TR4 · Feb 2, 2017

Rodmar
I hear it's a long test and I've been out of school for a few years now. I think you offer some great advice when it comes to learning the format and taking practice exams. I plan to take a couple practice exams this week actually.

Maybe I shouldn't have scheduled the test for 9am and it's an hour away haha

Mine was similarly poorly timed: one hour away and in the evening after classes ended! If you have any questions about it after you take a few practice exams, please feel free to PM me about them.

Archer · Feb 2, 2017

On my second career now. I could clearly make more money by going back to engineering, but I am much happier doing what I am doing now, and for me that's what is important. There was a time when I would have never imagined me doing something other than engineering, and there are still times when I miss that sort of work. But overall I have zero regrets.

Cheers, Al

MPWATCH · Feb 2, 2017

I went to school for one year while making great money running a small graphic design company. I was getting to the point where I had to choose my studies or money. I took the plunge and haven't looked back since. I now deal in several antiquities, delegate my own schedule, and enjoy my daily life as if I'm 55 and retired. Go with your gut. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Best,

Thomas

Rodmar · Feb 2, 2017

Taddyangle
Same here. I actually served 7 years, started going to school on my 4th year in military service (thank goodness for shore duty) and picked a degree I had an interest in (Geography) and one that would allow me to finish school the fastest. But I had no clue what I wanted to do, but back in those days, I figured any college degree would give me way more options than no college degree.

I will share a funny story... It was the early 90s. I worked at the Unemployment Office. The economy was pretty rough back then. Basically, I sat at the front counter handing out the paperwork people needed to file for unemployment benefits. I was laid off from the freaking unemployment office. It all worked out, it actually forced me to find an internship, which also led to a full-time job upon graduation.

Funny, I didn't think they could fire you unless say your a bad employee haha. I assume that's a county or state office so it's crazy to think they had lay offs! I was the same way and thought I just needed a degree to get me going at least. It's worked so far and gotten me decent jobs but I want more.

Rodmar · Feb 2, 2017

Foo2rama
My nich of the computer gaming industry is going the way of the Dodo... starting a watch website that might grow into something. Then again I've been approached for something that might make me have to take a second residence in DCI. 2 years... depends on how many people like me. 😉

DCI?

Rodmar · Feb 2, 2017

63TR4
Mine was similarly poorly timed: one hour away and in the evening after classes ended! If you have any questions about it after you take a few practice exams, please feel free to PM me about them.

You'll be the first person I PM! The GRE is the only concern I have currently about actually being accepted as I'm applying to 2 schools.

Rodmar · Feb 2, 2017

Archer
On my second career now. I could clearly make more money by going back to engineering, but I am much happier doing what I am doing now, and for me that's what is important. There was a time when I would have never imagined me doing something other than engineering, and there are still times when I miss that sort of work. But overall I have zero regrets.

Cheers, Al

I'm in my late 20's, and to be honest I've never really had that feeling about a career path. I will say that what I'm planning next seems like an interesting one and it excites me. Maybe it's the same feeling you felt, who knows.

Archer · Feb 2, 2017

Rodmar
I'm in my late 20's, and to be honest I've never really had that feeling about a career path. I will say that what I'm planning next seems like an interesting one and it excites me. Maybe it's the same feeling you felt, who knows.

From an early age I knew I would be involved in something quite technical, and the specifics came a bit later, in high school. Back then people didn't use words like "passion" to describe their interest in something like they do now, but it was like that. It was something I was drawn to - almost had to do. I never thought of it as a "career path." I also could never relate to people who didn't know what to do with themselves - that seems odd to me, but maybe I was lucky to know what I wanted.

Watchmaking was a similar thing, and of course is still quite technical in nature, although I no longer design complex, multi-million dollar manufacturing systems, develop budgets, sign contracts, or give presentations to executives. My current work is done in solitude, but each watch can present quirks, oddities, and challenges that keep it interesting. The thing I liked about the engineering work I did was that at the end of the project, there was something physical there that I was responsible for - a new addition to the plant, a rebuilt machine that was 60+ years old and running like new (remarkably similar to what I do now), or a completely new process designed from the ground up that saved money, made a job safer, or resulted in a better product.

In the most basic form it was problem solving in the real world. Watches are similar in that it's a thing that relies on the laws of physics to work properly, and there's no one here to solve the problems but me.

I hope your new direction works for you.

Cheers, Al

Rodmar · Feb 19, 2017

63TR4
Mine was similarly poorly timed: one hour away and in the evening after classes ended! If you have any questions about it after you take a few practice exams, please feel free to PM me about them.

Taken a couple practice test, taking another tonight when I get off work and tomorrow. The test itself is coming up quickly and is on Tuesday.

I will say that the vocab is difficult, and the math is somewhat extreme in my opinion for what I'm going to school for. I wish this wasn't just a general test and dealt more with at least the program I'm going for. I know that's not possible so it is what it is I guess.

I think I'll do fine just wish I had given myself more time to study. With a new baby at home and work, it gets are in 2 1/2 weeks to study for the test 😀 .

Applications were submitted already to the schools im interested in, so the test is the last piece of the puzzle.

Two schools that really interest me and offer the best programs are also different slightly. The one I really want to attend is 20k more, but both schools are ranked about the same for the program offering. Wonder if it would be smart to spend more just because I like a couple of the classes more at the more expensive school then I do the cheaper one?? Hmmmm, luckily I have time to decide.

Thanks for all of those who have given me your wise and solid advice.

63TR4 · Feb 19, 2017

Rodmar
Taken a couple practice test, taking another tonight when I get off work and tomorrow. The test itself is coming up quickly and is on Tuesday.

I will say that the vocab is difficult, and the math is somewhat extreme in my opinion for what I'm going to school for. I wish this wasn't just a general test and dealt more with at least the program I'm going for. I know that's not possible so it is what it is I guess.

I think I'll do fine just wish I had given myself more time to study. With a new baby at home and work, it gets are in 2 1/2 weeks to study for the test 😀 .

Applications were submitted already to the schools im interested in, so the test is the last piece of the puzzle.

Two schools that really interest me and offer the best programs are also different slightly. The one I really want to attend is 20k more, but both schools are ranked about the same for the program offering. Wonder if it would be smart to spend more just because I like a couple of the classes more at the more expensive school then I do the cheaper one?? Hmmmm, luckily I have time to decide.

Thanks for all of those who have given me your wise and solid advice.

Best of luck with the test on Tuesday!

Don't worry about which school to go to based on cost alone. After you get your application decision and find out about scholarships/ funding the costs will look very different. Though, if the courses look more interesting at one than the other, I'd say go with those. You'll enjoy your work more and be more inclined to attend if it's more interesting!

ONEWATCH · Feb 19, 2017

The piece of paper you get after four years is the only important thing. Just make sure it's not an online college. Harvard is better than OSU but the rest of them are almost all the same to an employer.

Rodmar · Feb 19, 2017

ONEWATCH
The piece of paper you get after four years is the only important thing. Just make sure it's not an online college. Harvard is better than OSU but the rest of them are almost all the same to an employer.

Sure hope it doesn't take me 4 years to get my Masters??

ONEWATCH · Feb 19, 2017

2 1/2 to 3.

Rodmar · Feb 19, 2017

ONEWATCH
2 1/2 to 3.

I'm sorry you must be thinking of something else, most Masters take 2 years even part time.

ONEWATCH · Feb 19, 2017

Our daughter took 2 1/2 to get hers, My only personal experience with one. Her cost was $30,000.

Rodmar · Feb 19, 2017

ONEWATCH
Our daughter took 2 1/2 to get hers, My only personal experience with one. Her cost was $30,000.

Gotya makes sense, some can depends on what you got for your bachelors and what Masters you want to attain.

ONEWATCH · Feb 19, 2017

She got a double degree in psychology and something else. They never told how to ask "Would you like fries with that?" She is actually doing fairly good and is in demand both private and public. 2 teenage kids and sports keep her from taking on any more. She probably could use more income just to keep her son in shoes and pants.

Rodmar · Mar 29, 2017

Well I got the email that I was accepted today into a masters program for those following. Thinking about being a stay at home dad for the next 6 months or so as well while I do this. Curious if anyone knows of any ways to make a 100 or so $$ a week. Not really needed, but prefer not to have to dig into my savings for that time period, but not a huge deal if I have too. That's really the point of a savings in this situation so I could focus on school work and enjoy time with my new daughter.

For those interested in going back at some point within the US, keep in mind the GMAT, and GRE are needed for quite a few degrees. I will say I should have studied more and given myself the time to do that.

New career? Back to school? Anyone else?

Taddyangle

Foo2rama

63TR4

Archer

MPWATCH

Rodmar

Rodmar

Rodmar

Rodmar

Archer

Rodmar

63TR4

ONEWATCH

Rodmar

ONEWATCH

Rodmar

ONEWATCH

Rodmar

ONEWATCH

Rodmar

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