Thinking of going back to school

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I'm seriously considering going back to school. I received my degree several years ago after I got out of the Army, and never really worked in the field. I have no urge to change careers right now as I already co-own my business...and business has been fairly good. I'm just thinking about going back to work on my Masters just to say I actually did it. It's in a field that I've really enjoyed dealing with my entire life, Marine Biology. Really, the odds of me ever working in the field are slim. Right now I'd be qualified to basically clean test tubes. Not that appealing. It's a very small field to work in with very few openings. Although, if I went for a few additional years after that I could potentially earn my Doctorate and have the possibility of making a career out it.

In a nutshell, I'm just curious if any of you guys would go back to school if you had the opportunity just to feel like you're bettering yourself.

[K_Mac]

If you can find the time and money I think going back to school is a great idea. I've taken many classes over the years. Once I decided what I was going to be when I grew up, and had enough training and education to do that, I've been able to take classes that I want to take. That is a lot more fun. It is good to know I will never have to take another math class...

You are young enough to do whatever you want to do. Figure out what that is, and go for it. If you're like me once you think you know, life will surprise you with something unexpected. Good luck.

[Big Tom]

I just got my Bachelors degree and I want to be as far away from school as I can be for a while.

At some point in my life, I may get my Masters.  It just depends on if I can afford it.  I got a lot of loans to start paying off. 

[Sam]

Yes, in an instant. 

[I.rar]

i almost enrolled in a HVAC course but i didnt have a FL ID card and the classes filled within a few days. depending on loans and how that field is as far as job openings , i would go for it. my fiance received a BA in accounting right when that recession hit. shes now grooming dogs and paying off her loans , making more than she would of in a accounting position. funny how that worked out  :. i would look into it heavily before making any commitments. those loans are serious business.

[Grey Wolf]

Are you really bettering yourself getting a degree that you might not use ? I guess only you can answer that for yourself.

[Raul]

Are you really bettering yourself getting a degree that you might not use ? I guess only you can answer that for yourself.

Of course he is bettering himself, doesn 't matter if he uses the degree or not.

[Grey Wolf]

Are you really bettering yourself getting a degree that you might not use ? I guess only you can answer that for yourself.

Of course he is bettering himself, doesn 't matter if he uses the degree or not.

Strickly a matter of opinion. If in his mind his self worth goes up then he should do it.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

If you have the money, time, and want to .... sure why not.

Probably catch some flack for this, but personally with the economy the way it is right now ....  I think college is one of the biggest scams going right now.  Don't get me wrong, I think college is a necessity for those who know what they want to do.  But I am willing to bet, way more people in college have no clue what they want to do after graduation as do know.  It is becoming a big problem.  Kids going through college with no clue what they want do that are only there because that's what they are told they "have" to do.

[etommy28]

KU Im in college right now, and im not a 100% sure what I want to do but, I ahve learned a couple things, its nearly impossible to get a job that pays any thing with out a degree right now, its also hard to get loans for cars, boats, a business really any thing. If you have the want to by all means go back to school, I know im gonna go for a higher level degree in a few years when the time comes.

[K_Mac]

Are you really bettering yourself getting a degree that you might not use ? I guess only you can answer that for yourself.

Of course he is bettering himself, doesn 't matter if he uses the degree or not.

I guess it depends on how you define, "bettering." I agree with Raul. I think knowledge for the sake of knowledge is a wonderful thing. I took an Earth Science course a few years ago. I didn't have one good reason for taking it, other than it sounded interesting. I loved it. I now know just enough to be dangerous about the Earth, and its place in the universe. That makes me happy, and isn't that what it's all about?

[Big Tom]

Probably catch some flack for this, but personally with the economy the way it is right now .... I think college is one of the biggest scams going right now.

No flack from me.  Your education is a secondary priority to most major college institutions.

I don't regret getting my degree though.   

[NateFollmer]

I'd do it, but I'd wait until the economy is in better shape. I agree with what's been said, but its the loan companies scamming you, not the schools. I regret going to school for programming because I already knew how to do it. I think any skill you could learn on your own is a stupid decision for school. Something like marine biology or earth science would be an awesome course to pursue. The actual bachelors or masters is more important than what you actually went for.

[GLADES]

If you have the time and money to invest you should do it. Time goes by quickly. The way I see it, with the economy down, you should prepare yourself now. The economy will bounce back.

[SirSnookalot]

Knowledge is power !!  I think this holds true more today than ever, the chances of success without that education dwindle year by year.  People that lack the motivation to gain the extra education, generally don't have the motivation it takes to make without those degrees either, there are always exceptions to that rule.

The world is changing, education is a must today.

[Root beer]

If you're comfortable with way your current living is now, why bother going back to school just to say you did it? Especially if it a degree in something you don't plan to seek employment in. It a bad financial move in my opinion. If it was a degree or field you do plan to seek employment, then go for it.