I'm 25 and thinking of going back to College... Again
To recap, I've completed a 2-year diploma program in IT/networking and a post-grad in technical writing.
Now, don't get me wrong, College has been very rewarding for me and I've learned so much. However, I haven't taken what I want from it yet. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. I realize that, while I find my applied knowledge useful, I don't want a career specifically in the fields I've studied.
I never partied overly hard in College. I've always been fairly dedicated to getting good grades and I tend to hang with people who give a shit, rather than the kids who don't.
Next year. I'd like to take a 2-year music engineering program. I'm confident I can get in based on previous grades and dedication.
The problem: I'm 25! All of my friends are either:
a.) working industrial jobs and making a nice living. Cars, houses and families are in their forecast.
b.) Doing grad. school in a subject they started earlier in life in order to make the big bucks in a few years.
Basically, I feel like I'm getting left behind by taking various diploma programs in fields that interest me.
Furthermore, I'd also like to study psych/soc once I get done this next program. The result? In enough time to get a PHD, I'll have a bunch of associate diplomas and certificates that offer no job security.
I've given this a lot of thought. I don't want to waste 8-10 years studying one field. I don't necessarily want to be an "expert" at any one thing. I want to hop around and learn about a lot of different fields while I'm still young. They all facinate me.
Right now I'm $22,000 in debt from school. I've worked very hard and supported myself for 3 years. So, why do I feel like I'm being a drain by going back again? The thought makes me anxious and guilty, like I'm too afraid to just accept my fields and start working at a middle-class entry level wage. Shit, it's bugging me.
I guess I don't really have anyone to impress, but maybe that's part of it too. I feel like I should be moving on to the 'next stage' in life.
What would you do?
To recap, I've completed a 2-year diploma program in IT/networking and a post-grad in technical writing.
Now, don't get me wrong, College has been very rewarding for me and I've learned so much. However, I haven't taken what I want from it yet. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. I realize that, while I find my applied knowledge useful, I don't want a career specifically in the fields I've studied.
I never partied overly hard in College. I've always been fairly dedicated to getting good grades and I tend to hang with people who give a shit, rather than the kids who don't.
Next year. I'd like to take a 2-year music engineering program. I'm confident I can get in based on previous grades and dedication.
The problem: I'm 25! All of my friends are either:
a.) working industrial jobs and making a nice living. Cars, houses and families are in their forecast.
b.) Doing grad. school in a subject they started earlier in life in order to make the big bucks in a few years.
Basically, I feel like I'm getting left behind by taking various diploma programs in fields that interest me.
Furthermore, I'd also like to study psych/soc once I get done this next program. The result? In enough time to get a PHD, I'll have a bunch of associate diplomas and certificates that offer no job security.
I've given this a lot of thought. I don't want to waste 8-10 years studying one field. I don't necessarily want to be an "expert" at any one thing. I want to hop around and learn about a lot of different fields while I'm still young. They all facinate me.
Right now I'm $22,000 in debt from school. I've worked very hard and supported myself for 3 years. So, why do I feel like I'm being a drain by going back again? The thought makes me anxious and guilty, like I'm too afraid to just accept my fields and start working at a middle-class entry level wage. Shit, it's bugging me.
I guess I don't really have anyone to impress, but maybe that's part of it too. I feel like I should be moving on to the 'next stage' in life.
What would you do?