Standing at a Cross Roads...

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seizeTheDay
@seizeTheDay
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Hello, here's a nice personal post.... anyone is welcome to respond. As some of you know, I just got my Masters. I'm already reaping the benefit of the degree from my job. Last night, I ran into an old friend who was telling me how I could get my PhD for free.... but it's a full time program, and I'll be obligated to teach college level studies once I graduate.

I'm not really ready to jump back into full swing of school/work again... so I'll probably quit my job if I plan to be a part of this program.

My mom suggested that I take a year off and enjoy myself; then take a few classes that work towards the degree. When I'm ready to be a part of this program and transfer my credits over.

My question to you all... is, what do you think? Should I jump in full throttle-- quit the job I that just rewarded me for getting my Masters? Or take the slower path my mom suggested. I'm just getting another point of view guys.
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P-Angel
@P-Angel
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That's difficult to answer, for only you know what is best for you. We all want to be acknowledged for our accomplishments, so quitting a job that sees your potential, might be hasty. Not every employer will do that. On the other hand, to get something free doesn't come around very often either.

Some jobs will pay a percentage of your education - maybe your current employer will help pay for the courses so you can take mum's advise. It probably doesn't apply to you, since your Aries, and naturally have a high energy level - but, I've seen with a lot of people, if they take time off - they never go back. But, you seem to know what you want and where you want to be, so that might be irrelevant.

Either way, sounds like you have a supportive family and you are blessed for that.
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seizeTheDay
@seizeTheDay
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Thanks again ladies, all suggestions are helpful.

April, to answer your questions, the degree will open up my base salary significantly, at least by 20K. The types of jobs I will qualify for will also be exciting... and I figure, with globalization, I need the extra competitive edge. However, I don't want money to be my driving factor.... that won't keep me afloat. I think I just want it... I want the experience.. the knowledge.. and the challenge. I fear the only thing I'm missing right now is competitive edge.

Not to mention, if I leave my job- I want to leave my boss praising my work. So far, on the job.. I've only been doing what I have to do.. and not taking any real initiative.

I'm still straddling this issue. I think I have to find an institution and apply, which will take time anyway. Still, it's good to have people to bounce ideas off of. Thanks again...everyone.
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seizeTheDay
@seizeTheDay
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*blushing* Thanks guys.

I'm taking a "Lean Management" course/workshop during the day- and I don't have time to hop on DXP like I want to.

In case you were wondering what "Lean Management" is... it's basically- some bean counting, pencil pusher comes in and gives a high-colonic to your internal processes.

Doesn't that just scream "FUN, FUN!!!"—?

Oh, and thanks Candlegirl for your advice.

As for the school stuff..I decided to wait... (well, basically, I'm burnt out). This fall, I was gonna pick up a class. BUT, the hitch is, I'll have to take the GRE, and it'll be about a month of so of studying to get a good score. I'm really not in that mind frame yet- at least not while it's summer!
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P-Angel
@P-Angel
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Wow, you have a wide band of opportunities open in this field, especially since you want to continue your education (in the near future). My nephew has just started college (he finished his first year) with this major in mind.

His main problem that he is going to encounter will be the chemistry and the maths. His dad (my brother) told him about this, but, he's determined to go along with it. I hope he does well. He's not a wiz with his mathematics - especially the calc. and that's pretty necessary, isn't it?

Good luck and I hope you all the best in your career.
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P-Angel
@P-Angel
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I talked to my brother last night (talking to you about your major prompted me to inquire) and found out that my nephew is thinking about changing his major. Maybe this first year, he realized that he was going to struggle with some classes and he's thinking about going for engineering instead. But, doesn't that require a lot of math too? And analytical skills? I'm not sure about engineering, I will have to look it up. Anyway, the CS scard him a tad, I think. I know his brother just graduated from college and he had wanted to do comp design, but changed to business and marketing after the first year. Apparantly, it must be frightening to some people.
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seizeTheDay
@seizeTheDay
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Depends on the type of engineering he goes into. If he's going into Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or Architectural Engineering-- then he won't escape the math- and he'll have to also take 3 more classes of Physics ( 3 more than he would if he had just stayed with CS). But if he's going into Civil or Agricultural- then he'll still have to go through the engineering courses, however I don't think he'll have to take as much math... probably not anything past Cal II or III.

Depending on the program, his school throw him into a FORTRAN or COBOL course just to get him familiar with programming languages because many scientific programs still use FORTRAN 90 (I think). Also, he may be required to know Unix/Linux/or VAX.
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P-Angel
@P-Angel
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My brother said what kind of engineering, but, it has escaped me. I think he said, Architecural. Maybe he needs to do a lot more inquiring before he makes a decision because I know it's the maths that are frightening him. However, my brother (his father) is pretty darn good at this subject and could probably help him to some degree. But, you know, people get head-strong, so he may not ask his father for help.

I kick myself in the arse everyday for not furthering my education. I have some, but, certainly not enough. Most people don't realize until thier in the working world for a while and can't get ahead - what their mama's meant when they kept preaching about a "good education". I know, I chose to get married right out of high school - that was a mistake. I did go back, eventually, but I didn't put forth as much effort as I should have.

However, with my skills, I really don't need an education, except in Engligh Literature and those type of classes are the ones I take. In fact, I was thinking about taking another one this fall - to study, "American Poetry".

Anyway, I'll tell my nephew about how he will still have to deal with his "math issue", if he wants to study Arch. Eng. - thanks for telling me. I would think that he would have looked into this further, and maybe he has. I'll talk to him.
PARTY PEOPLE!

Come on down!...I love company! SeizetheDay I extend to you a special invitation to my parties cause I like your on screen personality...Huh?

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cancerlady
@cancerlady
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Joined: Mar 22, 2005 · Topics: 142 · Posts: 2804
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@Duracelle
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