Some thoughts from experiencelehoffmanJanuary 4 2009, 14:23:06 UTC
Going to school (whether for bachelors or masters) while working full-time sucks. It takes physical and psychological tolls that - while manageable - take years to fix. Seriously.
I recommend looking into local colleges that offer "continuing education" programs (evening courses), or some online courses. Towards the end of my masters I had at least one online course per semester. It really helped me balance work and school, because it cut back on actual sitting-in-class time and I could post before/after work. Granted, online classes aren't for people who have difficulty self-motivating. But that's not you. :-) So yeah... perhaps cut work hours back a little while taking fewer courses a semester or online/evening classes. It's a balancing act, but you're a very capable person with a wonderful partner to help you.
Finally, if you choose a college that isn't around the block, see if they have a "commuter services" center. Some places will allow you to have a dorm room on campus one or two nights per week, drastically cutting back on full-time room and board and driving. (And hey - if you choose UMass Lowell there's plenty of parents and friends in Chelmsford who would let you crash once a week.)
Re: Some thoughts from experiencefalkreonJanuary 5 2009, 00:49:17 UTC
Thanks for the input. Here's the rub - most financial aid is tied to full-time enrollment. So if I'm planning on getting any help at all, for scholarships, housing, what have you, it's gonna have to be full-time.
I agree, though, I don't want to go through full-time work at the same time. I'd even rather include rent for the duration in my loans if that's what it takes. I'm not talking on-campus housing (in fact, most of the places I'm looking at don't really do on-campus anyway). I'm talking off-campus housing, i.e. where I'm living right now. Granted, a place to crash on- or near-campus would be mighty handy if it's a hike, but I'll manage one way or another.
I recommend looking into local colleges that offer "continuing education" programs (evening courses), or some online courses. Towards the end of my masters I had at least one online course per semester. It really helped me balance work and school, because it cut back on actual sitting-in-class time and I could post before/after work. Granted, online classes aren't for people who have difficulty self-motivating. But that's not you. :-) So yeah... perhaps cut work hours back a little while taking fewer courses a semester or online/evening classes. It's a balancing act, but you're a very capable person with a wonderful partner to help you.
Finally, if you choose a college that isn't around the block, see if they have a "commuter services" center. Some places will allow you to have a dorm room on campus one or two nights per week, drastically cutting back on full-time room and board and driving. (And hey - if you choose UMass Lowell there's plenty of parents and friends in Chelmsford who would let you crash once a week.)
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I agree, though, I don't want to go through full-time work at the same time. I'd even rather include rent for the duration in my loans if that's what it takes. I'm not talking on-campus housing (in fact, most of the places I'm looking at don't really do on-campus anyway). I'm talking off-campus housing, i.e. where I'm living right now. Granted, a place to crash on- or near-campus would be mighty handy if it's a hike, but I'll manage one way or another.
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