Why should I bother?

Question

I amso tired of paying my own way through school.

I work full time....I go to school full time and I am married with a 6 year old.

Should I do like other people in our country and get a divorce (so I am a single mom...this would only be on paper of course...we would still live together)...get on welfare...get my foodies...and HUD...and go to school for free??

It would be so much easier.

Besides...I am tired of busting my butt and paying taxes to pay for others education.

So, why should I bother carrying this course load and working at the same time. Hasn't mooching off the government become the American way?

Oh and I make too much to even think about getting financial aid...

Answer 1

I sympathize with you!!!

I came from a low-income family. I qualified for a couple grants, some scholarships and several loans (I had to pay back about $60,000 over the years! But I was glad to get what I did.)

I got a job to pay for law school applications. The school found out - I didn't know I was not supposed to work - and they CUT MY AID by the amount of my wages. So I busted my butt in the school cafeteria at minimum wage FOR FREE!!! About $250, which was a lot for a student, 25 years ago. When I told them I used the money for law school applications, they said that since I was on aid they would have paid for it! So I worked for free AND I paid for the applications myself - another $250 or so, which I didn't have. So working COST me $500, when sitting on my a** would have let me at least break even. True story!

I remember spending so much time filling out financial aid forms, standing in line, and trying to get my somewhat uncooperative and estranged Dad to help. I was shocked beyond words to realize that a good friend of mine didn't need aid, and just had his Dad pay the bill. Not jealous - people work to make a better life for their children - but amazed that there was a way to bypass all the nonsense.

All I can say is keep at it - I know it is discouraging but you will make it. I do give to charities and alumni funds to help the "next guy (or gal) to make it." Do what everyone else does and apply for all the programs you can!

I don't begrudge people a "safety net" if they really TRY and fail, but people now plan for the government to take care of them. Even FDR said welfare has a "narcotic effect" - people lose the incentive to work. The danger in focusing taxes on the more wealthy is that if less than a majority even pay taxes the voters will just stick it to the rich. I hope the Congress doesn't weaken the relationship between work and reward! Some families say both parents have to work to pay their taxes, some of which DOES go to pay unwed mothers who sit home and have kids - activities subsidized by the government!

The final indignity is that some want illegal aliens to get in-state tuition! They say it will somehow help the next generation. But America was built on people being STRONG, not people saying how weak they are and asking for handouts! If we reward this behavior and penalize work, we're in sad shape.

You struck a nerve. I really, really, understand your frustration. I could go on and on.

Answer 2

That is a ridiculous notion. I worked my way through undergrad and graduate school, took out loans and received grants for low income students. When I was a child growing up with a bona fide single mother, I received government aid. Now I pay it back by paying my taxes (and I'm sure I've paid back over triple into the system that what I've received). There is a serious misconception about people freeloading off of the government. Furthermore, just because other people are doing it, doesn't mean that you should further contribute to the problem. Be thankful for what you have and participate honestly in the American system. You are not qualified the one to judge those who need aid from the government, even accepting that there are those who take advantage of government benefits. Of course, you may choose to be an example for your child of someone who takes what isn't needed and lacks integrity. If you really find it appalling, how about trying to change the system?

Answer 3

That bulls**t p*sses me off, too.

And healthcare, (or rather lack thereof) for us working people who pay a large amount of taxes to help those who don't want to help themselves!

Answer 4

Once you get on the system, they make it very hard to get off of it. You should rethink things. I know 3 people who tried what you are thinking of. It causes way too many problems. I don't recommend it.

Answer 5

I know how you feel and many people resort to this, us, as taxpayers are entitled to this, not the illegals. Its tough sometimes and very frustrating to be taken advantage of. Good Luck in whatever you do....

Answer 6

LOL i was about to tell you to apply for a federal grant!

isn't this sad?

Answer 7

Go for it! Sounds like a good plan to me.