I have a job that pays well but is boring and does not make me happy. To get the job I really want, I will need to go to grad school full-time for 3 years. I am 30 and want to get married and have kids and buy a house soon too and obviously I can always do this after grad school, but 3 years seems so far off! Maybe I should just be happy that I HAVE a job and forget grad school?? I am soo confused!!
2007-02-26 07:02:29 · 7 answers · asked by kmm100 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
You're in a tough situation, and here's my HONEST advice... it may not be pretty, but I'll just try to be realistic. First of all, most people would KILL to be in your position. Your job pays well, and most people's jobs don't. I hate to sound like a killjoy, but a job is a job... if it were fun, they wouldn't pay you for it! Since you're already 30, going to grad school and starting in your 'dream' job wouldn't happen until you were 33 or 34. Then the earliest you could conceivably have kids and go on a paid maternity leave is around 35 years old. I know jobs aren't "allowed" to discriminate based on age, but they still do, and they might be reluctant to hire you at 33 (pharmaceutical sales is notorious for this, they want the young kids). Plus, think about it... if you are trying to save up for a house, the three years you are in grad school would be three years with no income. Not the best savings plan for a huge purchase like a house, so needless to say, the downpayment might be difficult down the road if you stop working along the way. And do you really want all those student loan payments after grad school? There's no guarantee you'd be making any more money than you do now, so that would just be an added debt. And in the WORST case scenario, what if your dream job isn't all it was cracked up to be? Then you'd be in the same boat you are now, with three years of your life (and a lot of money!) wasted on grad school. My advice? As boring as it may sound, I would stick with what you've got. You have good money coming in, so you have a great opportunity to really save for a house and kids right now. Try to do your dream job as volunteer work of some sort to get your fill of it. Add some spice to your life by joining the gym (and GOING!) or volunteering for a non-profit, or starting your own business on the side. Try to find the positive things about your job, because your job is what you make of it. There are too many people in this world who hate their job AND make no money at it... and to THOSE people, I'd have different advice. But to you... Just stay with what you have, because you've got a great thing going! You've done very well for yourself, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it! :)
2007-02-26 07:18:03 · answer #1 · answered by Kris 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you can have it all.
One, go ahead and buy a home (or condo) that you can afford - try to buy in a brand new subdivision that will quickly grow in equity. Use this equity as a line of credit to help you with point # 3 if you need it. It's hard to buy if you have not been employed w/ same employer for at least 2 years... so do this first (don't do this first if you fear being unemployed).
Two, after you close on your house and get settled, start looking for a job that pays you well that may not be your dream job, but one that pays the bills. Sometimes a job hunt can make you feel better and maybe make you realize that your job is not so bad if you can't find anything else... or can totally surprise you that there is something "more" out there... you just have to start looking... you may find a company that will will reimburse tuition.
Three, work toward going to grad school at nights/weekends to work toward your ultimate goal. Use the equity in your home to pay for it if you need to...
As for the being married part, well unless you are seriously involved, you just have to allow this to happen when it happens... so just live your life working toward improving it and making yourself happy. You'd be surprised at how working toward making you happy will actually "create" a wonderful aura around you where someone may just snatch you up :)
2007-02-26 07:23:38 · answer #2 · answered by BMD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem, but decided to go back to grad school at 28. I was able to complete the program in 1 1/2 years by taking courses during both summer sessions, and 15-18 units during the regular semesters. I ended up having a very rewarding profession, financially and emotionally.
If you think about where you were, and what you were doing three years ago, that will help you put it into perspective. Three years is really a very short time, especially when you're only 30!
2007-02-26 07:13:42 · answer #3 · answered by holey moley 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wise man once said: Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.
But, then again, he never had kids or was married.
Me, I am married, got 3 kids and am 30. I work hard to support my family. Many things can change your road in life. If you are thinking of going to Grad School, do it w/out kids. With kids, almost everything you want to do is difficult because it isn't just about you anymore.
Good luck in all you do, Hon!
2007-02-26 07:13:11 · answer #4 · answered by Gothic Martha™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever considered a home business? Mine is in health and wellness, which is fast becoming a trillion dollar industry.
This is something you can build while working at your current job. I think you might be surprised at how quickly you not only meet but surpass your income, and the income you earn is residual. I started doing this in April, and it just mushroomed on me, and now my business earns even on days when I can't be there. I like to travel, so it gives me peace of mind to know that the business will continue to grow. Incomes of $10k/mo are definately not unusual in this business. That would give you both the time and finances to attend school when you are ready. It's inexpensive to start and you can work whatever hours are convenient for you. Usually, when you see the response to the product and people are ordering, it sparks your enthusiasm to find more!
2007-02-26 07:51:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
attempt utilising with the national, state, and native parks departments--it may get you out into nature--and could probably have sturdy reward. a sort of departments probably has accountability for the seashores--inspect which one. different than that, you may desire to prepare to artwork for a non-earnings environmental group--your degree could do you some sturdy there. I even have seen government workers checking the water on the seashores (taking to labs to be examined for purity, and so on.)--that became up in Idaho/Washington. in case you do no longer come across an enduring job maximum appropriate away, that's rather helpful to flow with a seasonal job at a lake, park, and so on.--at an analogous time as nevertheless searching for everlasting employment. you're seeking to do good issues--I wish you a great variety of luck.
2016-09-29 22:50:56 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am in a similar situation to you and have decided to go to grad school. I think you will be able to enjoy the house and family better when you're in a career you really like. that's what I'm going for anyway. my bad job was really bringing me down and not letting me enjoy the time outside of work.
goodluck whatever you decide!
2007-02-26 07:15:11 · answer #7 · answered by Bannab 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋