Live alone, Work full time, College degree???

Question

Hi my name is Amber. I live alone. I work a full time job. A job that has a rotating schedule (rotating which days of the week I work). I don't always know when overtime is going to happen. I have always dreamed of earning a college degree. I have looked at online colleges, but I'm not sure if this would be a good or smart idea. Could someone please give me some direction?

Answer 1

I earned a masters with a wife and two small children at home, while working full time. It took 3 years and required a great degree of flexibility from my employer but it is possible. Step one is to find a job that will permit you to maintain a certain schedule on a semester basis. if you don't go to class, you will NOT succeed.

Stay away from online colleges and schools that advertise on daytime television (ITT, Devry, etc) because they cost a surprising amount of money and are rarely accredited so most of your work will not be transferable elsewhere.

Answer 2

You can take online classes at local community college or a public state university. I don't know if this is your first time attending college but alot of intro classes are online. This summer I graduated from a community college. My last semeser was done strictly online. I work 8-6pm everyday and I live alone as well. The only difference is my schedule is set. However, if you do decide to go to an online university. I would suggest CTU online. Don't worry this school is accredited and financial aid will work with you. How do I know? I use to work there.

Answer 3

Well, nowadays most universities have online courses so you can work towards your degree without even setting foot on campus, so that would be a convenient option for you to fit it into your schedule. Assuming you still have a fair amount of time off from work each week, you should be able to study, write papers, etc. during your down time and just check in to your online class when it is convenient for you. I personally don't like online courses, though, because I'm one of those people who needs to have to be somewhere at a certain time or else I just won't get my work done. If you have a lot of self-discipline and you consider yourself a visual learner, though, online classes might work for you. If not, you might want to put off your college dreams until you reach a more stable point in your life where you have certain nights off work, so you can schedule classes better.

Answer 4

Honestly? I'd go with lazy (but not dumb). Mentally ill seems like it's a bit of a stretch for you. Everyone I know has some sort of OCD, so unless it seriously prevents you from living your life, I wouldn't give it too much thought. My guess is that it's easier to pinpoint the lack of motivation on other people (i.e. your mom) and things (i.e. mental illness) than to actually get up and do something about it. You say you won't work at MD to flip burgers, so you should either start writing or go back to school to get a job in another field (think vocational school). Either way, you need to start doing SOMETHING. Even McD is better than laying around all day. I guarantee that getting a job somewhere, even if it is for minimum wage, will give you self-esteem, friends, and a purpose.

Answer 5

I commend you for pulling your own weight in life. And I agree, dont mention you live by yourself on the internet. There a way to many creeps online these days.

There are many bona-fide universities that offer online degrees. Stay away from for profit schools like Capella, Kaplan, ITT Tech, UOP etc. because they are ripoffs and dont offer a good education. Those kind of schools prey on people.

Look into colleges and universities in your area and look into their distance learning program. There are many areas of study. You will have to enroll like a regualr student and get the books and the whole bit, but you are earning a REAL degree that is recognized. Distance learning demands a lot of your time so be serious about it when you start.

Answer 6

My mom earned a degree while raisng me when I was 10, by herself. You can do it too. If you have not done any college, I would recommend starting at a community college. Its cheaper and there are more online options.

I would stay away from a pure online college and try to go to a local college if possible. For instance, I have taken probably 8 online classes at my local college (Seattle) and it is transferrable and has been the same as going to class. Good Luck!

Answer 7

A lot of online degree schools are touting that one of the benefits of going to their online school is that you can progress at your own pace and when your "schedule" time allows. You can't do that with a "go in person" school since the class can't be held back waiting for you to catch up or show up. Most online schools have counselors you can call to discuss your needs and whether the school can meet yours too before you sign up and pay any money. Sounds ideal for your work situation.

Answer 8

first of all don't tell people on the internet that you live alone... online colleges are great for a lot of people. they give you the flexibility to do your school work when you have the time. make sure that you use a valid school though...I think there are a lot of scam degrees out there. good luck =]