Should I go back to school??

Question

Okay, I'm deciding fate on a poll... Here it is...
I'm 30 I have a degree in interior design, I have a great job, but want so much more!! Should I go back to school to get a Master's in Architecture even though it will take me about 4-6 years because I work full time... Plus I just got married, and not soon, but eventually we will have kids.

Answer 1

Do it, a career with architecture will set you up with a higher paying job, thus giving you funds to support your family. If you wait it will never happen. It's an investment but im sure it will be worth it.

Answer 2

Consider this carefully. Not all architecture jobs are high paying. In fact, some of them pay pretty low - maybe not more than you're making now. Maybe less. So do some research, find out how much MS Architecture grads really make, what the work is really like, whether or not architects like their jobs, whether or not architecture is a tough field for "older" people to enter, if it's tough to balance work and family as an architect, if one can really get a good architecture job after a part time program, if students going to the programs you're considering are highly sought after, etc.

Do a lot more research before you make this decision. Because in six years, you'll be 36, which is not old, but is it old by architecture standards? (some fields are, sadly, quite age sensitive) By then you may be wanting to have kids, and will you want to be working the hours architecture requires, or is a good work/life balance possible?

By then, in ID, you could be making great strides. Will your life, as a whole, be better/more enjoyable, if you're doing architecture?

In other words, how much do you really want it?

Think this through carefully. Do your research. Then decide.

Answer 3

That's a tough one.

Would there be a second income from your spouse?

Are they willing to put off kids for 4 to 6 years while you get your master's?

Let's say you get your master's. You are now 36 years old with a two year old kid. (Heh, just saying...) Now what? You go looking for a job worthy of your new degree? Do you have a promise from a company now to hire you when you have that degree? Will that degree significantly boost your income? Will it let you design/build better things, or things that are mostly yours? Do you have to have it to get better clients?

Cut it down: for what purpose do you want the degree? Examples:
More Money?
The prestige of having that degree?
Be placed higher in a large firm?
Be a partner in a small firm?

Now that you have your answer, ask yourself:
Could you get what you want in another way?
For example, if it's for money, or for being partner in a small firm, you don't need the degree.

You would just need a Partner (who has that degree), and some good ol' American Entrepreneurial Spirit. You could start your own firm with your partner. Splitting the net profits will get you more money.

If you just want the larger office, or the nicer degree: Go back to school!

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Since you have a great job it depends on what you value more. How much time will you spend weekly for you schooling? Can you do it one or two nights a week? I have 2 young kids and they take up a lot of time. If your family is important to you then I would say do not go back to school if you can not complete it by the time you have children.

Answer 5

If that is what u want to do, do it while u can. u don't have kids now so go far it, even when u do they'll still be very young by the time u graduate. go for it, esp. if you feel it's a better life for you all. And it'll be a great "go for it" story for your kids

Good Luck!

Answer 6

If you feel like you can handle the stress of balancing work, family, and school, I'd say go for it.

Answer 7

If you wait then you will be going to school with them. but you might need the extra cash for divorce.

Answer 8

You will never have a better time than right now!