I knew that if I wanted to go to the next level that I would need to be conversant in accounting and finance plus I would need to have that “stamp of approval” of an MBA. So I went back to school at night and got it in 2 years.

I feel that I got a lot out of it because I was already a manager so the case studies seemed more relevant and less theory. I also had never had any accounting or finance so that was critical for me. The most valuable thing you get out of it though is connections: with other students, with the professors and with the alumni – all of which you can call into action if you’re looking to change jobs.

Oh, and goal achieved, it did allow me to move up to the next level.

I did not do enough such research before I got my MSW. Not only do social workers not get paid well, but I lost 3 years of decent earnings (2 years of school + 1 year of a fellowship) in the process.

Now I’ve just finished getting a JD. It was 3 years of basically no earnings, but the pay rate will be good (and the work will be more suitable for my personality and interests, too).

For what it’s worth: I’ve tried both the full time student way plus working full time and going to school part time at night. Although the latter is less costly, I didn’t get nearly as much out of part time schooling as I did out of full time schooling. JMO.

However, I am still not sure what I want to do, like you said, THIS YEAR, much less for the long term. I would like to just get it over with because, as they say, the bachelor’s is becoming the new high school diploma.

But the thing stopping me is the cost! Master’s programs are too expensive to spend time pursuing something that you either don’t need or won’t use.

I think I will use this time to really find out what it is I want to do and hopefully soon I wil l have some direction and then I will go further with my education if so needed.

Thanks for the post!