<p>Awhile ago I posted about working while going to school full time, but now something gave. I recently had a job interview and it looks like I'm most likely hired. Money will not be an issue any longer because they job pays a very good hourly wage and I will be working up to 32 hours a week part time plus benefits (the job I'm hoping to get is in a hospital). While I'm happy that I don't have to worry about money anymore, school is another issue. Due to the hours I will be working, I will have to be a part time student. This is because they want me to work there for more than just one year (I originally planned on taking a year off, working as much as I can between two jobs, and then coming back). I'm devastated especially because my major is in music. I'm scared that I'll fall behind eventually leading to me dropping out and never getting my degree, or if I do manage to finish, not being able to find a teaching job because I'll most likely be 30 or close when I graduate, or "too old" basically. I know as a part timer I'm most likely to drop out and don't want that to happen. I'm just scared. How do I deal with it?</p>
<p>How is 30 too old to teach? Personally I’ve never had a music teacher under 40. </p>
<p>You’ll have to stay really devoted to your studies- try not to get burnt out or discouraged at how long your degree is taking. If you’re determined, you can do it!</p>
<p>30 is definitely not too old to start teaching. Try not to fall behind on your classes, just make sure you keep yourself devoted to it.</p>
<p>I’m a music education major too. If your school’s music requirements are like mine, you have to take a bunch of classes every semester as a music major (private lessons, an ensemble, repertory) that would take up half of the part time units so you might be able to only take one or two music classes at a time, which sounds impossible to graduate in a reasonable time.
I think you need to step back and think about the costs of this job. While you are making good money, every year after five years (four for degree, one for credential) you are losing money because you could have been teaching and beginning to gain experience in the field you really need.
Personally, I think this job is a bad idea. Try to apply for jobs on campus. See if you can even get a job in the music department. I know my department has a student music librarian who works 20 hours a week, a music tutor, and someone who sets up chairs and stands for all ensembles.</p>
<p>Too old to start teaching, I mean.</p>
<p>fluteloop, thanks for your input. I had the inital bad feelings as well, but I’ve gotten confirmation that I’ve been hired…getting the job was in part the result of help from family, and I would be working for family (that I don’t know very well because we just found out about each other not too long ago…long story so I won’t go into detail) and I don’t want to make anybody angry, especially the parent and aunt that helped get me in. I feel like I would never be able to swallow turning this job down…</p>
<p>You can start working now but your comittment can change. You’re right that a majority of people who work have trouble finishing college and while one can become a teacher at any age it’s an problem accute for performance-based majors where you need to work onespecially your skills every day or lose them. Tell your family/relative that you appreciate the job and it’ll really help this year so that you can start working on your career next year. Next year in February see how much you’ve saved and based on that, give your notice (at a decent time for your employer), resuming full-time work Fall 2014. Do not get sucked into staying. If you stay in that job becoming a music teacher may become a distant dream.</p>