<p>Hi,</p>
<p>In a previous FA thread, I complained about my plight as an older, working independent student who is only eligible for loans, even though I make very little ($22,000 a yr). I still don't know where they expect me to come up with $5694 to contribute to my education but that's another story....</p>
<p>Anyway, I never bothered to pick up any skills or trades because I thought I'd finish college on-time. Well after a disaster at a 4 yr. (not my fault) and a long illness, here I am. I have about 19 transferrable credits (due to repeats, withdrawals, etc), so I still have a long way to go to a 4 yr degree (the 4 yr I'm considering requires 127 credits for graduation).</p>
<p>When I haven't been surviving through self-employment, I've been underemployed through the years (cashier, CS Rep, etc.). I have a nice little online/work-at-home gig now, but I'm finding it unable to support the lifestyle of an adult, even modestly. I don't have my own place, I don't have (and can't afford health insurance), and my mom pays my car note/insurance. Have nothing in savings, and nothing squirreled away for retirement. I'll be 30 in March :( I need about $35,000 a yr right now to be somewhat comfortable/break even.</p>
<p>I'm about to enroll in CC to complete 4 semesters of prereqs in order to transfer to a 4 yr. If all goes well...then there is a straight path to a 4 yr degree (major is most likely Finance or Accounting, considering either law school or an MBA after). But I'm not sure how much longer I can maintain this lifestyle (or lack thereof). I need dental work, and have other costly pressing things that need my attention. I assure you that I'm not being a spoiled brat that wants to blow money on stupid things. The thing is.............what if something happens and I end up out of school again? I don't fare well in the workforce, and if I ever lose my current job, I'll probably end up making less outside.</p>
<p>I don't like all the pressure to hurry up and finish in order to make the money I need (avg. $50,000 a yr +, which still isn't enough, but will shut me up for a minute). I don't want to forego my dreams of higher ed and settle into a trade either.... That's just unacceptable to me so please don't give me the "college isn't for everyone" speech.</p>
<p>Would it be beneficial for me to take a brief detour in order to pick up a skill (such as 2-yr RN nursing, dental hygienist, sonographer, or something computer-related) as insurance against future (and possibly unforeseen) delays? Then I could make the money I need and go to school at my leisure (but still trying to finish relatively quickly) - basically it could take some pressure off.</p>
<p>I never bothered to acquire a skill because I've been soooooo protective of my financial aid money and didn't want to waste it on training for a trade, and then not have it available to finance my 4 yr degree.</p>
<p>Many of the prereqs required for these programs (all at my local 2 yr CCs) meet some of the requirements for my 4 yr, and I'd only have a few extra courses plus the trade courses) to finish. I just worry that in the time it would take to complete these programs, I could be almost finished with my 4 yr....but there is no guarantee, and that's the thing.</p>
<p>Nursing looks appealing because many nurses work 3 days a week, with 4 off. That seems to give me the most flexibility in completing my 4 yr degree, as quickly as possible, vs other jobs that are FT, 5 days a week. And yes, I know it's no cakewalk either.</p>
<p>The other thing is....when I get my GPA up, I'll be eligible for a state scholarship (HOPE) that will pay my tuition in full. If I waste it on a trade, it will not be available to pay for my 4 yr degree, however if I am working in my new career, I will be able to pay for a public 4 yr U. out of pocket (with no problems). It's a bit of a gamble.</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>