Computer College

As I mentioned in my last blog, I begin online classes on January 25 and am both anxious, but yet nervous.

When I graduated from high school, a long, long, time ago, I did not have the opportunity to go on to college because I had a little bundle of joy: my life, my son. He was everything to me and I knew I had to make a life for him, and to do that I would have to get a job. So that's what I did. I got a job right out of high school and with that said, have worked ever since.

Now that my son is all grown up and has a family of his own, and my teenage daughter is in high school, I realize that I have a little more time on my hands than I have ever had since I was 16.  I have been employed at my current job 14 years, and it will be 15 years in February. That's a pretty long time to be at a job.  Problem is, I cannot advance in any way to earn more money or have a higher position unless I have a degree to go with it.  And it.....well, it's just not right. My years of service should count for something, right? I need more money to help pay my bills, and not only that. I need to advance and learn, and a challenge so that I don't get used to the same ol' rut that I'm stuck in. So what do I do? Do I look for another job that pays more, although I'm halfway to retirement with a good job (but lousy pay)? Or do I stick with this one and just wait it out?

My decision came a few years ago when I decided to improve my life, for myself, and my family. I signed up for online college classes with University of Phoenix (UOP), to get a degree so that I could advance and earn a higher pay. Not only that, I did it mostly for myself. I received my Associates in Accounting Degree last October, 2010 and was so ecstatic, I did the happy dance for three days! What an achievement for me! Wow, I actually had some type of college degree! Until I learned that it did not help me at all in my current position with the company that I worked with. Not because of the college, but because of the type of degree it was. What a bummer! So here I am, stuck with the same job, but with a degree.

Well, I knew I wasn't just going to stay at this position forever, so I decided to continue my education and get a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.  Now that's what I'm talking about! With a little research in my company's policy, I found out that with this degree, I not only could advance within the company, but I have many other options with this degree. I am ready to take on another couple of years of paper writing, studying, and research. I look forward to it, yet, I am afraid of failure. This ol' girl is not getting any younger and to retain such information only gets harder and harder.

As I have read articles in the past, with a degree, one will get a higher paying job.  This is true in so many cases; however, I have seen people that have become millionaires and not have any college education.  As I continue with my education, I will keep you updated on the ups and downs of online classes as I continue to earn my bachelor's degree.  In the end, I will let you know if I actually get any richer, money wise, by getting a better paying job.  I believe that no matter what, with the knowledge and degree, I will become a better person and will become "richer" in so many other ways.

What is your opinion of online classes? I really enjoyed working my way through my associates with the UOP program through Axia College. Do you think that having a degree, in today's world, is a help? Or is experience in a trade a better option?  I would love to hear your opinions and ideas on this subject!

I am a Phoenix!

Until Next Time,
Jean