Come on, get happy!

[msvader]

Here's an interesting article about doing what you love.

I'm actually going to be taking that enormous first step this week. Once I get the financial aid situation worked out, I'll be quitting my job and going to school full time. I'm completely terrified, but I know that this is a risk that I must take in order for me to be happy. I've been

Comments

[skrik]

Congratulations!

As a former mature student, I can heartily recommend the mature-student life. The studying is much easier when you're a little older, which means good grades. Additionally, the Man isn't standing over your shoulder while you're at school. It's a great feeling.

[msvader]

But - and here's what I'm struggling with - how do you deal with the no-income-looming-student-loans monster?

I'm really looking forward to this experience, but I'm just so afraid that I'll get evicted or won't be able to eat anything besides ramen noodles or have to give up my WoW subscription. Does being a student mean that you you're required to be poor?

[patitamofi]

the quote is from John Lennon's song Beautiful Boy (and it'a great one).

I'm in my second year of working after going back to grad school to get a degree in something I'd actually want to use, so maybe I can offer some hope? I don't think that going back to school means you have to be poor, but it does require readjusting your budget. You're making less money, but it's temporary. You've got your priorities (and don't let anyone make you feel bad about them--a critical part of being in school is being able to blow off steam in a mindless way), so some things that aren't priorities will have to wait. It does occasionally suck, but it really sucks to know what you want to do and not be able to do it. Student loans will get repaid. They try to scare you with them, but you can ask them to hold off payments for at least a year after you graduate until you have an income (economic deferral). You can also consolidate the loans and work out a payment plan where the payment amount increases over time.

[bayonnebirdie]

Good for you! Don't be afraid. Five years from now, you'll be happy you did this.

The quote (I think) is from a John Lennon song called "Beautiful Boy," which is one my favorites of his.

[melinika]

Congrats and good luck! =) It's big and scary but exciting to make that leap.

[cookieguggelman]

Congratulations! I applaud you on that major step. I need to do it someday, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. What area is your sister going back to school for?

Going back to school!!!

[anonymous]

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I am so glad you are finally doing this. I sware you have been talking about this since I think 1997! Taking a chance is what life is all about!!!

I will be either teaching or in school forever so I am all over this! You made a great decision!

Michele :)