Dolly-Mama Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 I have been, for a while now, playing with the idea of going back to school. I already have an associate's degree and a decent job but not much time to speak of seeing as how I have a husband, 9 month old daughter and a full time job. I have always been very interested in psycology. Everything about it fascinates me. I would love to learn more about it. I was just looking at online classes for it to see what the cost was. But here is the thing. I don't know that I ever plan on doing anything with this. I don't really want a job in psycology, I just want to learn more about it. I know that bettering yourself is never a bad thing, but I don't know if this would just become a time and money sync. I already don't feel like I have enough time to do the things that I like now... Who knows when I would have the time to study. Any thoughts?? Quote
Justice Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 First of all, that's simply a DARLING baby you have there! My wife recently went back to school and got her degree. Sure, it was a struggle for us, but it was something she wanted to do. When she started back our yougnest kids (twins) were 11. So, that's a big difference when compared to your situation. No one can tell you it can't work, but I would say that, for now, if you miss one moment with that precious baby, you'll regret it later. There will always be time later to go back to school if you want. The best advice I can give you is to pray. But, many times people don't receive answers to questions like this because first, they don't have their decision of what they think is best before they pray, and second, often you can take more than two paths. (Maybe proceed slowly with 1 on-line class at a time?) But, even offering the advice to pray, I can't help but think you will regret any time you spend away from that baby in the future. :) Quote
Hemidakota Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 I have been, for a while now, playing with the idea of going back to school. I already have an associate's degree and a decent job but not much time to speak of seeing as how I have a husband, 9 month old daughter and a full time job. I have always been very interested in psycology. Everything about it fascinates me. I would love to learn more about it. I was just looking at online classes for it to see what the cost was. But here is the thing. I don't know that I ever plan on doing anything with this. I don't really want a job in psycology, I just want to learn more about it. I know that bettering yourself is never a bad thing, but I don't know if this would just become a time and money sync. I already don't feel like I have enough time to do the things that I like now... Who knows when I would have the time to study.Any thoughts??How much sacrifice are you willing to give. Anything in this life requires sacrifice, whether it be time, energy, family, or monies. There is nothing wrong with constant academic learning but remember to what point of what scarifies do you give to acquire more knowledge. Now, you are blessed to seek out such improving your own life but your family. BYU offers online courses, so do most major universities do now. Quote
skalenfehl Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 I think it depends on how much time it will cost and take from your current family duties and how much you'll end up having to pay for school vs. the payout in the end. Will you end up in debt and worse off if you do this? Are you doing it to improve your education and stability and also for a better job and pay? Some of the logistical issues can help you clearly determine whether or not it really is worth the sacrifice, especially in today's economy. Just my two cents. Quote
applepansy Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 It is never a waste of time and money to go to school. The only things we take with us when we leave this earth of our Family and our Knowledge. If you can fit school in without taking away from important time and resources with a young, growing family. . .Go for it! If it doesn't fit in right now, don't give up. There will come a time when it will fit. In the meantime, there isn't any reason why you can't continue your education through reading. applepansy Quote
Guest tomk Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 Whether or not to get more education is easy to decide. But as others have said, timing matters. Getting my degree while raising a family AND working full time was not easy. Fortunately I had the support of my wife, who was basically a "widow" for several years. But I made it and it was worth it. If it is just a curiosity about Psychology, maybe try buying a few books or checking them out from the library. That may satisfy your craving. It's between you, your husband, and the Lord! For me, it was a pure practical matter. I needed the degree so I could have a better chance at the jobs I wanted. They all wanted a degree. Quote
Elgama Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 How about reading about it as much as you can for a time it will make your course easier when you do take it? I am wondering the same thing. If you go in prepared then you can write assignments much quicker etc -Charley Quote
tefor Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 Before you go to school for a degree in Psychology, you may want to listen to some of the college courses you can get online. If you have iTunes, go to iTunes U and download some of the University-sponsored psychology courses--Intro to Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psych, Psych of Emotion, etc. A lot of them are entire course lecture series sponsored by UC Berkeley, Stanford, and so on--quality schools that might give you a taste for what the courses involve. (Even if you don't have an iPod, you can install iTunes on your computer, download the lectures, and either listen to them on your computer or burn them to CD). Quote
pam Posted January 27, 2009 Report Posted January 27, 2009 Well this is coming from someone who is now *gasp* 52. I have thought a lot recently about going back to school. Not to further a career and probably wouldn't study anything that would assist me in that. I would like to go back for ME. Yep ME. Selfish I know. Whether to further a career or to just gain an increased knowledge of things is important in my opinion. Even if it's only one class at a time. Which is probably all I could afford or have the time for. Quote
Dolly-Mama Posted January 28, 2009 Author Report Posted January 28, 2009 Thank you all for your great ideas!! Getting books from the library is a fantastic idea that I never even thought of! I was considering taking one class at a time online anyway if I did do it. I definitely have more time for reading than I do to take a class, in the little time I do have. :) Thanks so much!! Quote
NeuroTypical Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 What happens to the kid while you're off at your job? Quote
Truegrits Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 (edited) Posted comment with incorrect data...(note-to-self: make sure of your info before inserting foot in mouth!!!) Edited January 28, 2009 by Truegrits Selective reading!!! Quote
pam Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 Her OP says she already has a full time job. She is just wanting to increase knowledge. Quote
Dolly-Mama Posted January 28, 2009 Author Report Posted January 28, 2009 What happens to the kid while you're off at your job? My husband works during the day, while I am home with her and then I work overnight while he is home with her. Quote
pam Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 My husband works during the day, while I am home with her and then I work overnight while he is home with her. Not that you had to explain that. That's YOUR business. :) Quote
Dolly-Mama Posted January 28, 2009 Author Report Posted January 28, 2009 Not that you had to explain that. That's YOUR business. :)I know but he asked. :) Its not a secret or anything. Quote
rameumptom Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 Here's a few options: First, decide whether you want the actual degree or just the knowledge. If just the knowledge, then go to Amazon.com's text book section and purchase the books for your personal learning. If for the degree, then look to online degrees in psychology (there are several). My degrees (3 of them) are for the purpose of helping me get decent jobs. My knowledge is for the purpose of helping me through this life and into the next. D&C 130 tells us that whatever knowledge we gain in this life will follow us in the next. And if we gain more knowledge than another person, we will have much more advantage, because knowledge is power and is the basis for God's power. Quote
NeuroTypical Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 My husband works during the day, while I am home with her and then I work overnight while he is home with her.Cool beans. I asked because I do know that families where both parents work, can make it so the kid always has a parent around, but I just have no personal experience with seeing it work myself. Quote
ruthiechan Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 I know lots of stuff about brain health. Not because I have a degree in it. But because I've read lots of stuff about it. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, which while it talks about development doesn't talk about the actual brain and how to keep it healthy so you'll work right. So, you know, read all you can. I never took a class on brain health, but it's awesome stuff so I read about. When it comes up in conversation people think I went to school for all that knowledge! Nope. Thought I'd let you know that learning on your own can be quite valuable. :) Quote
rameumptom Posted January 29, 2009 Report Posted January 29, 2009 I agree with ruthie. I know people are amazed at how much I know. Ask me anything you want on any topic, as long as it is about Harlequinn Romance novels, and I'll have an answer for you. Seriously, ask me anything. I'll answer with something. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.