Thinking about school... need some help...

[Killer]

Ok.. Here's the deal...

I HATE MY JOB!!! it's a great job, pays pretty well... health ins is paid for... I get time off basically anytime i need it(and pay is never docked).. it's salary plus commission...

BUT the owner of the company DOES NOT want to grow the company... YES he wants to make money... and get more people to buy our program (dental software.. he wrote it.. it's just him, my coworker, and myself... we work out of his home) but he doesn't want to actually make the company larger... which means for me... NO WAY TO FURTHER MY CAREER!... now i roughly make 30k+ins.... i'm 22 yrs old.. and have only a high school diploma.... i've been here for 4yrs now and i'm still considered the "new guy" because i was the last hired.. and the youngest guy here... only way i'm going to make more money is when the guy that was hired before me leaves... OR things pick up and we hire a new guy...

SO... i've been doing a lot of thinking... and my current room mate is a mechanical engineer... had i known what a mechanical engineer was during highschool ida busted balls and gotten all my schooling paid for and went after i graduated... BUT i didn't... and i slacked.. and just did enough to get by... but now i wanna go... and become either a mechanical engineer, or design engineer.. something along those lines...

i graduated TECH prep... which means if i go to school.. i'll need to catch up with some remedial classes...

but i honestly have no idea how to even go about this!!! i don't know what schools to look into, where to try to get financial aid, what to do about work/school... cause i'll have to quit my current 9-6 job if i'm going to be in school.. i just am really torn about this.. BUT at the same time know i'm gonna have to do something SOON or it'll be too late...


can anyone help me out here? (btw, i'm a pretty smart kid... only reason i didn't do my best in school was because i chose not too... (which kinda actually makes me not a smart kid.. )... so i don't think the schooling part itself will be TOO difficult for me...

anyways.. if anyone could shed some light on the subject i'd greatly appreciate it!!!

[klollie]

You should look into some online universities that let you work at your own pace and work around your current job schedule.

I know Devry, University of Pheonix, and Strayer University offer online prgrams.

[Killer]

You should look into some online universities that let you work at your own pace and work around your current job schedule.

I know Devry, University of Pheonix, and Strayer University offer online prgrams.

i've thought about it... BUT that really doesn't give you the same "clout" as going to an actual college does... know what i mean?

[klollie]

I understand what your saying. I'm in the situation where I'm living at home and going to school full time and I dont have to worry about working around a job schedule.

But props to you for realizing you have to do something before its "too late". I went to Clayton State right after graduation (2004) and was so burned out on being in school that I pretty much wasted a whole year. And I'm only just now going back.

[ironchef]

i've thought about it... BUT that really doesn't give you the same "clout" as going to an actual college does... know what i mean?

It really doesn't from what I've heard.

I think you're best bet would be to really research the engineering field, see what you like and dislike, how the job market is, saturated/unsaturated, is the field growing, potential risk for outsourcing/offshoring, etc.

Just cause your roommate does it, doesn't mean its a surefire thing. You might start to do it, then hate it.

Otherwise, If I were you I'd go down to maybe Georgia Tech, have a chat with admissions and some counselors. Admissions will be able to tell you about financial aid, and counselors will give you more insight on the programs they have, what they offer, potential outcomes, etc.

But, if you do go somewhere like Tech, be prepared to bust serious ass.

[Sammich]

unless u get with a real big engineering firm..u maybe at $30k again, but at least u will have a diploma. truthfully if u decide to go (i maybe biased cuz this is the only engineering i have info on) but when i went to school, civil engineering has a wide variety of aspects that you can specialize in. concrete design, wastewater treatment, designing residental, commercial, roadways, etc...just a thought

[Killer]

It really doesn't from what I've heard.

I think you're best bet would be to really research the engineering field, see what you like and dislike, how the job market is, saturated/unsaturated, is the field growing, potential risk for outsourcing/offshoring, etc.

Just cause your roommate does it, doesn't mean its a surefire thing. You might start to do it, then hate it.

Otherwise, If I were you I'd go down to maybe Georgia Tech, have a chat with admissions and some counselors. Admissions will be able to tell you about financial aid, and counselors will give you more insight on the programs they have, what they offer, potential outcomes, etc.

But, if you do go somewhere like Tech, be prepared to bust serious ass.

yeah, he went to tech.. i know that place is hardcore... so i'm not sure about that... BUT as far me liking it.. you're right i need to look into it more to figure out exactly field i want to go into.. BUT from what i could tell i would love to have the job he has...

he was telling me there were probably some two year schools i could go to instead of a four year... so i may look into that route...

[Killer]

unless u get with a real big engineering firm..u maybe at $30k again, but at least u will have a diploma. truthfully if u decide to go (i maybe biased cuz this is the only engineering i have info on) but when i went to school, civil engineering has a wide variety of aspects that you can specialize in. concrete design, wastewater treatment, designing residental, commercial, roadways, etc...just a thought

my room mate has been at this one company for less than 2 years.. and makes over 60k...

i know starting out i won't be rolling in it... but atleast if i hook into a field i enjoy i'll be happier than where i'm at.. even if i make the same amount of money... BUT i will atleast have the opportunity to grow in the company... i'm not looking for immediate bank... i'm looking for the long term

[Sammich]

yea like i said it depends on what and who you are with. i did two years, took my associates and called it a day. my uncle made known to me some other fields that i can get into that pay way better than just drafting. i mean if i can't eventually look to clear $50k/yr, i'mdefinitely looking into another area of civil engineering. which is why now i'm taking all advantages, everything i learn new i appreciate and try to remember because this can be the difference between me getting the better job or staying stuck in the office..(I HATE BEING IN THE OFFICE ALL DAY)

[ironchef]

Did PBS just make a post with information in it, somewhat useful information? WTF? LOL

[Vteckidd]

Its hard without a degree to really get ahead. Most of the time with no degree when you quit you have to start all over again.

I have 2 years of college and i have thought about going back to finish. But then i think about how i dont really know what i would do with a degree.

Im going to be attending "a school" in the next few weeks that is in my line of work, hopefully that will help open some more doors and opportunities for me.

[Sammich]

Its hard without a degree to really get ahead. Most of the time with no degree when you quit you have to start all over again.

I have 2 years of college and i have thought about going back to finish. But then i think about how i dont really know what i would do with a degree.

Im going to be attending "a school" in the next few weeks that is in my line of work, hopefully that will help open some more doors and opportunities for me.

thats teh exact reason i went to school to get a degree opposed to a certificate. my wife has a certificate, much smarter than i, i think i finished witha 3.3 and she had like a 3.8+gpa and even with all those smarts all she has is a degree and is making much less than i. if she would, does, go to school and get a degree to put with that certificate, she will be doing something she likes and making more money

[tony]

Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Ever thought about entrepreneurship?

Check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjZwhcWY-KE

[Vteckidd]

If you have the means, running your own business is def the way to go.

get an idea, do some research, and go for it, especially while you are young

[quickdodge®]

You should look into some online universities that let you work at your own pace and work around your current job schedule.

I know Devry, University of Pheonix, and Strayer University offer online prgrams.

Fucc online schools. Lazy, cheap education. Check out most of your Tech schools, Killer. Dekalb Technical Institute, Devry are a couple of good ones. I'd be weary of the newer schools like Strayer and center most of my attention on established schools. Later, QD.

[quickdodge®]

If you have the means, running your own business is def the way to go.

get an idea, do some research, and go for it, especially while you are young

You must have not read his initial post. Later, QD.

[Killer]

If you have the means, running your own business is def the way to go.

get an idea, do some research, and go for it, especially while you are young

well who doesn't want to run their own business??.... but as stated i don't have the means to do so...

1. the money... 2. the credit...

[Killer]

Fucc online schools. Lazy, cheap education. Check out most of your Tech schools, Killer. Dekalb Technical Institute, Devry are a couple of good ones. I'd be weary of the newer schools like Strayer and center most of my attention on established schools. Later, QD.

thanks... i'll look into both..


now does anyone want to make a donation to the "send killers broke ass to school" fund? lol


i think my biggest worry is my income while i attend school.... i work full time now.. and am always cutting it close at the end of the month.. (one i'm retarded with money and am a huge impulse buyer...) my parents live in blue ridge.. and besides that there is no way i would ever live with them again.. i've been out on my own now for 4 years... rent anywhere near atlanta is just ridiculous i don't see how students can survive without money from parents/family... and there is no way i'm getting that either...

what kinds of things to scholarships cover? just schooling and that's it?

[BB6dohcvtec]

I would look into your local technical school first and get your associate degree in something, and technical colleges give you all kinds of grants and scholarships the only thing you will prob pay for there is books. call around and they can prob give you alot more information than we can, because alot of schools are different.

[mad3nch1na]

Don't pursue higher education because you want to make more money, pursue higher education because you want to be more educated.

[Spektrewing386]

Don't pursue higher education because you want to make more money, pursue higher education because you want to be more educated.

being more educated makes you more money.


anyway i sent you a PM about SPSU, it might be up your ally.
you can get HOPE and all that stuff. plus tuition isnt crazy. Its going to be $1300 - $2000 a semester usually unless your taking super crazy # of impossible hours.

[Killer]

Don't pursue higher education because you want to make more money, pursue higher education because you want to be more educated.

i'm not going for more money... i'm going so that i can enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work doing something i like...

of course people go to school to get better jobs which = better money... but that is not my main goal...

[wow]

CHECK OUT ITT TECH THEY'RE OK AND HELPFUL. HELL WHEN I APLLIED FOR INFO, THEY CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY AT 8 IN THE MORNING.

[Spektrewing386]

dont take advice from someone who writes in all caps and has a negative reputation.

[WalkS]

Check out gacollege411.org
That place has ALOT of good info. It got me started on finding good schools that i wanted to go to applying for schools, applying for scholarships, grants, and basically has a shiit load of useful info.

[Sammich]

I would look into your local technical school first and get your associate degree in something, and technical colleges give you all kinds of grants and scholarships the only thing you will prob pay for there is books. call around and they can prob give you alot more information than we can, because alot of schools are different.

x2 i did not pay one dime for schooling...just one summer class because i lost my hope scholarship b/c i didnt keep a 3.0 gpa(2.9 )

go to a tech school first. u can take night classes if need be too

[Sammich]

dont take advice from someone who writes in all caps and has a negative reputation.

@ this guy

[BanginJimmy]

I know for a fact that aeronautical engineerings are in high demand right now. There are also 3 different fields you can get into just in the civil aviation field. The actual design of the airframes, engine design, and repair procedures and materials. With the way the cirrent aviaton industry is, every repair station in the country, and every airline in the country are looking for engineers to design repairs for aging aircraft.

[Killer]

reps to those who have helped!!! thanks a ton guys/girls

[Sammich]

i dont see no reps killer...wtf...u hatin nazi

[fire7882]

Grants can get you $2000 a semester or more
Stafford loan offers about $5000 a semester
hope is $1500 to $2000 a semester
Work part time at the school and get another $150-$200 a week

Look into Southern Poly and GA Tech. GA tech is hard as hell but worth it if you are willing to dedicate you life to them for 4-5 years. (I know of few people if any who have left there in less than 4.5 years.)

[Killer]

i dont see no reps killer...wtf...u hatin nazi

got you... sorry

[blaknoize]

JUST MUTHAFUKIN GO!!! IT CANT DO ANY MORE BAD FOR U THAN GOOD. Since this world is now shifting toward more technical, less labor and experience based business. I'm going and I had to make myself go, I'm hoping for sure that this works for the better, which is should. Just dont try and act likea spoiled college student and come out more in debt than when u started.

Just go and "do ur man" (a quote from US up here in Ohio, yall homoassed kids on here feed off that stuff)

[blaknoize]

Or... simply become a resident of Ohio, this state is losing so many people they have announced plans to help KEEP students in this states schools by offering more money and incentives to stay, as in principle and loan forgiveness and so on. Ohio is paying for my schooling fully.

[GIXXERDK]

You should look into some online universities that let you work at your own pace and work around your current job schedule.

I know Devry, University of Pheonix, and Strayer University offer online prgrams.

Dont listen to her, if you want to do this, do it RIGHT.


Best bet for you is to see if you qualify for grants/financial aid, first. If not, I would save up at least 3 semesters in.

Georgia Perimeter College has admission guarantees to 4 year university systems in GA. If you can get into Georgia Tech/Southern Poly, great! Dont waste your time with online schools, they overcharge for courses that arnt even accredited. I have a couple friends who ended up taking the same courses all over again. If time is that valuable, GPC offers online courses which credits the same as in-class courses, but I think its a little more costly.

[GIXXERDK]

my room mate has been at this one company for less than 2 years.. and makes over 60k...

i know starting out i won't be rolling in it... but atleast if i hook into a field i enjoy i'll be happier than where i'm at.. even if i make the same amount of money... BUT i will atleast have the opportunity to grow in the company... i'm not looking for immediate bank... i'm looking for the long term

I dont know anyone who makes below 50k/year right out of college. Average is usually around the upper 45-50, unless your a ....

[quickdodge®]

unless your a ....

Lolol. Later, QD.

[IDCoconut]

ME is still a good field to be into. You can do a lot more with ME than you think, or any engineering focus for that matter. You'd be surprised where you could get hired just by having any sort of Engineering degree.

For example, the Southern Company (IE, GA Power) is currently expanding as far as Nuclear Power goes and SPSU and Southern Company have started working on a curriculum for this. BUT, you don't even have to be a Nuclear Engineer to become one. The job is trained ON SITE. You don't come near any real equipment for 5yrs until you're through training! No offence to the Nuclear Engineers coming out of GA Tech. but those guys mainly just know their reactors. EVERYONE still has to be tailored for the job. So with that said, you could be a Civil Eng. and be tailored for the job. Pay is very high for starters.

So keep that in mind. An engineering degree from a good accredited college will go a long way, even if it's just a bachelors. I'd recommend you go for it or you don't. Once you start you need to dedicate yourself to finish, or else you'll just be wasting your time and money from the start.

In the Atlanta Area, I'd recommend Southern Poly(SPSU) in Marietta or G-Tech. Don't even bother with Devry. Their program is similar to getting an MET degree from GA Southern, while SPSU's MET degree is very comparable to G-Tech and is more intense than people think it is.

[Killer]

i'm pretty sure i will qualify for financial aid... maybe the hope grant.. so i'd say my schooling will get paid for... what i'm worried about most is getting... ME paid for!!! i don't think i could afford rent anywhere down here on a part time job... and because of my hours at my full time i'd have to quit to go to school...

[Sammich]

what was ur GPA when u graduated?