What would you say is priority?

[previasc96]

IF you are a father and husband, and your wife doesn't make enough money to pay all the bills herself, then wouldn't it be your priority to make sure you are employed to be able to carry some of the financial burden of the home? It doesn't sound like rocket science to me, I figure the answer is yes. But some folk around me tend to think that I should just quit working and focus on finishing my degree. Yeah, having a degree will get me more money, but I think finding a way to finish the degree while still maintaining a full-time Job would be in the best interest of my Family. I don't mean to be annoying or bomb the forum, but I'm really frustrated and would like the opinions or view of others who may have been through this period of life already or are facing the same thing. Any feed back will be appreciated (even funny smart remarks, I need a good laugh.)

[ST1G]

IF you are a father and husband, and your wife doesn't make enough money to pay all the bills herself, then wouldn't it be your priority to make sure you are employed to be able to carry some of the financial burden of the home? It doesn't sound like rocket science to me, I figure the answer is yes. But some folk around me tend to think that I should just quit working and focus on finishing my degree. Yeah, having a degree will get me more money, but I think finding a way to finish the degree while still maintaining a full-time Job would be in the best interest of my Family. I don't mean to be annoying or bomb the forum, but I'm really frustrated and would like the opinions or view of others who may have been through this period of life already or are facing the same thing. Any feed back will be appreciated (even funny smart remarks, I need a good laugh.)

I think that you should work and go to school. I'm doing it and it sucks because you want goodies for e30. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

[flyboyx]

well, it kind of sounds to me by the way you have written your thread, you already have your mind made up.

normally, i am the dumbass with the smartass remarks...so....i suggest you and your wife make internet porn for a few extra quid a month. post pics of your wife so we can determine if its viable. 8)


there are so many variables here. can you pare down your expenses?

going to school full time would be a sacrifice in the short run for sure. it can get you out in the job market 2x sooner or more. which in the long run would put you and your family much further ahead. i guess the question is whether or not you can make the sacrifice in the short run to make that happen. what does your wife say about all this? how old are your kids? if they are in school, maybe you can sit down and have a family meeting with them involved and see if they are willing to make the sacrifice for a year or two in order to be ahead sooner.

can you take full time classes on line and work a part time job? do you have the skills to do some sort of internet based job from your home? sometimes these jobs can be done in your spare time/ when the kids are in bed or at school.

i guess the most important thing is to keep sight of your goal. keep taking classes whether its full time or one at a time. you will get there sooner or later.

[Cletonius]

My wife and I finished college with 2 kids, and we do what it takes to get by. I have 2 jobs and do the shift boots on the side, she does 2 direct sales things. We are saving to buy a house so it's a little different but the concept is the same.

With good time management you should be able to work full time and go to college part time. Any more than 2-3 classes in one term will likely be too much to handle. it's going to be rough but you can do it if you stay positive.

In the end, I got my degree in engineering but now I'm looking at opening my own upholstery shop in a year or two. Are you sure you want to go to college? The money's nice if you can get a job but will you be happy with that job once you have it? I hate doing IT and engineering work for my career but I love doing it for myself. When I started sewing I found it relaxing and discovered I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't have ever imagined this is where I'd be now.

My point is: you're contemplating a big life change, be sure it's the path you truly want to take before you commit.

[Stanley Rockafella]

My point is: you're contemplating a big life change, be sure it's the path you truly want to take before you commit.

Dude already has a wife and kid(s). I think his path is already determined.

[Ether-D]

Only part of his path is determined. The rest can go any direction.

Who are the "some folk" that want you to go to college full time? Your parents? Hers?
You are an adult. It's your decision. Whatever you decide will work. That's how life works I think.

[BobombETA]

Work and go to school. Apply for grants. With a couple dependents you should be able to get some funds. Well, I can't speak for Florida actually but it's worth a shot.

Also, depending on how far along you are in your degree, go to community college route first then transfer after 2 years.

[Cletonius]

Dude already has a wife and kid(s). I think his path is already determined.

I have a wife and kids too. Life is what you make of it, you are always in control of your own path.

Big life changes are actually easier with a family IMHO, you have that other person for support and you have the motivation to provide for your family. You've got to totally commit and make it work, a single person could easily give up when the going gets tough because they have nothing to lose.

IMHO this is kinda the same thing as the giant leap thread.

OP: remember whatever you do, student loans will follow you forever. They can never be discharged via bankruptcy or whatever. Also remember that a degree doesn't automatically equal a better job in today's world.

[markseven]

Provide for the family first.

Once you are on your feet, then you have options.

Remember that Mike Rowe letter to the President?

Hope your major is something that develops skills that are in demand.

[Stanley Rockafella]

big life changes are actually easier with a family imho, you have that other person for support and you have the motivation to provide for your family. You've got to totally commit and make it work, a single person could easily give up when the going gets tough because they have nothing to lose.

Op: Remember whatever you do, student loans will follow you forever. They can never be discharged via bankruptcy or whatever. Also remember that a degree doesn't automatically equal a better job in today's world.

+1

[Exodus_2pt0]

Just moved to a new state for a new job, sitting in an apartment by myself stock piling cash until my wife has our new born baby. At which point, they will join me.

My wifes new job is going to be a stay at home mommy, while I provide 100% for the family.

It's really not a bad gig, I would love to go to college, but I don't mind what I'm doing now. It is a pretty damn good feeling knowing that you can be the sole provider for your family, and I am totally satisfied with that. Try it out, you can make a pretty good living without the debt that comes with college. I have built a fairly strong specified skill set in the past 10 years, and it is finally paying off. Just focus, work your ass off, and everything will fall into place.

[Nick_S]

Life is what you make of it, you are always in control of your own path.

:up: