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[Nemmy]

Full time job at a software company + trying to get a master's degree at computer science. Been this way for years.

I decided on my priorities early on (fuck getting good grades, they don't matter at all in the end) and now I'm already a year late with my degree. I passed all courses already (some of them barely, but w/e) but my thesis is still nonexistent :/
Had one relationship crash and burn in the meantime because of this lifestyle.

But I got what I wanted - I'm an actual professional while a lot of my peers at the university have empty CVs. It feels pretty good.

 

[mhayes86]

I probably could have done it, but my father passed away right before I started working towards my degree (Information Systems/Computer Engineering), so helping my mother out with the house and driving my siblings around practically became a full-time job of its own on top of full-time classes. Add in a 45-90 minute (traffic pending) one-way commute, I had to quit my retail job (sales floor & backroom logistics) just to have time for homework.

I think that if my family was under better circumstances and if my commute wasn't so brutal, I could have kept a job. But in the end it was worth it; I graduated with honors, got a good job, and moved out. I managed to afford everything thanks to my mom not requiring me to pay rent, and using my extra student loan money to pay my bills and expenses.

 

[Majestad]

At my current job (completely unrelated to what I'm studying and/or what I want to do for a living) I have a good chance of getting promoted and getting paid almost 2.5 times more of what I get now. The thing is this would require me to work 45 hours (even more, maybe) weekly and since the increase in my pay is substantial, I'm pretty sure I won't get any more FAFSA benefits. I'm not sure if it is worth it, as I would have to sacrifice school for what I consider a momentary job.

What you think GAF?

 

[Slammin_Hammon]

I did 35 hours give or take a few depending on how busy a week was and 15 units last semester, and hate my job to boot. Not doing that this coming semester. As for advice I would recommend making the most of your study time. Study smarter not harder. Also take some time to do stuff you enjoy so you are somewhat level.

 

[AbortedWalrusFetus]

Did that for 4 years.
Plus trying to maintain a relationship.
Plus paying a $200/month home phone bill.

Feels bad, man.

Oh, how did I do it?
By getting much lower grades than I otherwise would have.
Oh, and probably going kind of insane >.>

Similar for me, other than the bill. I got lower grades than I'd have liked, and basically never slept. I graduated with a 3.34 which made me super sad. It was even worse because it was a computer science degree and homework took ages. I was putting as much time into homework as I was into working, about 30 hours a week on each. I worked at Best Buy.

The one thing I still remember is that when I could sleep it felt so wonderful. At the end of the day laying on my bed was like the singular best feeling. Then I woke up 3-5 hours later and was sad.

 

[Kimosabae]

I did this working way more hours. 38 really isn't that bad, OP. That means you should have at least two days off from work. 3 hrs of school early in the day means you have a whole day ahead of you on those days off from work.

 

[Daria]

starting to do this for the third separate occasion but the difference is I'm only working 12-18 hours a week now compared to 38-40 the other times. it being toward a Computer Science degree I'm thankful I'm working less because I'm putting more time into my schooling.

 

[Majestad]

So what I mentioned before has happened. I was offered a job that makes my earn considerably more than what I get now. Problem is that it requires 45 hours minimum weekly, it could be as far as 30 min away from where I live, and you have to be on your feet for almost 9 hour shifts. Also this job has nothing to do with what I am studying or what I want to do in life. I already signed up for morning classes starting September.

Don't know what to do GAF.

 

[Tonguer]

I did this. In (US) high school junior/senior it was normal classes + 40hrs in a grocery store. In college it was 12-15 credits + 40-66hrs of factory work, mostly on the higher side. The hardest part for me was that there wasn't time for much of anything else.

So what I mentioned before has happened. I was offered a job that makes my earn considerably more than what I get now. Problem is that it requires 45 hours minimum weekly, it could be as far as 30 min away from where I live, and you have to be on your feet for almost 9 hour shifts. Also this job has nothing to do with what I am studying or what I want to do in life. I already signed up for morning classes starting September.

Don't know what to do GAF.

I would say only do it if you need the money. Consider if it might risk failing or dropping classes due to working hours, and avoid that risk if you can. I would suspect your first professional job interviews will be looking at your degree, classes, maybe grades, and your work history - but more likely from attendence/performance/reviews, not whether it was part-time or full-time.

That said, I did the opposite and took the more hours / more pay factory job when I was in school. That worked out OK for me, but I don't feel I made the wiser choice back then. I was looking at the money and wanting a newer car.

 

[Slo]

Keep your chin up and plow through, it'll be worth it in the end. I put myself through a CS degree at a small State school, trying to pay as I went. Worked 32+ and split rent with my then girlfriend, now wife. Frankly, those years sucked, and I didn't have the typical 18-22 year old's experience, but it paid off big time now.

 

[bob_arctor]

In September, I will be a rookie ELA teacher in a "high needs" middle school full time--plus finishing my Masters twice a week in the evenings. Gonna be crazy.

 

[Bubba T]

I'm doing it now. Have been taking courses every semester (including summer) since August 2013. Should finish with a double major in Accounting/Finance by December 2016 at my current pace.

My job, while full time, has been flexible with my school schedule. I have to take majority of online courses, but I am allowed a day off during the week to attend classes (although I would have to work longer days + Saturday). I've also been receiving tuition reimbursement, making my courses free.

Doing the job/school thing has definitely helped my work ethic. Since going back I haven't had below a B. This has helped me secure multiple scholarships so I don't have to use tuition reimbursement (which now has a payback period, trying to avoid in case I land another offer outside of my company). I was notified of another scholarship I won, so this Fall tuition + books are paid for (thankfully).

All that being said, I can't wait to be done. I'll have to prep for the CPA exam after I graduate, but I'll have a degree finally.

So what I mentioned before has happened. I was offered a job that makes my earn considerably more than what I get now. Problem is that it requires 45 hours minimum weekly, it could be as far as 30 min away from where I live, and you have to be on your feet for almost 9 hour shifts. Also this job has nothing to do with what I am studying or what I want to do in life. I already signed up for morning classes starting September.

Don't know what to do GAF.

Measure opportunity costs of taking that job versus staying where you are. Is taking the new job for something seemingly short term (more money) worth the extra aggravation (more hours committed, more physical work, not something you want to do forever)? Are you going to be able to concentrate on your classes with this new job?

I had a similar choice about 4 years ago. I chose the money. I'm looking back on it now and wish I hadn't because I was attempting on going to school full time as a traditional student (I was in a position to do so then).

 

[Makai]

IMO, it's better to just take out a loan and enjoy your college years. Your career income will be a multiple of what you earn now and you'll pay off your loan really quickly.

 

[mm04]

I did it for a couple of years. The only saving grace really was that I already had a job in my career field as a developer. I actually took a job working the phones for market research. After a year or so of doing my best on that, management discovered I was working toward a CIS degree and offered me a gig. But I feel your pain. It makes you realize how easy it is just to go to school and how you can take that experience for granted. Then when you're done, it'll feel like wow, just working isn't so bad at all...

 

[Heartfyre]

It's tough, alright. I only worked weekends coming up to about sixteen hours a week, and some weeks were easier to deal with than others depending on course demands. The impact of it was worthwhile for me, as, even though I've gone through five years of third-level education to get my Masters, I'll be getting it not only debt-free, but having made a profit at the end.

Only because education is much more affordable in Europe, of course.

 

[Kill Your Masters]

So what I mentioned before has happened. I was offered a job that makes my earn considerably more than what I get now. Problem is that it requires 45 hours minimum weekly, it could be as far as 30 min away from where I live, and you have to be on your feet for almost 9 hour shifts. Also this job has nothing to do with what I am studying or what I want to do in life. I already signed up for morning classes starting September.

Don't know what to do GAF.

I did that. It had to do even with what I studied.

I am currently back to school again after 5 years of working a good earning job that got me to "pause" school. Though I only do 20h work and rest for studies, so not as hard as most here, its nice to see other people have a similar experience right now. We just need to hang in there and stick through it.

So I would say stick with the school if you can. If you finish you will earn considerably more, all while doing what you like. And you will have much more options with a degree, if you dont like your current job or want to work in another field.

 

[Slo]

IMO, it's better to just take out a loan and enjoy your college years. Your career income will be a multiple of what you earn now and you'll pay off your loan really quickly.

Will it? Make sure you're studying to be in a high demand, highly paid field. There's a lot of baristas out there that are complaining that they can't repay their $100k+ student loan.

 

[itsjustsurvival]

My last two years at college I worked 50 hours a week between two jobs and took 18 hours of class. After I finished college, I kept working two jobs for roughly 70 hours a week for a few years. Eventually, I got extremely burnt out. Not sure if I could ever do that again.

 

[injurai]

IMO, it's better to just take out a loan and enjoy your college years. Your career income will be a multiple of what you earn now and you'll pay off your loan really quickly.

Only if you're going into STEM fields. I could see this screwing someone over.

But I worked at the same time and it really really impacts your school. If you're not working, you should but in working hours into tackling academia participation. Research and all that. I really wish I did more. With a year left not sure I'll really make up the lost ground from having to work during school.

 

[terrisus]

Your career income will be a multiple of what you earn now

Only if you're going into STEM fields.

My Bachelor's is in Mathematics.
My previous .gif response still stands.

 

[Makai]

Will it? Make sure you're studying to be in a high demand, highly paid field. There's a lot of baristas out there that are complaining that they can't repay their $100k+ student loan.

Only if you're going into STEM fields. I could see this screwing someone over.

But I worked at the same time and it really really impacts your school. If you're not working, you should but in working hours into tackling academia participation. Research and all that. I really wish I did more. With a year left not sure I'll really make up the lost ground from having to work during school.

Starting salaries for liberal arts majors are $30-40k. Most college grads are not stuck in minimum wage jobs. Interest rates for most student loans are really low and interest does not accrue until after graduation. Go have some fun. Socializing is the most important part of college, anyway. The best way to network in college is to goof off with friends and friends of friends.

 

[terrisus]

Starting salaries for liberal arts majors are $30-40k. Most college grads are not stuck in minimum wage jobs. Interest rates for most student loans are really low and interest does not accrue until after graduation. Go have some fun. Socializing is the most important part of college, anyway. The best way to network in college is to goof off with friends and friends of friends.

8 years since I finished my Bachelor's
6 years since I finished my Master's

I've never earned more than around $20,000 in a year.

 

[params7]

Never done it. But graduated with honors. Hasn't done shit for me in the long run.

 

[zeemumu]

I was doing 30 hours a week on average while doing school from 8AM-7PM Tuesday and Thursday and working pretty much all other days. I ended up having to make some major alterations to my work hours and scheduling so I'd actually have time to do work.

 

[Pitch]

yeah it's not great hey

 

[kirby_fox]

My last semester of college I did this. It takes maximum amount of organization and little sleep.

I basically made it so the day I had one class it was later in the day so when I got off work I could sleep in or work on projects. The other days I had a full day of class and homework to do for the week. Then hanging with my girl at the time was in between classes and after work on certain days. Somehow had high enough grades doing this that I was on dean's list.

Lots of organization and you can do it.

 

[JB1981]

I got fired from my job at Target was so stressed out with school. Told a customer to go suck a dick. After that I only had school to worry about.

Lol yea that will do it

 

[Red]

Computer engineering. I'm in the prerequisite classes right now.

I'm doing computer science. Working 40+ hour weeks and have a kid on the way.

It sucks ass.

This is my second go at school, first time was a lot easier. Just hope I'm not wasting my time again.

 

[Makai]

8 years since I finished my Bachelor's
6 years since I finished my Master's

I've never earned more than around $20,000 in a year.

Sorry you fell through the cracks. I guess somebody has to be at the tail end of a distribution. I really have no explanation for your situation, but it's definitely not indicative of the trend. When people say education is the best investment, they are being quite literal. The ROI for a college degree from a state school handily beats the US stock market. This includes non-STEM "joke" majors.

 

[ant_]

worked 2 jobs and did research when i went to college. i basically never went to class

 

[InfiniteBento]

About to be doing this in a week. Pastry school from 6am to 1 then closing down my intelligentsia from 2pm to 9pm,every day of the week for the next 6 months

 

[Vicetrailia]

I feel your pain OP. I have two years left.

My wife works 30 hours a week as hr assistant and goes to college in HR.

I work 40-50 hours in sewer maintenence and repair and go to school for IE, but I'm trying to get a 2nd shift mfg job. It's hard, wish I could shed all responsibilities but I can't.

 

[terrisus]

Sorry you fell through the cracks. I guess somebody has to be at the tail end of a distribution. I really have no explanation for your situation, but it's definitely not indicative of the trend. When people say education is the best investment, they are being quite literal. The ROI for a college degree from a state school handily beats the US stock market. This includes non-STEM "joke" majors.

Well darn, that just makes me feel even worse >.>

 

[Fox Mulder]

I got a degree without working and went back to school while having a job.

Had to drop it since I couldn't balance both. Got to pay bills.

 

[Red]

Sorry you fell through the cracks. I guess somebody has to be at the tail end of a distribution. I really have no explanation for your situation, but it's definitely not indicative of the trend. When people say education is the best investment, they are being quite literal. The ROI for a college degree from a state school handily beats the US stock market. This includes non-STEM "joke" majors.

For more than 2 years after getting my bachelor's I was making less than someone with only a high school diploma. At least now I'm sitting pretty next to an associate degree level income.

Your graph makes me sad.

I wish education was a sure path to success. I graduated cum laude and scrambled for jobs for two years before saying fuck it and deciding to start over. I am willing to accept your cited stats as correct, but at first blush they seem hopelessly optimistic.

 

[Team Alucard]

Sorry you fell through the cracks. I guess somebody has to be at the tail end of a distribution. I really have no explanation for your situation, but it's definitely not indicative of the trend. When people say education is the best investment, they are being quite literal. The ROI for a college degree from a state school handily beats the US stock market. This includes non-STEM "joke" majors.

Show us the data that specifically focuses on people who graduated after 2008.

 

[Makai]

Show us the data that specifically focuses on people who graduated after 2008.

Just exclude 30+ year olds from the line graph.

 

[Acrylic7]

The main reason I had to drop out of college.

Doing art/creative work in class with teams and going full time was batshit stupid. Thats excluding the bills and bullshit.
Grades dropped rapidly and was super depressed which made my work in class seem bad. It got worse because my instructor knew my potential and when he saw me halfass something he just gave me a super low grade on my work.

Familys not good for shit also. My grandmother was the reason I was doing so well but after she passed the no rent or bills situation kicked in. I moved out but I still have to work so no school for me -_-

 

[terrisus]

Show us the data that specifically focuses on people who graduated after 2008.

Just exclude 30+ year olds from the line graph.

Although, to be fair, that excludes people who went back to school later - for instance, someone could have finished their Bachelor's in 2010 at the age of 40.


For what it's worth, that dip in the red line - I suspect I contributed to that point exactly >.>

 

[Makai]

For more than 2 years after getting my bachelor's I was making less than someone with only a high school diploma. At least now I'm sitting pretty next to an associate degree level income.

Your graph makes me sad.

I wish education was a sure path to success. I graduated cum laude and scrambled for jobs for two years before saying fuck it and deciding to start over. I am willing to accept your cited stats as correct, but at first blush they seem hopelessly optimistic.

So, that bar graph is the median of all age groups. I used this first because you get a return on your degree for your entire life, even after you stop working and start collecting social security checks.

Exclude education for a moment. You're probably doing really well comparatively to your peers.

 

[terrisus]

Well, hey, right now I'm in the 20th percentile.
Take that, 10th-percentilers!

Spoiler

feelsbadman.jpg

 

[Crimsonclaw111]

I'll be doing this soon enough. McDonald's is pretty good about working with a schedule right now but I obviously don't want to stick around doing that. Once I start veterinary work it's gonna be a struggle.

 

[Red]

So, that bar graph is the median of all age groups. I used this first because you get a return on your degree for your entire life, even after you stop working and start collecting social security checks.

Exclude education for a moment. You're probably doing really well comparatively to your peers.

Between 30th and 40th. Could be worse, I guess?

I'm not going to argue that my case is typical. But I've made like a <$2,000 dent in my student loans after paying $350 a month for three years due to interest. You spend all this time, money, and energy doing a thing, and if the payoff never happens it can be really damaging.

 

[dakini]

I did the same thing OP. I worked about 45 hours a week between two different jobs and took five classes a semester. I also managed to write an undergraduate honors thesis and graduate with highest distinction.

While I wouldn't say I liked working full time and going to school, it wasn't terrible either. All it takes is some self discipline. Know when you have to buckle down and get your work done and then actually do it.

 

[March of the Crabs]

I've been doing it for 2 years now. It's not hard really it just sucks having no free time.

 

[terrisus]

Re: Student loans - on the plus side, if you're on disability you don't have to make payments, and, if you're on disability for (I believe) 10 years (or some certain amount of years), they just go away.

I mean, I'm hoping not to be on disability that long...
But, just saying >.>

 

[FreezeSSC]

I worked full time and double majored in electrical and computer engineering. I ended up graduating way later than I should have but there were a couple things that I discovered later on that really could have helped me out earlier.

1. Make friends with other students, the serious ones at least. I seriously suggest trying to form a good study/support group. My GPA shot up to almost a 4.0 every semester after I did that.

2. Go to teachers office and get to know the TA if possible. Don't be afraid to go and ask for partial credit if you feel like your answers weren't far off, if you can explain your thought process and it makes sense I've gotten as much as half credit for answer.

3. Join some type of online tutor site, khan academy is big, but if your in engineering a cramster account is worth gold, don't just write the answers though make sure to understand what's going on.

4. Do your homework at least twice. One as a quick pass through and again in depth and takling the stuff you had to skip over on your first pass through. Flag things you didn't understand and ask your teacher/TA.

Once I implemented those things I went from being a 2.5 per semester student to a 4.0 student, all while working full time, had a girl friend, and still enjoyed somewhat of a social life. It was hard for sure but the ends have justified the means at least for me personally.

 

[ThisGuy]

Currently doing just this. It truly is hard. I'm going for my associates now, considering bachelors, but I'm not sure.

If life was milk and honey I would start my career with my associates and continue with a bachelors. But I'm unsure how to move.

Anyways, you're not alone, op. In this moment, we struggle. For the love of money. Someday we'll be spilling ones on strippers, full on lobster, sippin' sham-paggin.

 

[Kelsdesu]

Shoutout to anybody that does this or did it.

Shit is hard man. Currently I work around 38 hours weekly + go to school from 7 until 10:30 AM. I get home and then I have like 3 hours of "free time", which usually involves doing homework and then go to work.

I try to do some activities in between so I don't become crazy, but I still feel really tired. The past week I've had like an average of 5 hours of sleep every day, and today I woke up with a cold. I also feel like because I don't have enough time, my grades are not as good as they could be if I had more time to study.

Anyway, I don't want to whine too much as this is all for the better.

So yeah GAF, major props for my dudes who have a job and go to school at the same time. How do you do it?

I am 33, with a girlfriend,work 40+ plus hours a week, and a comp sci major. Trying to balance that shit is hard as fuck. My transcripts are littered with C's. Sall good though Op. We gon make it.

 

[Concept17]

I know your pain, OP. It's hard, but eventually you adjust and become machine.

I'm currently in my last year, work 30 hours a week, and go to school full-time (15 credits) I'm also married with 3 kids, and my wife works full-time as well. Shit is bananas.

Thing is, you kind of get into a rhythm after awhile. Pretty soon you're sitting down doing homework without having to talk yourself into it, and distractions become easier and easier to ignore, especially if what you're doing is something you're really passionate about.

Just keep at it, and it'll pay off in the long run. Your brain will thank you later. PS. Don't forget to exercise too!