Should I go back to school?

[froggylover227]

Ok, I need honest opinions here. My situation goes like this: I was attending a traditional brick-and-mortar college, but had to leave because I got a full time job, and the classes didn't fit into my schedule. In the meantime, me and my husband have decided to try to start a family. I was starting to recieve bills for my previous schooling, and I was able to put some of them into postponement because I'm not really ready to start paying them back yet. Please, I don't want to hear the "if you can't pay your bills, how are you going to afford a baby" thing. I've heard it enough. And it's not that I can't pay them, I just don't want to. Mainly, because I've been thinking of going to on online schooling program. However, that would require me to take out more in student loans. While I wouldn't have to pay the old ones while attending, I would have to pay more off in the long run. My husband's job is really crappy, and he's trying really hard to get a new one, but he also wants to go back to school. I'm just so confused. I know right now, I want a baby more than anything. And honestly, I know financially we will be able to pull it off. I've heard plenty of people say "you are never really financially ready for a baby". But I'm so worried about the whole school thing. I can just not go back, start paying off the other loans, have a baby and continue on with my life the way it is. Or I could go back, accumulate more student loan debt, have a baby, hopefully get a better paying job with my new degree, and see what happens after that. I just feel that any which way I turn, I'm not making the right decision. It doesnt' help that my husband has previous loans that are currently postponed, but will need to be payed back, and he also wants to attend an online schooling program. It would be great to not have to worry about the old student loans being payed back right now if I attend that online program. But then I'll just have to worry about it later, come graduation. Can somebody please give me a little bit of advice. I feel so lost and could use some guidance. Thank you! 

[angsilva2000]

I believe its up to the person if they want to go back to school or not

[dcrotteau]

I think it's a real shame that young people have to pay so much just to get an education.  You look at other countries and a lot of them offer free education, which I believe it should be.  Maybe you could do the online schooling a little at a time.  It seems so often when young people put off getting their education, they don't get around to finishing it because life gets in the way.  I understand you wanting to have a baby, but maybe you should put if off until you better off financially, and you can get the education you want.  It's probably not what you want to hear, but I just believe that getting an education is so important, especially in today's world.. Good luck to you and your husband, I know it's tough out there.   

[kqa]

Try to find some inexpensive but accredited courses on line for your CORE courses if you haven't completed them, then transfer them. Be sure to work towards a degree that will help you with employment in the long run. I'm in the medical field because there is always work. Computer science is a good field too. Good luck!

[kapeh12]

Sounds like you might want to seek out a financial adviser to help create a plan for saving for continued schooling while addressing acquired debt.  A good adviser would help you find ways to take advantage of educational tax incentives while budgeting to pay down current debt.  One thing to consider about your past loans is if you want to start a family, you may also be looking for expanded housing - if that's the case, you'll want to have as much past debt paid down as you can before applying for mortgages to get better rates (not to mention saving up a down payment).

Then it would be having a plan for your education - if you are planning to start a family, will you have time to go to school full time, or would it be better to go part time (one or 2 classes per term)?  Full college or associate degree from a tech school?  If you take your time getting your degree, you may not need to get more loans to cover tuition, but budget to cover it.

You and your husband will also need to have serious discussions about what your goals are for the near term (next 5 years) regarding family and education.  Make sure you are both on the same page so you won't run into friction within your marriage as you both pursue the family and education desires.  If you are both agreed on the direction you want to take, you'll both be more focused and supportive of each other, and will have a greater chance of success in obtaining that shared goal.

[Timberlan127]

I'm sure you won't want to hear this advice but if you really love children and want to give your child the best I would wait a little longer for a child and get the education first. Then you will have more to offer a child. How much time will you have for your child if you are trying to get an education and work after you have it?

[madeara]

Hi,
Your education is your ticket to a bright future.  I would say get an education first.  Children can wait until you both are financially secure.  I wish you both all the best.

[camellia0]

First off, getting a degree from college won't guarantee that you will get a good job. There are a lot of us out here who went to school and due to the economy we have to 'settle' with something just to take care of our family.

Second, having student loans in deferrment is hurting you. You need to pay those loan, get them out of the way before you can think of more schooling.

Third, you mention wanting a family. Kids are expensive! and there's always the chance that a child can be born with health issues....then that's more money.


If hubby has a crappy job, you two need to gain more skills to get better jobs. It's not fair to bring kids into the world when you're having financial issues and then you will have to get help from the system.

[alice44]

It sounds like your plate is already full and adding children will make it worse.  Wosrk at paying off your debts.  Just not "wanting" to isn't good enough.  You owe - you should pay.  Figure out which of you - your husband or you - will benefit the most and most quickly from additional education.  In the mean time - keep your goals and working toward them.  Just don't be quite so frantic to start that family.  You will be a much better Mom if you don't have the financial problems. 

[Cuppycake]

Ok, I need honest opinions here. My situation goes like this: I was attending a traditional brick-and-mortar college, but had to leave because I got a full time job, and the classes didn't fit into my schedule. In the meantime, me and my husband have decided to try to start a family. I was starting to recieve bills for my previous schooling, and I was able to put some of them into postponement because I'm not really ready to start paying them back yet. Please, I don't want to hear the "if you can't pay your bills, how are you going to afford a baby" thing. I've heard it enough. And it's not that I can't pay them, I just don't want to. Mainly, because I've been thinking of going to on online schooling program. However, that would require me to take out more in student loans. While I wouldn't have to pay the old ones while attending, I would have to pay more off in the long run. My husband's job is really crappy, and he's trying really hard to get a new one, but he also wants to go back to school. I'm just so confused. I know right now, I want a baby more than anything. And honestly, I know financially we will be able to pull it off. I've heard plenty of people say "you are never really financially ready for a baby". But I'm so worried about the whole school thing. I can just not go back, start paying off the other loans, have a baby and continue on with my life the way it is. Or I could go back, accumulate more student loan debt, have a baby, hopefully get a better paying job with my new degree, and see what happens after that. I just feel that any which way I turn, I'm not making the right decision. It doesnt' help that my husband has previous loans that are currently postponed, but will need to be payed back, and he also wants to attend an online schooling program. It would be great to not have to worry about the old student loans being payed back right now if I attend that online program. But then I'll just have to worry about it later, come graduation. Can somebody please give me a little bit of advice. I feel so lost and could use some guidance. Thank you! 

[6265AT99]

Ok, I need honest opinions here. My situation goes like this: I was attending a traditional brick-and-mortar college, but had to leave because I got a full time job, and the classes didn't fit into my schedule. In the meantime, me and my husband have decided to try to start a family. I was starting to recieve bills for my previous schooling, and I was able to put some of them into postponement because I'm not really ready to start paying them back yet. Please, I don't want to hear the "if you can't pay your bills, how are you going to afford a baby" thing. I've heard it enough. And it's not that I can't pay them, I just don't want to. Mainly, because I've been thinking of going to on online schooling program. However, that would require me to take out more in student loans. While I wouldn't have to pay the old ones while attending, I would have to pay more off in the long run. My husband's job is really crappy, and he's trying really hard to get a new one, but he also wants to go back to school. I'm just so confused. I know right now, I want a baby more than anything. And honestly, I know financially we will be able to pull it off. I've heard plenty of people say "you are never really financially ready for a baby". But I'm so worried about the whole school thing. I can just not go back, start paying off the other loans, have a baby and continue on with my life the way it is. Or I could go back, accumulate more student loan debt, have a baby, hopefully get a better paying job with my new degree, and see what happens after that. I just feel that any which way I turn, I'm not making the right decision. It doesnt' help that my husband has previous loans that are currently postponed, but will need to be payed back, and he also wants to attend an online schooling program. It would be great to not have to worry about the old student loans being payed back right now if I attend that online program. But then I'll just have to worry about it later, come graduation. Can somebody please give me a little bit of advice. I feel so lost and could use some guidance. Thank you! 

Well, here's my take for what it's worth.  First of all you should postpone having a child until you are not only financially secure but really mentally ready (and I don't mean to say you're not).  It's just that children are a handful and take up ALL YOUR TIME, ATTENTION and LOVE.  Knowing that, maybe you could "borrow" a child from a sibling for let's say a month or so.  You would have to pretend it was your child and not rely on any other person except yourself and your spouse for all the needs a baby requires.  Food, diapers, toys, place to sleep, doctor visits if needed, medicine when sick, etc.  Now, remember if you choose to continue your education, whether it be online or in class, you have to factor this into your "daily" living habits which now include a child.  After your "trial" period you may think twice about adding a child to your lives right now.  Well, either way you go, I do sincerely wish you and your spouse much luck.

[reiddb]

I like the financial advisor advice....also, look into clep testing at a local nightschool type thing.  You can take out texts from the library and study helps for these tests and waive out of over half your associates for a fraction of the cost.  Starting a family and attending school and work...wow~you might really regret doing it all at once.  Why do you want to start a family? I want to give everything I can to the children I brought into this world.  Maybe having a baby just so someone else can raise it (ie babysitters/daycare/school) while you go to school or work, isn't the best thing to do right now.  I hope the best for you!

[Ittai]

  I always tell people to cont school..!I can also say that now of days you cant always think that when you finish school you can just get what you want or what you went to school for..If you go to school do it for your self...its one of those things in life that you can say i did that..! 

[TheManWhoCan]

Totally go back to school if you have the time and money, it opens up way more career options and options for a higher salary.

[hawkeye3210]

Well, if you are simply putting off paying your loans because you don't want to, I question if you are mature enough to start a family.