second degree

[rocio]

i'm thinking of going back to school and getting a second degree. Tell me if you guys think this is a stupid or selfish idea:

 

-I already have my ideal career. Although a second degree couldn't hurt, I wouldn't be doing it to further my career.

 

-I have a husband still in school and, of course, his schooling has to take priority.

 

-I have a child to take care of.

 

So it doesn't make alot of sense to go back to school, does it? But I want to. I'd like to take 1 or 2 courses per semester. Maybe do engineering or physics. Do people do that? ..get degrees for the fun of it? Do I need to grow up and focus on more serious matters?

[Censored]

Do what you want to do. I am not sure why though, if it will not add value to your current career path prospects. It is a lot of hard work and long hours to do for fun. There are other more interesting and casual ways to learn about things, if it is more about overall knowledge and education that your striving for.

 

Maybe do your Masters, PhD or something in your chosen field.

[rocio]

I would love to but I already have my M.A. and a PhD would take 15 years to do while working and taking care of my family.

[Suesser Tod]

I would love to but I already have my M.A. and a PhD would take 15 years to do while working and taking care of my family.

 

Don't know how old your son is, but consider that as they grow up they require a bit less of attention, so you may be able to put more hours into your studies and get your PhD faster.

 

IMHO, I'd go for the PhD, I don't see a point on a second degree of a lower level than the one you have already got (the M.A.).

[Russ]

Do you have the spare time?

 

I know spending time with your child is important, but if you see yourself wanting to expand your mind, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. There's also nothing wrong with wanting another degree for fun. I personally started a small business for fun recently. If it's going to expand you, you should go for it.

[WaterIsLife]

I think education for education's sake is great! Go for it! Of course, only as long as you can maintain the proper balance in your life. But I think this is a great way to expand yourself. We need to get into different things from time to time, otherwise we stagnate, you know?

[CaptainPlanet]

Physics is gold I don't think getting a physics degree or doing a few units is a waste of time or selfish at all, if you could become passionate about it.

 

I think you should definently do it.

[CaptainPlanet]

Wouldn't it be easier to learn about physics in your own time ? there are tonnes of lecture notes and course materials posted on the web. You could hire a tutor for the bits you don't understand.

 

I love history, but I wouldn't study it, I learn about it as much as I can in my spare time.

[rocio]

Wouldn't it be easier to learn about physics in your own time ? there are tonnes of lecture notes and course materials posted on the web. You could hire a tutor for the bits you don't understand.

 

I love history, but I wouldn't study it, I learn about it as much as I can in my spare time.

 

I'm also quite competitive. I'm not just interested in having knowledge. As a matter of fact, I tend to forget pretty much everything I ever learn. It's more about the experience. ...if that makes any sense.

 

Also, I do read lots of books and watch documentaries but it's not quite the same.

[DaDancingPsych]

If you want to, why not? Some people just enjoy school and taking classes, it can not hurt to continue educating yourself! It may even be something exciting in your life to avoid getting bored with your current job.

 

You have, however, pointed out some obligations that you need to be aware of. If you can balance all things, GREAT! If not, then you may need to look at your life and prioritize. Maybe it's not the right time to go back.

 

Good luck!

[Batya33]

Sure why not? Just do the number crunching first which I am sure you will do. I plan to get another degree at some point - love school.

 

Good luck!! (just remember that most young children have trouble pronouncing the word "physicist" ;-)

[rocio]

(just remember that most young children have trouble pronouncing the word "physicist" ;-)

 

lol batya33

[Batya33]

Only because I heard a 6 year old say once when she was asked what her daddy did:

 

"My daddy is a fithithist"

[CaptainPlanet]

well then ur the economist

 

if its going to hurt your family it is selfish, if ur not working and u can afford it, why not ?

[pacman]

It will take alot of time, many years to get a degree in engineering while only taking one or two classes, and they will be a lot of work.

 

If you are interested in it, Id say go for it, but you dont have to neccisarily get the degree, you can just take some classes for the fun of it and to gain knowledge.

 

 

Also at my college, while they do have some night classes, most of the classes in engineering are during the day, so it wouldnt be possible to take them while working a 9-5 40 hours a week.