Wasting my life, go get Bachelor's, finish well with DS12, Quill babbling, help me think thru

[EmseB]

I did my bachelor's entirely online while I was having babies and homeschooling. I stayed up way too late way too many nights and took some grades that I probably wouldn't otherwise (let's be honest, they were Bs, but still below what I knew I could do). However, I did it only for the piece of paper, really. There were a few classes where I really felt that the education itself comported with my ideas about education and the true purpose of university, but overall, not really much in the way of that.  If I was going to pursue the kind of education I really value and hope to provide for my kids and, you know, what I philosophically think education actually is...well, I'd have to actually go to a university that I thought was providing that kind of thing which wasn't possible or practical for all sorts of reasons.

 

The other thing was in my situation, my GI Bill was going to expire this year whether I got my degree or not.  I felt absolutely sick about letting that happen because that was one of the big, HUGE, MAJOR reasons I joined the military.  So I had to get the education I could where I was at and in some less than ideal circumstances.

 

So, I think if you just want the piece of paper to say you have it and time is of the essence and you're not looking for a particularly robust college experience, then you could start taking some classes online.  For financial aid and full-time status, my school offered 8-week terms within 16-week semesters.  So I would take two classes at a time, but 12 credits per semester, so I qualified as a full time student. Again, an 8-week class isn't going to be Education with a capital E, but it is college credit and it isn't easy by any means. I just feel like it's a different kind of difficult than, say, a great professor in a full semester class with Socratic dialogue and such.

Edited July 26, 2017 by EmseB

[Guest]

My $0.02 is that you should enroll in the orientation & observation class COMD 2400 through Utah State Online (1 credit, $325) and/or the Intro to Communicative Disorders class COMD 2600 (2 credits, $650) to explore whether Communicative Disorders is the right field for you and whether you like the USU online format. You can enroll in non-degree status and apply for the bachelor's program if you decide it's what you want to pursue. If you decide that you would rather study psychology, you've gained an understanding of what SLP's and audiologists do and hopefully the credits would transfer over as electives if nothing else.

 

Fall semester starts August 28th.

It is not the worst plan...

[Mom22ns]

What I would not do is enroll in psychology because it would offer an acceptable chance at a job. What I would do is follow Crimson Wife's advice and head toward what I REALLY wanted to do, because anything less will still leave you unsatisfied later. 

[luuknam]

I don't remember where you're at (iirc somewhere in TX, which is huge, of course). So, just throwing this out there:

 

http://www.utdallas.edu/bbs/degrees/slp/

 

You sound like you'd spend years of your old age regretting it if you did not finish a BS, so I'd finish one if I were you. I'd start by taking one class this fall (if you can still get registered at this point), and then maybe 2 in the spring if you feel you can handle all your responsibilities just fine. It's good that you're a straight-A kind of person... that will be helpful getting into grad school (which it sounds like you want to do). 

 

Personally, I don't know that I'd care much about commuting time... you can take the kid along with you and listen to an audiobook in the car, or just talk, and he can do homework while you're in class, or something. Or, you could leave him home alone, since he's 12. Of course, it does matter if it's a 1 day a week class or a 4 days a week class... I wouldn't want to commute more than 1-2 days a week for a part time enrollment, unless it's literally next door. 

[Liz CA]

Maybe this has already been suggested: Can you take one or two classes at a time? This would leave more time for ds. I agree with a previous poster that you can always get another degree but your ds will only be with you for a certain amount of time.

Taking one class per semester seems very little but it will add up, you can take 2 in the summer when / if your ds takes off summers from school. Lower level, basic prerequ's are often offered during summer and winter intercession.

[Guest]

What I would not do is enroll in psychology because it would offer an acceptable chance at a job. What I would do is follow Crimson Wife's advice and head toward what I REALLY wanted to do, because anything less will still leave you unsatisfied later.

I really want to do Psychology. :) Looking at the class schedule for this major at my in-state online U, these are all things I find fascinating. Where I like SLP is where psychology dovetails with struggling learners. I even have some notions about working heavily with homeschoolers. But I don't know - there could be a degree that fits better with what really interests me than SLP.

[Lecka]

I think taking Intro to Communicative Disorders is a great idea, too.

 

That way you can see what it is like, and it wouldn't take too much time away from your son.

[luuknam]

I really want to do Psychology. :) Looking at the class schedule for this major at my in-state online U, these are all things I find fascinating. Where I like SLP is where psychology dovetails with struggling learners. I even have some notions about working heavily with homeschoolers. But I don't know - there could be a degree that fits better with what really interests me than SLP.

 

 

I think most of these degrees have a fair amount of elective space, so you could fill those with stuff you're interested in. Like, take a bunch of psych classes as electives for communication disorders. 

[Liz CA]

I could start with one. I might do that. Part of my thinking, though, is that the scholarships are most often for FT students. Paying for my own college while I'm swimming in other tuition bills is part of what I find daunting. Althoug if I take only one class at a time, that isn't very expensive. So, maybe.

 

Haven't had time to read the whole thing but here a few thoughts: If you just need the BA/BS to get into grad school, you can get that from an online university out of state - has to be accredited of course, NOT Phoenix but it does not have to be Yale or Harvard either - look around the midwest. Many universities there are a lot less tuition than on either side of the country. There was on in Sioux Falls, MT and another in Kansas I can think of. They are set up for online classes because their location does not draw a lot of students but their per-unit fees do.

If grad school is the ultimate goal, you can then spend time to get into a grad school you want and select this carefully and spend more tuition money there.

[Wheres Toto]

Would you have to do college full time? Could you start with one class and see how it goes?

It is difficult to balance children's needs and your own, but your post sounds like your soul cries out to you to DO it. I would give it a shot. Best of luck!

 

I agree with this, and with Crimson Wife's suggestion of checking out the field with one class at a time.   

 

I know exactly how you feel where you really want that degree and it's important to how you feel about yourself and your life.  I did online school to finish up my biology and my business/marketing degrees, while working full time as a newly divorced single mom.  It was rough, but not nearly as rough as I found it at 18-20 years old.   That includes the live classes I took at a local university, they just weren't as hard as I remembered.  I think I was more used to being organized and working hard, not to mention I was there because I really wanted to be.  

 

I went to Thomas Edison for my online course, so an accredited state school as well.  TE is designed for adult learners so they have a lot of supports in place.  

[Crimson Wife]

What I would not do is enroll in psychology because it would offer an acceptable chance at a job. What I would do is follow Crimson Wife's advice and head toward what I REALLY wanted to do, because anything less will still leave you unsatisfied later. 

 

I would've saved the roughly $15k cost of my 2nd bachelor's plus 2 years if my 1st bachelor's were in Communicative Disorders rather than psychology. SLP just wasn't on my radar at the time I did my psych degree (at the time I was interested in Genetic Counseling so the major in psych & minor in human bio was relevant).

 

[Lecka]

Oh, I saw your last post. I wonder if you would like something special education-y?

 

I think speech therapy seems pretty technical.

 

I think it can matter a lot, as far as credentials, who is going to pay you.

 

If you are going to bill insurance, then you need the right credential for what you want to do.

 

If you want to work in a school, you need the right school credential.

 

If you think you will be privately paid, I don't think it will matter so much.

 

I also think you might look into being an aide, if you might want to do that. I think it is worth mentioning. I think that for some people, they get a lot more job satisfaction and a lot less paperwork and meetings.

 

If you expect to be privately paid, you might look into a program for tutoring, and not plan on a 4 year degree plus a masters degree.

 

Another degree -- who knows -- but I am mentioning it.... psychology plus some speech therapy (or just psychology) is a great background for getting a masters in behavior analysis (a BCBA). It is wonderful for helping children. I have heard Ball State has a cheaper (and quality) distance masters degree for it.

Edited July 26, 2017 by Lecka

[Guest]

I don't remember where you're at (iirc somewhere in TX, which is huge, of course). So, just throwing this out there:

 

http://www.utdallas.edu/bbs/degrees/slp/

 

You sound like you'd spend years of your old age regretting it if you did not finish a BS, so I'd finish one if I were you. I'd start by taking one class this fall (if you can still get registered at this point), and then maybe 2 in the spring if you feel you can handle all your responsibilities just fine. It's good that you're a straight-A kind of person... that will be helpful getting into grad school (which it sounds like you want to do).

 

Personally, I don't know that I'd care much about commuting time... you can take the kid along with you and listen to an audiobook in the car, or just talk, and he can do homework while you're in class, or something. Or, you could leave him home alone, since he's 12. Of course, it does matter if it's a 1 day a week class or a 4 days a week class... I wouldn't want to commute more than 1-2 days a week for a part time enrollment, unless it's literally next door.

I am in Maryland. A state school which I could reasonably commute to does have this: http://catalog.towson.edu/undergraduate/health-professions/audiology-speech-language-pathology-deaf-studies/#majorstext.

 

Commuting time *itself* is not really a big deal to me, but the larger advantage online is that I can do the classes any time of day or evening. With a physical college, there's always going to be some limitation as far as what classes you need and when they are offered. Even while attending the CC, that got a little hairy sometimes.

[Crimson Wife]

I really want to do Psychology. :) Looking at the class schedule for this major at my in-state online U, these are all things I find fascinating. Where I like SLP is where psychology dovetails with struggling learners. I even have some notions about working heavily with homeschoolers. But I don't know - there could be a degree that fits better with what really interests me than SLP.

 

Communicative Disorders has a bunch of dull courses- Anatomy of Speech & Hearing (which may be split into 2 courses depending on the school), Speech Science (which is basically a physics class), Phonetics, and Language Science (aka grammar 101) and, for many students though not me personally, Aural Rehabilitation. If you really don't have your heart set on becoming a SLP or audiologist, they are going to be really difficult to push yourself through.

 

Psychology was definitely more interesting.

[Crimson Wife]

Utah State Online does also have a bachelor's in psychology but I don't have any experience with that program so I can't offer any advice on it.

[Lecka]

For example -- you can go to things like Lindamood-Bell workshops, or Social Thinking workshops, just as you are (I think so at least). If you want to work with homeschoolers, and they may be private paying you, they may not care about your degree but care more about trainings.

 

I don't know -- it is just a thought.

 

If you live somewhere that public schools will pay for therapists to work with homeschoolers, then it is a different situation, but if people would be private pay then it might be something to consider.

 

You might do an on-line dyslexia program to be a dyslexia tutor, expect to be private paid, and not need a BA.

 

I think if you don't have a job idea, that is fine.

 

But if you DO have a job idea, then maybe flesh it out and think about where you would work, and see if credentials matter or not.

[Lecka]

If you do have any interest in getting a BCBA, I think psychology for undergrad is very good. They have a website bacb.com.

 

It is the only thing I know of that starts with a psychology undergraduate degree ;)

[luuknam]

If you do have any interest in getting a BCBA, I think psychology for undergrad is very good. They have a website bacb.com.

 

It is the only thing I know of that starts with a psychology undergraduate degree ;)

 

 

Or you could major in Applied Behavior Analysis (so sorry, also in TX):

 

https://www.unt.edu/pais/insert/ubehv.htm

[Seasider]

I understand. I'm sure a lot of us do.

 

I really like the one year plan - give it all you've got for son's 7th grade, to prepare him for 8th in ps. Then next year, you both go to school.

 

One year goes so fast. You aren't wasting your life. You're working a plan. Set yourself and your son up for success by laying groundwork and then being able to focus on your studies next year.

100%

[katilac]

This is definitely true for me. However, for me, an important part of that is being with other adults. My husband and I are talking about me working again (he's probably the most supportive homeschool husband EVER) but everything that makes sense include me working part time from home and I'm not sure if that would be too isolating to be life giving, if that makes sense.

Emily

 

Right?? My dh sent me a link to a work-at-home job, because we ARE homebodies, but I've been home for 20 years. I'm pretty sure I'm ready to wear grown-up clothes and talk to people in person. 

 

My youngest is graduating this coming year, so I won't be balancing homeschooling. I'm mostly worried about finding a job, period (see my thread on adult career decisions and reentering the workforce). 

 

Even if you are balancing homeschooling, you might still find a job out in the world. If you can make it work, and you wind up with more money than not working, I think you should take the 'not so practical' things into consideration as well. 

[Seasider]

That's an astute question. I think you know me well. It is true that I'm not much on "good enough." I want to be the best, lol. I want to be the one about whom the professor says, "Class, if you are wondering what I'm looking for in a paper, just look at Danielle's, because she got a 99.5."

 

It might be doable if I am taking only one class, or maybe two. But yeah, I am good at doing one thing at 110%, but not so much at doing a mediocre job at multiple things.

How does the saying go?

 

Wherever you are, be ALL there.

[Acadie]

A guy on my soccer team has a wife who is a former lawyer. She didn't like being a lawyer much. Now she is a recruiter for a lawyer temp agency and she absolutely loves it. Maybe that is something you'd like.

 

I have a friend who was in family law and the dynamics between exes and with other lawyers were so stressful for her that she thought she never wanted to practice law again. After a decade raising her kids, she's now working on estate planning and helping families with IEPs and really loves the time she spends helping people. Totally different energy than handling one divorce after another.

 

After we did our wills with a lawyer who had her own practice and worked part-time I was thinking estate planning looked like a pretty sweet gig!

 

Amy

[Seasider]

Ok, I hate to bring rain to the parade, but seeing there are some sandwich generation issues involved, where does caring for your MIL fit in? I know you do it in rotation with other family members - is that likely to continue? Would that be a factor in your timing?

[displace]

I really want to do Psychology. :) Looking at the class schedule for this major at my in-state online U, these are all things I find fascinating. Where I like SLP is where psychology dovetails with struggling learners. I even have some notions about working heavily with homeschoolers. But I don't know - there could be a degree that fits better with what really interests me than SLP.

What about psych education and testing/eval? States differ on requirements for testers. In my state you can do basic Evaluations with an education degree. An education degree with OG training can be an excellent career that you're probably mostly prepped for.

 

Maybe spend more time trying to figure out your ultimate game plan? I wouldn't personally get a degree just to get one if financially it would not help out and produce how you want it. You probably have a lot of experience with different specialists and maybe can honestly think what job you'd like to have and what it will take to get there.

 

I think I'd love to do Neuropsych testing but in my state I believe you have to be a PhD. I would consider lower degrees to do basically the same job, though. I'm not sure what careers a SLT can do (besides therapy).

[gardenmom5]

I agree with thinking hard about psych.  My friend's son has a BS in psych-  and is having to look into something else as he can't get a decent job unless he gets an advanced degree in something else.  (he doesn't want to do a grad degree in psych.)

[Bluegoat]

I'm surprised the requirements are so specific for speech path - here they are pretty wide open - I think psychology is a pretty common undergrad.

[Liz CA]

I really want to do Psychology. :) Looking at the class schedule for this major at my in-state online U, these are all things I find fascinating. Where I like SLP is where psychology dovetails with struggling learners. I even have some notions about working heavily with homeschoolers. But I don't know - there could be a degree that fits better with what really interests me than SLP.

 

Sounds like you are looking for an education / special ed degree.

 

Just wanted to add that in my state there are positions you can fill with an undergrad Psych degree.

Prison rehab, CBT and DBT (can get separate certifications) and AoD.

 

I would check what MD offers and then make a decision.

 

[Guest]

Ok, I hate to bring rain to the parade, but seeing there are some sandwich generation issues involved, where does caring for your MIL fit in? I know you do it in rotation with other family members - is that likely to continue? Would that be a factor in your timing?

It's a factor, but not a principal factor. Since there are six children taking turns of three months each, our turn does not come up but every year and a half. (Which of course, is not set in stone for all eternity; who knows how things could change as she ages.) Even when she is here, it isn't unduly burdensome. But I'm impressed you thought of that. :)

[Crimson Wife]

I'm surprised the requirements are so specific for speech path - here they are pretty wide open - I think psychology is a pretty common undergrad.

 

You can do an "extended" master's with a bachelor's in a different field where the courses that would make up the major add another year to the master's (3 vs. 2). But it was cheaper for me to do the 2nd bachelor's and pay undergraduate tuition vs. taking those same courses as part of an extended master's. And depending on the school, it could be a $20k difference.

[katilac]

 We are not struggling or barely scraping by, but it is clear to me that DH suffers from the fatigue of bearing the major earning responsibility for all these years.  

 

 

Same here! Even though I won't make nearly as much as dh, we could save a lot more, and the thought of losing his job isn't AS stressful, because there is some money coming in.  

[Crimson Wife]

Another factor for me personally is that I could start the 2nd bachelor's in any semester whereas many master's programs have to be applied for 6-9 months ahead of time. I decided end of April to go back to school and was able to start classes mid-May. If I had wanted to do an extended master's, I would've had to wait until the next application cycle the following fall, taken the GRE admissions test, etc.

[Seasider]

It's a factor, but not a principal factor. Since there are six children taking turns of three months each, our turn does not come up but every year and a half. (Which of course, is not set in stone for all eternity; who knows how things could change as she ages.) Even when she is here, it isn't unduly burdensome. But I'm impressed you thought of that. :)

It is admittedly a front-of-mind issue for me.

[Guest]

PS: the college must be following me around the web because I just got another email about scholarships for this fall! 😄

[Seasider]

Had I stayed in Law, this was the road I would have picked.

 

Wills, estates, and trusts... definitely.

What would you think of someone who was not previously a lawyer (but did have a BS) going back to school to become a lawyer in this sort of practice?

[JumpyTheFrog]

One thing nobody has pointed out: Going back to college sets a good example for your kids. It shows that being older doesn't have to hinder career changes.

[katilac]

One thing nobody has pointed out: Going back to college sets a good example for your kids. It shows that being older doesn't have to hinder career changes.

 

I'm not going back to college, at least not for a 2nd degree, but this is playing into my job search. I feel like I should find something interesting and challenging, so my kids don't think the choice is stay at home parent OR a career. 

 

I did have a career pre-kids, but I get the feeling they think the dark ages don't count  :glare:

[Guest]

One thing nobody has pointed out: Going back to college sets a good example for your kids. It shows that being older doesn't have to hinder career changes.

I do think this is true and I felt that way a lot when I was originally attending as an older student. I think it probably had a positive impact on DD, at least.

 

I actually have an inspirational quote by C.S. Lewis framed and hanging beside my mirror. It is, "You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream."

 

eTa: homophones

Edited July 26, 2017 by Quill

[elegantlion]

I did my first year of school all online. It worked good with homeschooling a non-morning child. I took 12 hours a semester and did my schooling in the morning and his in the afternoon. Granted, I was separated at that point so dinner or dinnertimes were not an issue. I was glad to have the year that way. By my second year, it was apparent I couldn't do enough online to make it work, so ds graduated a year early and started college. 

 

I would line out some class expectations, even if that means going to talk with someone in that department and she what that looks like long term. 

 

I understand the urge to finish your degree, I felt like finishing my BA was important, at least after I got started. 

 

My perspective has been 1. I spent years investing time and money into ex dh's business (not a great investment in hindsight). 2. I spent years investing into my son and his upbringing and his education. and 3. College is my investment into myself, both time and money investments, but so worth it. 

 

From the other end: My mom went to work when I was in high school. Before that she had been a stay a home mom. She worked retail, it was good for her and offered a nice investment package. I think she worked about 10-15 years and had a nice retirement for herself that only ran out a few years ago. I was proud that she was doing something for herself. 

[Seasider]

Short answer, as I am not nearly as qualified as some others to answer this.

 

Law school is very expensive with no job guarantees outside of getting on with large firms who offer to those with no children or major outside responsibilities. I would intern or shadow someone with this practice area before committing time/resources to 3 or even 2 accelerated years of study. Know exactly why you are there, better yet, get a full ride and graduate with as little debt as possible. You always want to have choices independent of student loan debt.

 

My tuition was scholarship paid and I will still be paying my loans for another 5 or so years... maybe more. That was after 2 stints in law school and graduate school.

 

Also, there is always Law Librarianship, but this also req.s a Masters of Library Science, some areas offer a dual masters/prof. program, been a long time since I looked at these programs tho so do your homework.

 

Best,

 

Rosa

Thank you. I feel like I've handled enough legal business to qualify as "shadowing"! Good point about cost, with a shorter span career the return on investment wouldn't be worth it without substantial scholarships/grants. Perhaps I should look at paralegal work.

 

I am really rather independent and would not really love to work too much under someone's thumb. I suppose I am considering more skilled/higher paying avenues for both a bigger paycheck and stimulating use of my grey matter. Reading and writing are strong points in my skill set, and I do like research. I need to get away from the kind of work I've done recently, too physically demanding and jobs that are not family friendly, schedule wise.

 

So, I've thought about the legal field. Still thinking...

[lauraw4321]

What would you think of someone who was not previously a lawyer (but did have a BS) going back to school to become a lawyer in this sort of practice?

 

Yes, if, and only if 1) You can go to law school for free and 2) you have a good community base or connection with which to build a client base.

[trulycrabby]

Okay, I have B.S. in Psychology, and a B.B.A. in Marketing. I got my degree because I wanted to study psychology, not because I was looking for a marketable degree.

 

You will love the educational experience of studying psychology. It is a fascinating field, and you will never be bored. It will teach you to write well and to analyze and do research. You can get jobs with an undergraduate degree in psychology, but they probably won't be in psychology-they will likely be in business.

 

When I was in school twenty-five years ago, psychology was undergoing a radical change: A shift from Freudian/Jungian schools of thought and psychoanalysis to behavioral and cognitive therapy. Neuropsychology was an emerging field, and so was industrial psychology/testing. So, if your interests tend toward these areas, then great!

 

My advice is not that different than most others: Take a few courses, see where that leads you, and don't be surprised if you end up liking or majoring in something else. While I was studying psychology, I was required to take several biology courses. The biology elective was Anatomy and Physiology, during which I discovered I LOVED learning about the human body, and lead to me studying nursing. So, I discovered my true passion" while studying something else.

 

Psychology may be your passion, and if it is, then get your degree and be prepared to get at least a master's. No biggie, if it is really what you really want to do.

Edited July 26, 2017 by trulycrabby

[Robin M]

I worked on finishing my bachelor's degree in liberal arts one class at a time through New York's excelsior university, while homeschooling. It took me a couple years longer but it was worth it. I had fun, learned much, and didn't interfere with household and home school duties.  Once I set the parameters with my hubby and kiddo on 'my study time' it worked out great.  I experimented with the number of classes and one is doable, two or more not so much.  

 

As for the wasting your life, if you find something you really enjoy, that's just for you, and learning and working toward a goal at the same time, then it's not a waste. One small step each day or each week towards that goal adds up.  Keep striving! Let your desires drive you forward.   We spend so much time like elegantlion said doing for our hubby's and kids, that we forget to do for ourselves.  All I had to do was tell hubby, I want to do this, and he said go for it.  Once I finished my bachelor's, I started learning about writing and taking lot more online classes. Now I'm writing and reading about writing, learning poetry and dabbling with drawing. All things I do for myself and I've learned not to feel guilty that I'm doing something for myself.  

 

So, my 2 cents is go for it.   Work towards your pyschology bachelor's degree, taking the courses you enjoy.  Taking one course at a time is better because it gives you time to fully concentrate rather than spreading yourself too thin.  

Edited July 26, 2017 by Robin M

[PrincessMommy]

I am in Maryland. A state school which I could reasonably commute to does have this: http://catalog.towson.edu/undergraduate/health-professions/audiology-speech-language-pathology-deaf-studies/#majorstext.

 

Commuting time *itself* is not really a big deal to me, but the larger advantage online is that I can do the classes any time of day or evening. With a physical college, there's always going to be some limitation as far as what classes you need and when they are offered. Even while attending the CC, that got a little hairy sometimes.

 

 I was thinking about this very thing earlier today as I was comparing my life as a SAH mom/grandma to my 21yr old daughter.  People probably think our lives are not dissimilar to each other  We all know they'd be WRONG.  Life is way more complicated and busy in unexpected ways as we become adults.    For instance, I'm hoping to take 2 classes this fall.  Except we might be moving (Locally) - that's a lot of stress and busyness.   A long-time family friend is in the later stages of cancer several states away.  I told my aunt I would drive her to and from the funeral when it happens because she can't be  driving and I really like this friend and have happy memories of her.  I'd like to pay my respects.  I also have a cousin who is also in the later stages of dying.  This doesn't even include normal weekly stuff like babysitting g-kids, getting son to school, and various appts., etc.  It would be way easier to do online classes instead of fitting my schedule into a B & M school. 

 

I've noticed that I don't deal with stress as easily now that I'm older.  Things like the above really stretch my ability function well in school.  

 

p.s. I didn't know Towson had online classes?   Can you get your complete degree just doing online?  Cool!!   

[Guest]

I was thinking about this very thing earlier today as I was comparing my life as a SAH mom/grandma to my 21yr old daughter. People probably think our lives are not dissimilar to each other We all know they'd be WRONG. Life is way more complicated and busy in unexpected ways as we become adults. For instance, I'm hoping to take 2 classes this fall. Except we might be moving (Locally) - that's a lot of stress and busyness. A long-time family friend is in the later stages of cancer several states away. I told my aunt I would drive her to and from the funeral when it happens because she can't be driving and I really like this friend and have happy memories of her. I'd like to pay my respects. I also have a cousin who is also in the later stages of dying. This doesn't even include normal weekly stuff like babysitting g-kids, getting son to school, and various appts., etc. It would be way easier to do online classes instead of fitting my schedule into a B & M school.

 

I've noticed that I don't deal with stress as easily now that I'm older. Things like the above really stretch my ability function well in school.

 

p.s. I didn't know Towson had online classes? Can you get your complete degree just doing online? Cool!!

No, Towson doesn't have many or any online degree programs. I was showing the Towson example as a commutable college that has an SLP program (both bachelor's and Masters.) The on-line program I am considering is UMUC; that is available fully on-line.

[bookbard]

I know what you mean about the urge to 'do something' . . . I think you should take advantage of it, rather than wait till when that urge goes away! 

 

I'm doing 2 subjects online per semester, and it's doable. It is very nice to get feedback from your professor saying, 'you're good at this, and I hope you continue'. 

[MBM]

I think you should definitely go back and already begin pre-studying or gathering information. It will enliven you and probably have a very good effect on your kids.

[SKL]

Knowing me, I'd probably enroll, but because you are homeschooling, start out with the lowest possible load that will still let you progress meaningfully.  And then increase the load next semester if it was a breeze.  :)

[Lucy the Valiant]

What a wonderful thread - thank you to all of you who have thoughtfully shared your journeys here! This has been a very thought-provoking thread for me personally. Thank you.

[sassenach]

Super timely discussion for me, as well.

 

Our original plan was for dd to go to school this year (8th grade) and for me to begin a more full load. Not quite full-time, but close. I started back last year, mostly with online classes. I'm hitting the end of the road as far as online class availability. 

 

It looks like dd is now going to be homeschooling for one more year. Neither of us really wants to, but it's the best decision in our current circumstances. 

 

I already dropped one class that I had on my schedule. I'm still wondering if I should drop another.  As it stands, I'll have about 11 hours out of the house each week, during school hours. She's a total self-starter, but that still feels like too much alone time. Some of that will be in spent in classes, but I'm not sure that they classes are going to be the best fit. It feels like I'm putting her in them for the schedule factor rather than how they benefit her.

 

I don't know.

 

Someone above posted about her husband's resentment of his mom back-burnering his homeschooling. That resognated with me. I'm really afraid of crossing that line into neglecting her needs for my own ambitions. I felt great about the balance last year. Online classes rock. I don't feel so great about spending 3 days a week out of the house, even if they're only part time.

 

Just writing it all out, I'm leaning toward dropping another class. I want to finish well. She's been a joy to teach and I don't want to close it out by abandoning her.

 

[Guest]

Super timely discussion for me, as well.

 

Our original plan was for dd to go to school this year (8th grade) and for me to begin a more full load. Not quite full-time, but close. I started back last year, mostly with online classes. I'm hitting the end of the road as far as online class availability.

 

It looks like dd is now going to be homeschooling for one more year. Neither of us really wants to, but it's the best decision in our current circumstances.

 

I already dropped one class that I had on my schedule. I'm still wondering if I should drop another. As it stands, I'll have about 11 hours out of the house each week, during school hours. She's a total self-starter, but that still feels like too much alone time. Some of that will be in spent in classes, but I'm not sure that they classes are going to be the best fit. It feels like I'm putting her in them for the schedule factor rather than how they benefit her.

 

I don't know.

 

Someone above posted about her husband's resentment of his mom back-burnering his homeschooling. That resognated with me. I'm really afraid of crossing that line into neglecting her needs for my own ambitions. I felt great about the balance last year. Online classes rock. I don't feel so great about spending 3 days a week out of the house, even if they're only part time.

 

Just writing it all out, I'm leaning toward dropping another class. I want to finish well. She's been a joy to teach and I don't want to close it out by abandoning her.

If you dropped another class, would that mean you're doing one class this fall? That might work for still making some progress but also still having a lot for her.

 

I am leaning towards it myself, taking one class this fall and one or two in the spring.

 

I remember when I was dithering over beginning college at all (I was 38). I was walking with DH back from the mailbox, flipping through the community college schedule of credit classes. I had a hard time making that decision, too. But as I walked up our long driveway, I said something like, "I don't know...what is the reason to do it, really?" And DH replied simply, "Because you would love it." I think I needed that "permission" to do it because I loved it. 😊 i'm so grateful to him for saying that.