So what's inspired you to get your degree?

[Sister]

For one thing, I find it embarassing that I don't have a degree. For another thing, if something happened to my husband, I'd have to be the breadwinner, and I can't do that without a degree. :(

[DRJ]

I was in somewhat the same positon as you. At the age of 50 I realized that not having a degree in a degree focused world was not the best position to be in so I have managed to accumulate 2 and 1/2 degrees in the succeeding 8 years. No matter what motivates you to pursue the degree please make sure you pick an area where you have a passion for the subject matter. Undertaking any schooling is a major commitment and being passionate about your subject matter helps on those long. lonely nights of study.

Good luck.

[kelkat]

The best way to be prepared for the work force is to get some experience! I have a degree, and it would be hard for me to go out and get a job since I've been at home for the last 8 years. However, I've been sure to use my degree in volunteer work and in social clubs. Now I'm adding to that by doing some freelance in my field. If I ever decide to head back out there, I can beef up my resume and jump on in.

For me, that's what the courses I take is about. It's more of a continuation of my degree.

[nomaster]

Good on ya DRJ!
I did most of my work before 50, then realized I wasn't having much fun.
I found myself in art school and enjoying myself again.
\"Find something you have a passion for.\" is the best advice, even if possibly the most difficult advice to follow.
Now, years later, I need to pull some loose ends together and get back on track with passion.

[DRJ]

In a way I can agree with kelkat that work experience is very important however that alone, in today's world, is not the only solution. I like the idea of doing some volunteer work as a means of demonstrating abilities. This is a great course of action for people who have been out of the work for some time but it is equally a path recent graduates can follow.

The bottom line is, unfortunately in my opinion, the degree (credentialism) has become a screening tool for many employers and a bit of a social status symbol.

For those who have work experinece but no degree there are some very legitimate schools that will help you work through a PLAR process to earn some college credits for the learning you have accomplished in life. The caution here is to watch out for those \"schools\" that give out a degree for life experience.

I think we are hijacking this thread so good luck to Sister in her efforts and I will look for your questions and observations in other conversations.

[FetznJtown]

I am working toward my degree because, ultimately, I want to earn my Psyd or PhD in psychology and become a child psychologist. I want to get into counseling and possibly deal with prescriptions (many states are now allowing psychologist in consultation with regular Md's to write prescriptions.) There are so few child psychologists in the area and there is such a need, sad and really frustrating.

[mtatum4496]

What got me going was a few major life changes. I survived a health scare and went through a divorce. The changes made me think more about the fact that I wanted to hold a degree that had significance to my work. So, I got myself a tiny cheap apartment and started taking night classes until I ran out of classes I could take at night. Then I looked around for a solid online program that would accept my credits and took it from there.