What should I do?

[Amethyst Rose]

Okay.... this might be long, so bear with me....

I graduated from university a year ago with my B.A. in English, and I'm currently supposed to be paying off $25000 in student loans. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a job in the months I've been looking, so I dont' have the money to pay and I've been dodging the creditors.

Now, the reason I got my B.A. in the first place, was so I could go into publishing and editing... books, magazines, whatever. I haven't had any success, however, in finding an entry level job (even though I have 2 years volunteer editing experience), in a publishing house. One of the people I applied to informed me that they only hire people who have formal editorial education, and she pointed me in the direction of a Masters of Publishing (Mpub) degree in a local university.

Now. I read through the program and I think I could get in, and I think it would be really great for me to take. However, it costs about $6400 for 16 months.

That's where the problem comes in. I can go for my Mpub degree, and we can really be hurting for money, but I wouldn't have to pay of my student loans until I was finished that degree. (I think) Or, I can try to get a reception or customer service job, and pay off my student loans (in about 4 years), and we won't have to worry as much about which bills get paid. Unforunately I wouldn't be able to work and take classes, as the program requires 40-60 hours of work per week.

So what do you think I should do? Should I go back to school for 2 more years? Or should I contribute to the family finances and just get whatever job I can find?

And no wussing out and saying "whatever you think is best" or "do whatever is in your heart"..... :)

[EasternPriest]

I'm not sure how it works in Canada, but in the US you can put off repaying student loans when going for an advanced degree.

Stopping now would help finances for now, but that extra 16 months could significantly add to how much you earn each year.

If you can scrape through for now, you will be potentially better off in the long term by going for the MPub degree.


Blessings........

[Lucidia]

well...

honestly, i wish i had gone to college a few years back when i got out of high school. I'm a (in my opinion) rather talented graphic designer, but talent isnt' doing it these days. Jobs are few and far between in the media/publishing industry it seems (unless you were in NYC, then i could find you a job in like 10 minutes). If you are already in debt, and i know the feeling, you might as well go for the masters... it will be worth it in the long run.

the design/publishing industry can be a toughie... i assume the masters would help a lot....

[rantnraven]

I'll be very frank here.

One can get out of debt with fair ease if needbe. Go for the education and repay the debt but, there is the bankruptcy opition if all else fails. They can take away your credit for a while but the education would last your lifetime.

Just a though.

RnR

[idusty88]

If you put off continuing your education, odds are you will never do so. If you accept a make-do job for now, odds are you will never get where you want to go careerwise.
I guess the choice boils down to 'get by for now OR get ahead later'.
Also, I'm surprised that when you researched your major and career options, it did not become evident at that time that you would need the advanced degree for employment.
Have you considered relocating? Would doing so open up an opportunity for you? Do you search the internet for job postings? Have you worked with an employment agency?

[Amethyst Rose]

Originally posted by idusty88
If you put off continuing your education, odds are you will never do so. If you accept a make-do job for now, odds are you will never get where you want to go careerwise.

Yes, that's exactly why I've been unsure as to what I should do. It's the money thing that's been holding me back, mostly.


Also, I'm surprised that when you researched your major and career options, it did not become evident at that time that you would need the advanced degree for employment.

Yeah...well that's a long story. When I originally went to university it was because I wanted to be a teacher. I did two years, and tried to get into the teaching faculty, but my grades weren't good enough. After the third year I tried to get in again, but all the spots (15) were already taken. I then decided to re-evaluate my decision to be a teacher. I decided that wasn't what I really wanted to do, so I opted for just getting my english degree, and going into editing. I did not do too much research on what was required to get into editing, until I was out of school.


Have you considered relocating? Would doing so open up an opportunity for you? Do you search the internet for job postings? Have you worked with an employment agency?

I have already relocated to be closer to jobs (from Alberta to B.C.), the only other move I could make would be to go to Ontario or New York.... but I'm not too keen on a move to a colder climate. Yes, I search the internet for jobs daily, and I am currently working with 3 employment agencies. Trust me, I've been working my ass off.

[Semele]

Go to school!!!! Always get that education. Never stop learning. P;us you can put off loan payments while still in school. Which reminds me, I gotta find something to go back to school for....soon!!!

I agree with most of the others in that if you can make it long enough to go back then do it. The rewards will last a lifetime and then the suffering your family deals with now will be a distant memory.

[Rick]

...what they all said. :D

[Amethyst Rose]

Thank you everyone, for all that you have said. I believe you have convinced me that I should go with it, so I will try to get into the progam. Woo hoo!
I am actually pretty excited about this.... it'll be really tough to get into the program, and it'll take a lot of work (I have to get a portfolio together, and references, and prove that I know enough about the business aspects, ie. accounting, management, marketing.)
Anyway.... my application has to be in by February 1st, so I have some time.... I also have to save up the money for the first semester by then....
If anyone else has any other advice to impart, I'm all ears :D

[idusty88]

Good Luck!!!

[Lavender]

Amethyst...

For what it's worth, here's my story...

I had just finished a 2 year marketing program at Cap College. I couldn't decide what to do next...should I get a job & work at paying off my student loan or go back to school...continuing at SFU? I decided to work for a little while & then go back to school at a later time. I started a parttime job that was supposed to be only a few weeks...next thing I know, I'm here now, 13 years later...same company, different job though. I met my hubby, got married, & had a son all in that time. I enjoy my job...they really appreciate me there. I love my family & would not trade them for anything. I have no regrets & I'm happy with the way things are. For me, that was the right decision & I'm glad for it. I wouldn't be human to say that I don't wonder, sometimes, what if?

Time is not something you can get back...you can pay off the student loans later...I mean, what's another few thousand when you already owe so much? As others have said, they can't take away your education...that's yours.