So a funny thing happened on my way to getting to where I wanted to be in life. When I wrote my first post for this Blogg I was gainfully employed and wrapping up my bachelors degree (finally) at 30. Well along the way, life did what it does so well and threw a good o'l curve ball. I am now unemployed.
But don't mistake my current assessment of my state as despondent ranting. No sir (or madam), this is not self pity, it is my opportunity to share my experience thus far. I am genuinely turning a negative into a positive. I'm finding that proverbial silver lining.
First things addressed where my classes and how much time I had to address some of them. I was able to turn one of my independent studies into actual class time. Dear reader, if you have ever wondered if there is still value left doing in-class time let me assure you there is. It might be easy to fall back on the convenience of online learning. The complete openness of many syllabi given out by professors that rely on your own desire to complete the course successfully. The reason for that may simply be because of the attention that needs to spent on students sitting in classrooms.
I am thankful that I was able to convert half my courses into traditional sit downs. It simply has given me more context for the materials being learned. And i've found all of my professors at WSU to be both sympathetic and encouraging to my newly acquired freedom from worker bee life.
While going through the process of unemployment insurance I also learned something important. Something that will change the course of my life, and I am not exaggerating. Section 30.
Did you know that if you are laid off and desire to truly engage in bettering your chances at future success the state will assist you? Basically a section 30 removes the stress of seeking for work in liue of perusing some valid training or education. They are letting me finish school and make myself marketable again!
Having gone through two layoffs in the same sector i couldn't have prayed for a better opportunity to avoid this self deprecating experience again. Besides finally finishing my first degree at WSU, i have enrolled in a second degree program at UMass Lowell to attain a second bachelors in Database administration in IT. I will hopefully be prepared for a market that has more work than qualified people to fill it.
One thing I can't stress enough to those of you still in school is simply to finish. Finish while you can, don't chase the quick dollar, unless you're in dire circumstances. Even then, my wife managed to finish her degree in five years while working full time. Stay focused and be prepared to keep learning beyond your first four years. It's a tough world out here but with the support of experienced faculty willing to back you up you can get by just fine.
I know I will.
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