DH is 35 and wants to return to undergrad

[Anonymous]

My DH is 35 and now regrets that he never finished his college degree. He has been able to make a relatively decent career within the beltway based on connections that gave him access to position that he would not have otherwise qualified for. He has finally maxed out on where that would take him. I've spent years encouraging him to go back to school, but he's the type that won't move until he is absolutely ready. Now we have two small children and he wants to go back. FWIW, I have an undergrad and graduate degree, and a very secure, decently paying job. It wouldn't be enough to support the family on my own.

Questions:
1. Should I support him going back or is it too late? Should he think about starting his own consulting business?

2. With all of the new adult online degree programs; how long would it take?

[Anonymous]

No night classes or respectable online courses?

Depends on how long you can survive on your salary and how much more money your husband would be making with a finished degree.

[Anonymous]

OP here,
He would definitely go for a respectable online program.

[Anonymous]

How many hours does he need?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here,
He would definitely go for a respectable online program.

oxymoron

[Anonymous]

75 hours. He's essentially starting from the beginning. If it were only a semester or so this would be a no-brainer. He has so much experience that I'm sure a degree would allow him to double his salary in just a few years.

[Anonymous]

Never too late. Support him through it, it will be well worth it. Even if it takes a few years, time flies by.
35 is young. What you don't want is to be 40, 45, 50 and say, "if I had gone back when I was 35...."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here,
He would definitely go for a respectable online program.

oxymoron

Thanks for your input!

[Anonymous]

Can he go part time? One of my good friend's husband finished an engineering degree part time while working full time. It took a while, but that way he can still earn some income.

[Anonymous]

OP here,

Yes, he would consider part-time. I think he has anxiety about what he would do if he suddenly lost his current position. It would be very difficult to start shopping his resume before he has completed his degree.

I really do know that 35 is young. My dad finished his graduate degree when I was in middle school. But of course to him, 35 with 2 children sends him into panic and he's full of regret.

He has seriously considered independent consulting, but that's not secure either.

[Anonymous]

My uncle finished his degree with two kids. He had an associates and went back for a bachelor's degree on nights (and weekends?). I think he should go for it. Short-term pain for long-term gain.

[Anonymous]

Where you being sarcastic when you said thanks for your input to the person who said that a respectable online program is an oxymoron? If so, that's not a very good attitude. People are trying to give advice, and I think that poster was spot on, especially in the DC area where people judge schools.

Maybe he could find a program for he did one class a semester, in state. It would take a long time, but it wouldn't take as much time away from the family.

[Anonymous]

I went back to school when I was 35, with two kids in elementary school. I already have a bachelors degree but am getting another on in a different field that will lead to more and more lucrative work in the field I'm in now. I am working part time and going to school part time. Taking between 3 and 4 classes each semester plus summer semesters. I am either working or doing school 7 days a week. It is exhausting and totally doable. My boyfriend works full time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where you being sarcastic when you said thanks for your input to the person who said that a respectable online program is an oxymoron? If so, that's not a very good attitude. People are trying to give advice, and I think that poster was spot on, especially in the DC area where people judge schools.

Maybe he could find a program for he did one class a semester, in state. It would take a long time, but it wouldn't take as much time away from the family.

Yes, actually I was being sarcastic. I don't think "oxymoron" person was trying to be helpful. I don't typically post here because I don't have time for useless snark. I was looking for insight from people that have something helpful to offer. I don't know when you last researched online universities. We said "respectable," so that doesn't mean University of Phoenix. GW, Georgetown, Northwestern and many other schools offer online programs. And you don't have to note that you took courses online on your resume.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went back to school when I was 35, with two kids in elementary school. I already have a bachelors degree but am getting another on in a different field that will lead to more and more lucrative work in the field I'm in now. I am working part time and going to school part time. Taking between 3 and 4 classes each semester plus summer semesters. I am either working or doing school 7 days a week. It is exhausting and totally doable. My boyfriend works full time.

Thanks! You are inspiring.