College Degree Hell worth it?
I work as a lead developer. I got my first job before graduating... And recently started working towards finishing that. I'm in a world of extreme frustration right now. Basically I have 140 college credits no degree 40 hours of upper levels. I have 20 something more credits to get a degree. I keep questioning if this is seriously worth my time and effort. Basically schools eats my weekends right now. (I'm doing a full course load online). In my dreams there is a place that looks over my course work and says you know that is work a generic BS of applied sciences and just gives me the sheet of paper.... Alas that doesn't ecist. So here I am constantly debating whether or not school is worthwhile. What do you think is the effort worth the paper career wise?
I guess it depends on how much experience you have. If this doesn't get in the way of your ability to find another job/doing what you want, you don't care what others think, and you have nothing you want to learn from taking those courses, then it's probably not worth it.
Get it
If you’re frustrated about the time that’s going into it, think of it as the time you didn’t spend when you didn’t get it earlier. Also, think about how all the money you presumably paid for those 140 credits is wasted unless you get this piece of paper! Maybe next quarter/semester try a lighter load, though, to maintain sanity.
Yeah, one thing that has certainly kept me going so far is the sunk costs. Consensus is in keep at it! Once I get through this semester that might seem more realistic. 2 summer courses, 3 in fall and 2 in spring and I'm done.... Will have only taken 9 years. In that time my wife had gotten her undergrad and finished a PhD hahaha. I am not school inclined at all, I dont know what she will do without it!
And it’s harder to stay engaged and see the sense in it when you’re doing it online. Having done a couple of courses that way, I can agree that it felt more like just checking a box rather than having a meaningful learning experience. Hang on, it’ll be over before you know it!
I was in a similar situation years ago so used MS tuition reimbursement to finish my BS degree. It's an important credential to have if you ever want to switch companies. You've done almost all the work, just push through and finish the rest!
I was debating that when I did my part time MS while working at FANG full time. Took me 7 years to finish, it did teach me persistence and a lot of the later courses help me in my later career. I'd say finish it at your pace but dont give up unless you have an unexpected child.
I think if you’re at a solid company and are able to get interviews without it then it might not be needed. If you ever want to work abroad, then you should definitely have it ready.
Get the paper. It will limit your mobility and/or compensation if you don’t have it. I have a senior colleague that does not have a degree - this individual has told me about the difficulties experienced getting companies to be willing to consider said colleague due to lack of degree despite solid track record