by Beks
First off, I know I’m going to tick off a lot of folks by talking about the free college thing again while giving zero information as to why. Let’s put it this way, there are lots of reasons someone might not want to tell you why they are getting something for free – especially when it’s a big thing for ‘free’. Divorce, loss, death, military, disability, etc. Seriously folks. Lots of reasons. It’s a part of my life that I’m not open to talking about. Just understand it exists. Sorry. I hate that.
I’m bringing it up again because there’s something I didn’t share. I qualify for it as well. Tuition. Any school of my choice. Any degree of my choice. The ‘event’ that qualified me for it didn’t happen until after I graduated from undergrad, so I had to pay for that, but I’ve been debating graduate degree lately.
Here’s the problem. I don’t know if I want it. Yup. I just said that. People go hundreds of thousands into debt for it and I’m like…meh. Something about looking a gift horse in the mouth. But here’s why, it would be a 1-2 year commitment with lots of late nights attending classes and studying plus the cost of books. Sure, I’d get my MS but for what? I’m really happy with the job I have now. I don’t work crazy hours. The team that works for me is a reasonable size and I don’t lose a lot of sleep over them. I get paid enough to pay my bills, invest for retirement, and have a little extra. Sure, I don’t have nice clothes or take crazy vacations but that’s not my jam anyway. My boss is talking about moving me into a role to supervise more people and all I can think is…Ack. No!
Mo Money. Mo Problems.
I applied for a graduate program at the local college, though I may look closer into one online since that’s a bit easier, and my husband is SUPER supportive but I’m so torn. I’m applying because it’s free, not because I have any desire for it. I know it’s a bit of a weird situation but I’m wondering what the BAD readers would do. Get a degree even though you are happy where you’re at? Or decide to forgo the degree and enjoy a margarita? Better yet, be home each day to hug my kids and play tickle monster. That’s pretty appealing. When is enough, enough when it comes to work and money? What are your thoughts?
As some background, the benefit never expires. I could wait until I’m just about dead to use it.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.