Since somebody asked, I'll explain my education woes for a minute.
I was really stupid and my parents were going through a divorce in 1996 (the year I graduated from high school). Basically, my mom dumped me at USC when the ink hadn't even dried on their divorce, moved to Massachusetts and expected me to be ready to handle all that. Surprise, surprise, I was not. So, I lasted one semester then dropped out because I couldn't handle the pressure.
That back story to say that I've pretty much been in school off and on since then, trying to get my Bachelor's Degree. I've moved to various states and each time would lose a little of the credits I had earned.
In 2006, I moved back to South Carolina and started at USC. I knew this was it and I was going to finish no matter what. In May 2009 I FINALLY got my Bachelor's Degree in English and enrolled in the MLIS program, also at USC, for August. May 2011 (the day before I got married), I got my Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from USC.
I guess I should back up and say literally this entire time I have been working full time and going to school full time. Actually, I have been at my current job exactly 4 years ago today. I am a legal assistant which basically is a nothing position (no offense to any legal assistants out there). You need no degree to do it and I will absolutely never do anything higher in my company. So, I get this job while I'm still working on my Bachelor's and also while I was in Graduate School.
Now I sit with three degrees (I actually got an Associate's Degree along the way somewhere but that isn't important). I have the same job I had four years ago with no degree and 200+ applications later, the prospect of going somewhere else doesn't look quite so realistic. Couple that with the fact that, on paper, I should be making at least $15,000 more than I am now because I have an advanced degree and I feel like it's a complete waste. I could have saved myself the $100,000.00 debt (which is probably in default because I cannot afford the $700 a month payment because of my current salary), the years of headache and stress and just stayed where I am now. Instead, I could cover my house, your houses and all of our cars with the rejection after rejection I have received.
You mean you didn't think to tell me we had that in common (same jobs)? Haha! Yes, I feel you...that's why I am back in school! I have a bachelor's degree that isn't appreciated and work mostly with other legal assistants with basically no education. But...hopefully one day all this education will pay off for us both! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have been contemplating this post more and had a question. Since you have both a library science degree and a background in the legal field, have you thought about a job in a law library? You may have already looked into it and applied though. If Charlotte wasn't too far away, you might could apply at CSL (my school). Just wondering!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely something I've thought about. All the law library positions I've seen you have to have a JD to do them. I'd love to go to law school but I didn't know there were part time or night programs available. USC doesn't offer those. I tried to find a job in Charlotte but have had no luck thus far. I'm in Columbia so I'm not far at all. I definitely feel stuck right now!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have 2 aunts that have master's degrees in Library Science. 1 worked in a public library and 1 was a school librarian.
ReplyDeleteThat sucks about the student loans and not being able to find a (different/better) job. That said, I don't think that getting an education is ever a waste. Even if it's not helping you right now you are more likely to have a job and a better job in the future with more pay. I'd bet that it influences the way you parent too. You are a good role model for your kids.
I hope something comes through in the future. I got my master's 8 years ago and love my job (which I couldn't do without a master's) so maybe being patient will pay in the end.
This felt very rambly and doesn't make much sense. I was really trying to be supportive- I hope it came across as such! Man, I need to go to bed!
Not all legal assistants are bad..... haha :) Too bad my nursing degree doesn't help now!
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