Decisions, Decisions

[severine]

Maybe the elite band of members of AZ can help me with a dilemma....

Next semester I need to take 4 classes in order to get my grants. I'm stuck 50/50 on pros/cons for the classes I've chosen and the alternate plan. So here are the 2 scenarios and maybe you can tell me which you think is better...

A) classes: Tue/Thur 2-3:15 30 min away, Tue 6:30-9PM 10 min away, Wed 6:30-9PM 30 min away, Thur 6:30-9PM 10 min away

pros:
*only 3 days/nights a week consumed by classes (slightly more time for recreation)

cons:
*need to find a babysitter for the day classes (and may miss classes when kids are sick since I can't send the kids to a babysitter when ill)
*Tue/Thur suck because I'll have to run back from class to get the kids, bring them home, make dinner, and run off to classes in town

B) classes Mon-Thur nights 6:30-9PM (Mon & Wed 30 min away, Tue & Thur 10 min away)

pros:
*less frantic getting to classes
*no need for a babysitter
*more time to complete assignments between classes

cons:
*4 nights consumed (less time for recreational activities for both of us)

The day class in question is required and technically I'm supposed to take it the first time it's offered off the Storrs campus. However, I've already spoken with the English department at my home campus and they will be trying to offer it there next year. They also felt I would have no problems getting an extension considering the kids situation (and that there is no child care offered on the campuses). I contacted the professor about this day class to see if she'll be offering it soon as a night class and she said she will never offer it as such; there's too much material to cover to do it in one chunk.

It is kind of funny because it's an Intro to Literary Studies course and I'm already halfway through my English degree requirements... but whatever. It's a new requirement so I have to fulfill it. If I don't take it this semester, I still run the chance of it being a day class next year (home campus was going to see if they could get it as an evening course at least), but by then my daughter will be in Kindergarten and so there's a chance I'll only need child care for one of my kids.

What would you do?

 

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

b

 

[playoutside]

I thought option A looked good ... figured you could study between sessions...then you mention the logistics hell you would have and I would go with option B. I think the predictability, no need for sitters makes it very appealing. Why add all that grief to your life to get a small amount of time for other activities. I'd always choose the predictable approach to avoid all the grief from all the running around.

 

[Geoff]

B is kind of a no-brainer.

 

[koreshot]

B all the way

 

[bvibert]

I biggest thing I'm worried about with the B option is not taking that mandatory class, which may or may not be offered next semester... Plus 4 nights a week is going to suck.

 

[ctenidae]

B.
When I finished my undergrad and then when I got my Master's, I found it much better to endure the grind of 4 nights with certainty than having more "free time" with the risk of variability. The required class thing could be troublesome, though- and only you know how that is looking.

 

[MRGisevil]

Carrie- I think the first year or two of our relationship Tim and I probably saw each other once a week because I was either working, working my second job, or in class, full-time. At that point in life I lacked any forum for recreation/socializing but, to be honest, I "missed it" much more before I started; once I was involved in classes I didn't even notice that I didn't have time for a hike or a bike ride or whatevs. So I say, regardless of the option you choose, do what you gotta do, Sister- social life is irrelevant until you have that degree in hand.

 

[Swamp Dog]

another vote for B.

 

[Trekchick]

I biggest thing I'm worried about with the B option is not taking that mandatory class, which may or may not be offered next semester... Plus 4 nights a week is going to suck.

For the reasons that Brian said, I'd go with A.

If you miss that mandatory class, you will be hurt in the long run, and I am aware of the time you've spent on your family in the past year which is very important to you in the grand scheme.
I sincerely wish you had family close by who could help. I know how much my sister appreciated having my mom and me to take my niece and nephew from time to time. Funny tho, I valued that time with them a ton and really miss them.
Damn kids, why'd they have to grow up!

 

[RootDKJ]

From one adult skiing student to another, B.

 

[severine]

I'm now leaning heavily toward B. It's not social life that's the deterrant; it's actually my mental and physical health. Without time to get out there and get my exercise ALONE, I get worn down and the pounds pile on. Last semester was a prime example of this and I only had 2 classes going. Still, it's only for 16 weeks and then I'll have a little over a month off to recharge before round 2 starts. I suppose I can make it.

As for the concerns on the required class, when I spoke with my advisor about it, she felt it was not an issue. They will be offering it regularly (as in, once a year) so if I don't get it this year, there's always the next one. Technically I wasn't going to take it in the Fall initially anyway; it wasn't until I was offered the grants for full-time attendance that I considered it. So I was already given the okay to delay the course. I will absolutely have to take it in the 2010/2011 academic year, but that buys me some time to figure out the childcare issues at least.

So after late August, don't expect much from me until December. I will be busy keeping up with: The Modern Novel, American Studies (English class with extensive writing assignments), The American Revolution, and World Religions.

 

[Warp Daddy]

Carrie- I think the first year or two of our relationship Tim and I probably saw each other once a week because I was either working, working my second job, or in class, full-time. At that point in life I lacked any forum for recreation/socializing but, to be honest, I "missed it" much more before I started; once I was involved in classes I didn't even notice that I didn't have time for a hike or a bike ride or whatevs. So I say, regardless of the option you choose, do what you gotta do, Sister- social life is irrelevant until you have that degree in hand.

Marge is on target - keep a laser focus on getting your degree in the most expeditious way possible. Don't tarry a bit . Every year or semester you extend will cost you EARNING power and if you are going to be a teacher even more importantly RETIREMENT credits .

You are young i can tell you i was in school and working full time thru both my masters and doctorate and so was my wife . And strangely because i started my PhD later in life my daughter was in college too .

Sacrifices are better to make NOW so you can enjoy the fruits of your education earlier and make the most of you potential career and earning power. BUT all that said -- ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THE DETERMINATION OF WHAT IS BEST

Good luck, i have every confidence in your ability to do what is BEST

> BTW in one of my former lives while serving as Dean of Life Long Learning and Extension we always got soft $$$ for DAY CARE and other forms of assistance -it wasn't huge $$ but it helped those with the most severe need-- i'm amazed that in todays world this is no longer availble

 

[Johnskiismore]

Agree with the advice above!

 

[jaywbigred]

Option B seems like a no brainer. Being an adult student isn't fun, I am going through it now, but you have to make your decisions based on what will keep you sane. I think the cons on A, esp. having to drive to and from to get your kids between classes on T-Th, outweigh the cons on B, imho.

Good luck! It will be worth it in the long run!

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Option B seems like a no brainer. Being an adult student isn't fun, I am going through it now, but you have to make your decisions based on what will keep you sane. I think the cons on A, esp. having to drive to and from to get your kids between classes on T-Th, outweigh the cons on B, imho.

Good luck! It will be worth it in the long run!

What are you going to school for? This one girl I have been seeing recently just got her Masters in Social Work and now wants a PHD or JD..makes my head heart to think of the exams..