Going back to school. *sigh*

[Ginger]

Can everyone forgive a little self-serving thread here? I need some insight.

I am returning to school for some more education. My business has been trailing off to almost nothing lately (mostly due to the fact I haven't been persuing new business too avidly) and I've decided I need to go back to school. Essentially I need/want to make more money.

So now I'm undecided about what to do, hence the *sigh*. I have three avenues I'm looking at.

1. I go back to University and I do my Masters, probably specializing in Bioinformatics this time...looks interesting. (I'm a B.Sc. in Computer Science).

2. I take my Oracle DBA certification, which I started a few years back but never finished.

3. I take a 10 month Photography certificate program, specializing in Photojournalism.

So here's the conundrum. The Master's program appeals greatly to me as interests go, except that it will most likely take me 2 years to finish, and there are few jobs in Bioinformatics right now. However, with my masters, it opens doors into the world of Teaching, something that I'm known to be good at. BUT...deadline for application has come and gone, and I'd have to wait until 2009 to start! ARGH!

Photography is where my heart is of course. But I'm 37 (almost). A bit old to start a whole new career, at the bottom, right? I want to make money now, remember?

Oracle I could self-study for the first test, then online classes start Sept. for the next test, etc. DBA is okay work, I very much enjoyed my DBA courses in University. And it pays GREAT! Also, many DBA jobs are work-from-home. THUS my other dilemma....

most IT jobs here are in the city...a good one to two hour drive in rush hour from my home. Do I want to make that drive every day? What about the kids? And then, that's where Photography looks better again.....

So, today I started to think what I'll do is register for some of the photography courses for September, at the same time I'll do the Oracle self-study. So essentially, I write my Oracle DBA in tandem with the Photography certificate. AND THEN....I may even apply for the Master's program for Sept 2009 even....then all my bases are covered.

So does this sound nuts? Have any of you gone back to school so late in life? Should I just scrap all this and instead work on just marketing my present business, maybe take a few courses to upgrade my current skillset a bit?

[Tony&Cheri]

Originally Posted by Ginger

Can everyone forgive a little self-serving thread here? I need some insight.

I am returning to school for some more education. My business has been trailing off to almost nothing lately (mostly due to the fact I haven't been persuing new business too avidly) and I've decided I need to go back to school. Essentially I need/want to make more money.

So now I'm undecided about what to do, hence the *sigh*. I have three avenues I'm looking at.

1. I go back to University and I do my Masters, probably specializing in Bioinformatics this time...looks interesting. (I'm a B.Sc. in Computer Science).

2. I take my Oracle DBA certification, which I started a few years back but never finished.

3. I take a 10 month Photography certificate program, specializing in Photojournalism.

So here's the conundrum. The Master's program appeals greatly to me as interests go, except that it will most likely take me 2 years to finish, and there are few jobs in Bioinformatics right now. However, with my masters, it opens doors into the world of Teaching, something that I'm known to be good at. BUT...deadline for application has come and gone, and I'd have to wait until 2009 to start! ARGH!

Photography is where my heart is of course. But I'm 37 (almost). A bit old to start a whole new career, at the bottom, right? I want to make money now, remember?

Oracle I could self-study for the first test, then online classes start Sept. for the next test, etc. DBA is okay work, I very much enjoyed my DBA courses in University. And it pays GREAT! Also, many DBA jobs are work-from-home. THUS my other dilemma....

most IT jobs here are in the city...a good one to two hour drive in rush hour from my home. Do I want to make that drive every day? What about the kids? And then, that's where Photography looks better again.....

So, today I started to think what I'll do is register for some of the photography courses for September, at the same time I'll do the Oracle self-study. So essentially, I write my Oracle DBA in tandem with the Photography certificate. AND THEN....I may even apply for the Master's program for Sept 2009 even....then all my bases are covered.

So does this sound nuts? Have any of you gone back to school so late in life? Should I just scrap all this and instead work on just marketing my present business, maybe take a few courses to upgrade my current skillset a bit?

I think you already have it figured out. The money is important and can't be ignored...but then so is personal stisfaction which seems to be tied for you to the creative process. I think photographic courses and the DBA is a nice starting point with the Masters program as a back up scheduled for next year in case either or both of these don't pan out.

As far as your "age" you are still pretty young from my end of the telescope. Seriously, what makes people old, IMHO, is the decision to stay in place...physically, mentally or spiritually. Moving forward is gonna make life better no matter what your age is. One of my mentors and heroes was a man who was the chief Psychiatrist for the Detroit Criminal courts when I met him. He decided to go to law school...at sixty! Oh, and learn the violin. No one is ever too old...for anything ...if you have the kind of courage you do. Go for it.

Papa T

[melliedee]

Never too late to go back to school or change careers. How about combining your love of photography and your desire for a Master's program? MFA (Master of Fine Arts) programs accept students from non-Art bachelor's degrees if you have a strong portfolio. From the photos I've seen of yours, I'm betting you do.

If you've missed deadlines for the upcoming school year, focus on the certificate program for a year, then apply. Apply to both MFAs and the Master's in your own field and see where the chips fall, which program offers better assistance and feels right to you. In the states MFAs are considered terminal degrees and allow you to teach at the university level.

[PlayadelSoul]

I don't think it is too late to change careers. I had never taught a day in my life, when I first came to Mexico, at 39. Now, I supervise 20 teachers, because I was just so damned good at it. Took me almost 40 years to find my calling.

Your photos are moving. If I get a vote, I vote that route.

[PlayaLove]

Do the photography and the DBA this way you are killing 2 birds with one stone. Your photos are so amazing it is a shame not to try and persue that avenue,and your never to old to do anything.Tony & Cheri could not have said it better. Good luck with your decision.

[popeye]

Originally Posted by Ginger

So, today I started to think what I'll do is register for some of the photography courses for September, at the same time I'll do the Oracle self-study. So essentially, I write my Oracle DBA in tandem with the Photography certificate. AND THEN....I may even apply for the Master's program for Sept 2009 even....then all my bases are covered.

Sounds like you have it figured out to me! Seeing that Tony & I are using the same telescope, all I could add is never give up on your passion! I didn't find mine until I was 42 and the whole world opened up when I gave it my all!

[Horizon200]

Sounds like you have it figured.

I thought about going back for my Doctorate. But, I would essentially just be doing it for self satisfaction as it would not effect a change in the job I'm in (govt work). That's a big chunk of change just so I could be called Dr. Mike! Still I did like the learning environment.

I already did the Adjunct Professor thing at a local college. I initially got into it as a hobby and used the money to support my sports car habit. It was fun for a while. Then I was just disheartened by how many kids were there not really wanting to learn but there because someone else was paying for it. They hardly put any effort into the class and I was putting in plenty of effort! The adults that were in the classes were great though. But, the pay wasn't enough to balance it out for me so I stopped.

Good Luck!

[AMKRGMOM]

Go with the passion, you'll be glad you did. I've seen your pics here and at the other place, beautiful.
Becky

[Dan-0]

Ginger, first of all, I teach undergraduate college classes and I have many students much older than you in class. I returned to college to get my Master's at 31 and it was one of the best things I ever did. It has lead me to the career of the future for those of us with the travel bug: ONLINE TEACHING! It has allowed me to teach classes online while I'm in Mexico (or anywhere in the world that has Internet, for that matter).

This summer will be the 3rd year in a row I've done it. I basically pay for my trip by spending 1/2 hour or so at the Internet cafe a 2-3 times a week to check e-mails and grade assignments, the computer takes care of the rest.
Now, teaching online isn't a full-time job for me yet, but I'm working to transition my career in that direction. A colleague of mine recently left her "day job" because she was making more teaching online than she was working at her regular school job. I hope to be there in a few years!

I know things are different in Canada, but I think if you're considering teaching as a new career, it's worth looking into. Anyhow, I wish you luck in your new path and don't let your age stop you, not for a minute. There's nothing worse than looking back 10-20 years from now and wishing you had have done it.

[Flash]

Ginger,

No one can answer your question better than yourself. I know it's tough trying to figure out which path to take.

With what your struggling with now, I had thrust upon me. I had no choice. I worked for the same chemical plant for 18 years, 17 of those in the same department. Lulu can testify as to how miserable I was. Dead end job. No room for advancement, and that was all I knew.

Skip forward to January of this year. I got canned. My immediate reaction was of shock and horror. How am I going to provide for my family??? As time went on, I realized that it was indeed a blessing losing that job!

I have since gone back to school, nothing as as robust as what you are talking about. I'm learning the ropes at radio/television broadcasting school. And you know what? The entry level pay is typically lousy, and I very well could be working nights and weekends, just as before. But I'm more happy now than at any point of my life, exceptions being our two lovely sons, and for having the best wife, ever. Period.

The way I personally look at your question is that money isn't everything. Don't get me wrong. It's nice to be able to get this or that. I chased the money for almost 2 decades. What I see now is as long as you're able to put food on the table for your family, and give them a warm, safe place to sleep, all of the other stuff is just details.

I have my sanity back, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Good luck in your next career.

[Lulu]

Leasa, do what you LOVE to do, period.

I can't express to you enough the change in Flash since he went back to school... yes, living on one paycheck while he goes all in for his dream is hard, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. He's relaxed, LOVES what he does, and is super excited every day he wakes up.

When he decided to go back to school, I was at first, devastated. I knew there was no way we could live on MY paycheck alone (especially with a brand new house). AND being the one who handles the bills and what we can and can't afford, I knew it was impossible. We were already living paycheck to paycheck, HOW in the world could this be possible?

It's amazing what you can live without when you have to. We worked out the bills, figured out what we needed and didn't, and it all seemed to magically work out perfectly. And it will continue to, I just know it - I have faith...

Anyway, I have learned a lot in these last 4 months, and one of the best things in my life now is seeing my husband come home after a long day at school, in the studio, taping "b-roll", being completely happy and content.

I'm actually a little jealous, in a way. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up... but it makes me so happy knowing that Brooks is doing something that he loves. It may not pay out right away, but as good as he is, and with the passion he has for what he loves to do, he can't NOT be successful.

Do what you love to do. The money will come.

[MWC]

Leasa --

I don't know what the teaching-shortage situation is up in Canada, but in the US it is severe enough in certain locations and subject areas that state education departments are offering accelerated-certification programs for people who have experience and college degrees, so such peope can get into the classroom faster.

I am going to be doing that; but first I have to take a few online courses, so my BS in Mass Communications can qualify for me to teach English, grades 7 -12.

I would suggest you surf around to see if that is a possibility; if it is, it's one of the quickest ways to get into a good-paying education job.

Technology is one of the areas in my state, Connecticut.

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by MWC

I am going to be doing that; but first I have to take a few online courses, so my BS in Mass Communications can qualify for me to teach English, grades 7 -12.

I would suggest you surf around to see if that is a possibility; if it is, it's one of the quickest ways to get into a good-paying education job.

Well, MWC, school teachers up here are not in high demand, in fact there are too many of them and the ones there are have a hard time acquiring full time jobs, unfortunately. In addition, they are not paid a lot up here, for public schools anyway.

I was thinking more of teaching in the capacity as a professor, at the college/university level, and up here to do that I'd need my Masters (some Universities would even want me to have my PhD. ).



I am sooo impressed with everyone's answers and input! Such great advice from everyone. Barry and Tony, you are right, I can't think of it as being too old...if I do that, I'm just making up excuses to never get to my dreams, right?

Dan-O, that is awesome to be able to work remotely like that. What a great position to be in! See that would be perfect, allowing me still the time to do what I love, taking photos.

Lulu and Flash, what you guys said really hit home for me. I mean, I've always had a will to make a lot of money, I've always had a desire to feel what it's like to be one of those real successful types living in those big houses, driving those expensive cars. But maybe it's not the monetary value that makes one feel successful, or proud of themselves and what they have accomplished. From what it sounds like with Brooks it is all about finding his passion and following his dream, and thus finding his happiness.

Then I thought about all the comments about my photos. I decided to take a look at our main university here, in regards to the MFA as Mel had mentioned, as I hadn't known I could enter that program with a Bachelor's degree in something else...turns out she is right! I started reading the MFA website, and about the courses, and I started to get excited. And I realized; this is what I need to do. This is what I MUST do.

The only problem is that at UBC (University of British Columbia) the MFA program only lets in 6 students per year. So I guess I really have to work that application, eh? And I'm not sure where to get the reference letters from, either.

So, the verdict is I'm NOT going to do the Oracle cert. I AM going to take the Photography courses while I wait until next year's MFA selection process to apply.

Thanks everyone!!

[melliedee]

Originally Posted by Ginger

Well, MWC, school teachers up here are not in high demand, in fact there are too many of them and the ones there are have a hard time acquiring full time jobs, unfortunately. In addition, they are not paid a lot up here, for public schools anyway.

I was thinking more of teaching in the capacity as a professor, at the college/university level, and up here to do that I'd need my Masters (some Universities would even want me to have my PhD. ).



I am sooo impressed with everyone's answers and input! Such great advice from everyone. Barry and Tony, you are right, I can't think of it as being too old...if I do that, I'm just making up excuses to never get to my dreams, right?

Dan-O, that is awesome to be able to work remotely like that. What a great position to be in! See that would be perfect, allowing me still the time to do what I love, taking photos.

Lulu and Flash, what you guys said really hit home for me. I mean, I've always had a will to make a lot of money, I've always had a desire to feel what it's like to be one of those real successful types living in those big houses, driving those expensive cars. But maybe it's not the monetary value that makes one feel successful, or proud of themselves and what they have accomplished. From what it sounds like with Brooks it is all about finding his passion and following his dream, and thus finding his happiness.

Then I thought about all the comments about my photos. I decided to take a look at our main university here, in regards to the MFA as Mel had mentioned, as I hadn't known I could enter that program with a Bachelor's degree in something else...turns out she is right! I started reading the MFA website, and about the courses, and I started to get excited. And I realized; this is what I need to do. This is what I MUST do.

The only problem is that at UBC (University of British Columbia) the MFA program only lets in 6 students per year. So I guess I really have to work that application, eh? And I'm not sure where to get the reference letters from, either.

So, the verdict is I'm NOT going to do the Oracle cert. I AM going to take the Photography courses while I wait until next year's MFA selection process to apply.

Thanks everyone!!

Letters of rec should be from people familiar with your work who can speak to your creative potential and your ability to tackle the rigors of graduate work. In a competive program, this usually means former university professors or professional artists in the field of the visual arts/photography.

There is also the whole package: your statement of intent/purpose is very important. Start on it early, write it a hundred times and show to anyone who is good at editing. MFA letters are tricky because you have to sound humble, willing to learn and toot your own horn at the same time. Although they are studio intensive, academics matter too, though not as much as your portfolio--so play it up if you had a high gpa as an undergrad or did an interesting internship. Also, for students returning after being in the work force, life experience can matter if you can tie your knowledge as being benificial to your art (even a letter of rec from someone in the computer science field would work here given photography's relationship to things like graphics and mixed media). Ultimatley, the portfolio is the most deciding factor (actually, I can only speak for creative writing programs, but think this would be true of the visual arts as well).

One warning: please do not apply to only one program. Check out the styles and graduates of multiple programs, don't apply anywhere you really would not want to go, but also not just to the most competive ones. Include your "dream" program, as well as several good and respected ones. When I did my MFA applications, I applied to 8 universities! My MFA is in creative writing, but let me know if I can help you out with the application process. It's actually good that you have this time to work on it and make it the best it can be.

[MikeW]

Hey Ginger,

You probably know I'm an Oracle DBA by trade and work for a consulting firm that specializes in Oracle. Been a DBA since '95. Have 7 that work for me. Just hired another one a few weeks ago. There always seems to be work out there. I've got a few cert's but don't have 10 or 11g, I let the other guys get those.

There are a lot specialty areas with DBA work, starting with Production DBA. Grind it out, keep things running, make sure the backups are good, why is the database slow, get paged in the middle of the night kind of work, install new databases, copy databases, etc. We've all had to do this work. Some turn it into an art form, not me.

Application DBA, the guy who has to work with application developers to help them design the schema to make sure it will work well, perform well, use little space, and be normalized and always be everything that should be anything. This moves into many areas including differentiating between OLTP and Warehouse DBA's. I'm better at OLTP work, I've got one guy who is good at Warehouse work.

It gets more specialized from there. DBAs who are good with SQL tuning, those that understand operating systems, disk sub-systems, etc. There those that are really good with RAC and grid computing. And those that are good with HA.

In the end most start with production DBA work. These guys understand how an Oracle database works, and if there is a problem are able to figure out how to fix it. They understand how all the different backup and restore methods work and why. They are not necessarily performance people, but some move into that area.

Me, I specialize in RAC and SQL tuning. I also have a broad understanding of the other sub-systems involved.

Oh, and Bonny says hi.