I initially dropped out of college because I wasn’t ready for it, twice. Went right into the workforce and felt a lot of struggle for many years and learned a lot about people, power, and the value of knowing how to open doors.

Later, in my late 30’s with an established professional career I went back to college at nights to work towards a bachelor’s degree for a field I already worked in. I found the education much more valuable this time around, and frankly, I was making better decisions at that point. I got a lot out of it, even with a great deal of the material being familiar, and even wish I had selected a major I didn’t have experience in so that I might have learned even more.

I’ll note that going back to school didn’t make economic sense for me since I had already established a career, I wanted to prove to myself I could and set a better example for my daughter. I probably wouldn’t have gone back if UoPeople hadn’t been so dirt cheap and flexible, big shout out to them for being so awesome and accessible. I spent way more failing twice than succeeding once :).

While I didn’t need the degree to get where I have gotten, I recognize that it may have gotten me some steps faster and certainly helps me not get prefiltered out by HR software for desirable roles I am well qualified for. I also recognize that I learned some really valuable things from being in the workforce first, that probably positively impacted my drive, social skills, and ultimately my earning ceiling.

I’m happy with my journey through education, I learned a lot both times around and eventually got a degree I didn’t need.

Wow what a glow up, that was a lot of work!

Fish, I want it to be fresh so I’ll just microwave it here at the office right before lunch.