So, I have three years of a four year surveying program complete, and am debating returning to school to finish the degree. However, the decision is giving me ulcers. I have a fairly well-paying job, in the surveying field, where I feel that I can continue advancement. However, a four year degree is required to get licensed, which is a large goal of mine. Also, the schools that offer this program are discussing getting rid of the program, and also possibly my reciprocal in-state tuition, which pushes the issue of urgency a bit. I am (ever so slightly) worried about getting back into the surveying field after completing school, though I have several contacts that I feel would still be helpful in a year. I am also slightly peeved that my final year will not include any surveying related classes and I am basically paying for a piece of paper in order to sit for licensing.
I know it seems like a fairly common sense decision, but I feel that the more input I get, the more sure I will feel in my decision.
Sorry if the post is slightly jumbled and nonsensical, and I sincerely appreciate any input.
FINISH NOW
FINISH NOW.
Or you likely never will.
You are in the home stretch.
Tough it out brother (sister?).
Finish.
now.
Stick it out. I understand your frustration at the 4th year classes, but you'll need that degree if you want to get registered. Or, look at it this way. If you leave now, then ten, or twenty, or thirty years from now you will be kicking yourself because you can't obtain your registration. You won't be able to open your own shop and be your own boss. Trust me, that alone will be worth getting that degree. I know it is just a piece of parchment in a frame, but it has some powerful connections.
FINISH NOW
That's kind of what I have been thinking. I did some of my third year online while working.... two years ago. I worry that if I keep pushing it off, I'll keep pushing it off...
It's Brother.
Not sure what the "stick with it" pertains to in your question, but I would stick w/ school & finish the degree. You're not going to advance as much as you'd want without license capability should you just stick w/ your 'fairly well-paying job'. Finish the degree w/ no regrets.
Right on Brother
No offense intended.
I am a fairly dense feller, but sure am I glad I FINISHED when I did.
Thick skin helps too.
😉
Right on Brother
No offense taken, it was just a quick answer. (Tired)
Definitely have developed some thick skin in this work. It helps fight off the briars.
Finish it!!
I left college with two classes left. I had a good paying job and didn't think anything of it. It wasn't until I wanted to sit for the exam that I realized maybe finishing those classes and getting my degree was a good thing to do. I wished I had stayed and finished, instead I went back 6 years later to get the Gen Ed's that were needed. Your already in study/school work mode. Finish it up and I bet you'll be glad you did.
Finish! Don't let not finishing even be an option.
Finish school, or stick with it?????????????????????
> I am also slightly peeved that my final year will not include any surveying related classes.
???
Can't finish online, or via distance learning?
No matter the answer or reason get it finished.
Finish school, or stick with it?????????????????????
No, There are a few classes that require being on location, and my current work is out of state. There is less of a question about finishing, as to timing. If I go in January, I will have the summer off and finish in the Fall term. I could instead wait until next fall term and complete in one 8 month swoop. However, as stated before, there are possible program and tuition issues. Also, by then I might be on a "better" project, and be less willing to leave. Not that I am running from this project or my job, but it's not exactly my favorite.
'Tis a no brainer!
Get your study out of the way first !
The money you are earning now is peanuts compared to a qualified LS in a few years.
Leave now and you will watch ALL the graduates stroll straight past you while you fume over earning your peanuts.
Quitters are losers!
Earning your bachelor degree and then your license and you join a select group of achievers.
Who knows, you may want to travel to broaden your surveying expertise and experience and those two pieces of paper could aid you getting a job DU where there is a shortage of QUALIFIED surveyors!
I think you know the answer.
All the best with your final year!
RADU
BTW by the time you finish there is a better chance that the economy will have improved.
As a 40+ year old going back, stay in school and get the degree now!
Finish school, or stick with it?????????????????????
Have you already applied for financial aide for this school year? IE January being winter term / 2nd term of the current school year. Wouldn't your financial aide status make a pretty big deciding factor in your decision? Get your paperwork in ASAP this January for next school year. (At least that is how it used to be way back when, not sure if it applies to your situation though.)
Good luck with your timing!!! Get'R'Done!!;-)
Think about things that you finished in your life.
Now think about the things that you didn't finish.
Which ones brought you more satisfaction?
Right now, you still have a choice.
There may be a time coming soon, where you will no longer have the opportunity to choose.
It gets harder every year you are away from school. If you don't do it now you may never have the opportunity again - life happens, kids, jobs, bills, etc.
DO IT NOW.
If you ever do get licensed, the critical thinking and communication skills that a 4 - year degree program emphasizes will be indispensable!!
I agree with all the 'stick with it" posts! I know having my degree and license here in Florida has totally saved me from the unemployment line (so far!)
Also, look at the bright side of having all your survey classes done. If they do end the program, your last year and degree should not be affected. I would go to the department head or the school registrar office and get something in WRITING about how they plan to handle students in the program if ends up getting cut.
Good luck!
> I am also slightly peeved that my final year will not include any surveying related classes...
I don't know what courses you'll be taking, but a few years down the road it's quite likely you'll discover some of those non-surveying courses are of more value to you than the surveying curriculum.
This seems elementary to me. You say you have a job with advancement, but that you can't get licensed without a degree. So, you will only climb one, maybe two rungs higher than what you are right now. If you're okay with that station FOREVER, then hammer down doing what you're doing. If you have more aspiration for your career than that, then go back to school.
I would note that you should check your states licensing requirements. Texas allows most anyone with a degree and "32 hours of board approved classes" to sit for the license examination. That being said, if yours is similar, and they do away with the program, then you still may be able to be licensed and have a degree not in surveying. Kinda like having your cake and eating it too.
I would recommend that any and all electives that you can take in the business department, should be taken. Those will give you as much or more mileage as the surveying classes.
In short, get your butt back in school and get it over with. 30 hours is a lot, but it's not when you think about it in a time fashion.
:good:
