There are three simple, and fairly common, reasons for why I decided to return to school to continue my education: Higher paying jobs, being a good role model for my children and personal satisfaction.
Higher Paying Jobs: I relocated to California from North Carolina about 4 and ½ years ago. What was I thinking? The cost of living here is outrageous, the jobs don't pay that well and you are almost destined to have a roommate or two or three, just to make ends meet. After working for a few different companies and proving to them my skills were worth paying for, I was making more money than I had ever made. Heck, I was making more money than my parents had ever made. Maybe I got lucky. I do know one thing is for sure - I got spoiled. I never thought about losing my job and what I would do if that were the case. Most of us don't when we're comfortable. Well it happened. My contract ended and so did my job and so did my pay. So I looked for work.
The higher paying jobs that I felt I was qualified for and was applying for required a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Well, I only have an AA degree, and that didn't seem to be getting me anywhere. I sent out several resumes over a two-month period and only had 2 actual interviews. One of the companies I interviewed for made me an offer at 65% LESS than what I was making, previously! I was insulted, and kindly declined their offer.
Well with the power of the Internet I did some more research and thought I would try a temp agency. I went through the registration process, submitted my resume and viola! I got a call back. I interviewed with a well-known biotech company and was made an offer immediately. Maybe they thought my skills without the degree was acceptable because I was only a temp? Who knows but I didn't care at that point as I really needed a job and thought it would be a good way to get my foot in the door.
So I have been working here now for about 6 months. I often browse