I would have to agree with Sue, big time. From your writing you don’t sound super excited about either option. You own language was “I think I would be good at both”, and neither was an obvious choice. Choosing the the best of two second or third place choices isn’t the same as finding a long term career that is fulfilling, aligns with your skills and passion, right for the family and rewarding to you and those involved. This doesn’t even mention the fact that you are in no place to even come close to affording school. Without actually choosing not to take on any more debt, you won’t ever get out of debt. A degree is great, but the burden of the debt is big. A degree is much better when its paid for by an employer or in cash.

My personal suggestion would be to find a job to cover the bills and really do some soul searching, reading, and such to find a long term solution to really aligns with the core of who you are. Working another job that isn’t a perfect option is so much easier when you have laid out a plan to get you where you want to be. The job is a short term means much much bigger dreams, money, and fulfillment.

Just imagine this. Getting a job similar to what you have or even part time to really cut the day care costs, slashing the budgeting, helping your wife’s business take off and being debt free except for the mortgage in a year. Imagine the freedom you would have to pursue a career that you always wanted regardless of money. Start to feel were you are going, it will help guide your decisions.

@Nim – Ha! I flipped the coin twice, and am leaning the other way

@Gloria – I think Metallica said it best, but your comment is sad but true!

@Sue – It does feel like I’m rushing the school thing, but I feel like I need a fresh start and fall semester will be starting shortly so I had to move fast.

You might be better off getting a job then have the employer help you finance the education.
I have always been told that if you work at the college you can get a tuition break.
Can you actually afford to pay for school right now?
It might be better to wait until you have an education fund funded.

Regarding Helen’s comment and your response. If you have the option to stay home for a time you won’t regret it. You will look back on it with fond memories. The downsides of staying home will drift away and it is an opportunity that many men do not have.

I’m generalizing a LOT here, and possibly casting teaching in a negative light, as the wife of a teacher: the world needs em, but no one wishes to reward teachers for being good teachers. It’s a job you _have_ to love in order to put up with it.

I’m generalizing a LOT here, and possibly casting teaching in a negative life, as the wife of a teacher: the world needs em, but no one wishes to reward teachers for being good teachers. It’s a job you _have_ to love in order to put up with it.