Why? July 9, 2006
Posted by thinkphd in : Miscellaneous , trackbackI earned my MBA while working a full time career, juggling family and work responsibilities. Once I finished my final course, I swore that I would never go back to school because of the time and effort that it took to finish. But here I am again, back in school, just five short years later. Why? Because I want to. Yes, I know that sounds like sheer insanity, but I have a hunger to learn, to think, to know.
Because of some family circumstances, I have worked part-time jobs alongside of my full-time job for quite some time. Now, my part-time, low paying jobs have evolved into one part-time job that I truly enjoy. I work for the University of Phoenix, teaching business classes both on campus and FlexNet, which is the online/campus blended modality. After teaching a number of both types of classes, I believe that the future rests firmly in online education. I do not presume to know in what format education will be delivered in the future, but I am sure that asynchronous learning will be part of the equation.
A co-worker at our local campus mentioned that he was going back for his doctorate, and he told me that I should, too. I was surprised about this comment, because earning a Ph.D. was a dream that I had for a long time. I had set the desire aside because of my busy schedule as a career person and mother, and I already knew how much work the MBA was trying to balance it all.
My friend told me about Northcentral University and was very excited about their program. He planted the seed. I knew that he was a busy person, and yet he found time to go back to school. Of course, my friend is a career educator, and I am not. I work at a “regular” job which is not remotely related to education.
I started looking at my options, especially financial and relational.
- Here I am working two jobs because my husband does not work (he is disabled) and we are in the process of getting through disability court - he has no benefits yet.
- I have one daughter, just finished college, and a son about half-way through.
- How much time will it involve? Just as the children begin to move out, my husband and I will have time together. Do I want to spend it studying?
- We have bills just like everyone else, and I have been working diligently to pare them down. I do not want to have extreme bills that prevent retirement.
- I am not a young woman: I am 47 years old. How much time will it take?
- Is my mind sharp enough? Will I be out of my league?
- Do I have something to add to the collective knowledge relating to business? Am I creative, observant and forward thinking? Or am I kidding myself?
- What will my family, co-workers and friends say? Will they be supportive or will they understand my hunger?
- How much is the cost, both in obvious and “hidden” fees such as books, computer, paper, etc.? Can we afford it financially?
The final question boiled down to this:
Is the total cost less than, equal to, or greater than the benefit received from earning a Ph.D.?
TC [ < or = >] Ph.D. benefit
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