[Bankai]

I am currently in a struggle of wanting to upgrade my education since i have no career job right now and im almost 30. My family is well off so i have been given the luxury of a paid 2 bedroom condo although the monthly expenses and property tax are mine to pay off. Ive been wanting to go back to school to upgrade my education but i am having difficulty on how i should approach this. I want to go full-time in order to get the full concentration but i cannot do that because i need to work or the bills around the house will not get paid. I can do part-time work and part-time school but that wouldnt be enough earnings for me to keep up with the bills and misc. expenses and it will only drag my school longer than if i did full-time. What would u guys do in my situation? I need help here.

I may have the luxury of a home that most ppl would probaby dream of but it doesnt amount to the satisfaction of having a career.

*lets keep the comments and replies to a mature level please. Mods, if possible, help me keep this thread clean. Thank you*

[impactX]

Since your family is well off, don't they have any connections that can help you?

[Wetordry]

1) suck it up & ask your parents for financial help
2) take equity out of your house

[lilaznviper]

get student loans and go to school full time

[1337]

1)Do you mind letting us know what your current job is?
2)What do you see yourself doing as a career?
3)Do you have a family?

Based on your situation and what you have given us, I suggest you that you go talk to some advisers from various schools that offers the program you're interested in. Regardless, it's never too late to learn because learning is a process that will never end. I suggest taking out a student loan to help out with the expenses and do school full-time initially and later try doing some part-time job on the side.

[deuel_1]

if you dont have a family of your own why not either rent out your 2nd bedroom or ask your parents to move back in with them and rent out the condo while doing full time schooling.

[Bankai]

thanks for the replies.

just to answer some questions you guys have:

1. I dont have my parents/family here. I am the only one here in Canada.

2. I dont really want to ask my dad to finance my expenses. He's already bought me a home. i think thats more than enough.

3. The career I want to go into is Graphic Designer in Marketing.

4. My current job is a fleet inspector that pays around $18 per hour.

5. I tried to apply for loans but got denied because i had previous bad credit when i was young. I tried to apply for home equity line of credit but even that i got denied. This is why i am asking for help because i am running low on options.

[Wetordry]

1) rent a tiny basement suite near the school of choice, and then rent out your condo.
2) Sell your car (you dont need one anymore since you now live close to the school)
3) Sell furniture / clothes on CL
4) work super hard from now to when school starts - save every penny
5) dont ever step foot in restaurants - make your own breakfast / lunch / dinner

Bottom line - do what you gotta do

[Al]

well u should ask ur parents for some advice. perhaps they wouldnt mind helping u out some more since ur mature enough to advance ur career paths.

[chileanwinehous]

1) rent a tiny basement suite near the school of choice, and then rent out your condo.
2) Sell your car (you dont need one anymore since you now live close to the school)
3) Sell furniture / clothes on CL
4) work super hard from now to when school starts - save every penny
5) dont ever step foot in restaurants - make your own breakfast / lunch / dinner

Bottom line - do what you gotta do

:thumbsup:

[tiger_handheld]

I'd start by scoping out some school that offers the Graphics Design in Marketing.

Then I'd inquire about financial aid from the said school.

Then I'd come to revscene for help!

It dosn't matter if u have 30k lined up @ 3.25 % , if u have no idea what school your going to.

[impactX]

Since you are Chinese and your family isn't around, I guess you were from China, Taiwan or Hong Kong?

Anyway, have you thought about moving back to where your family is and start fresh? Being 30 isn't that old at all for a guy and I have a buddy who started a real career at 40. It's never too late.

I am sure your family, namely your dad, cares about you; otherwise, he wouldn't buy you a place for you to settle in Canada. Does he run his own business over there? If so, why don't you go and work for him? Instead of thinking of it as "depending on my family for financial support", think of it as "helping out my family so my dad can retire and enjoy life sooner or later." Not to mention, it's a superb learning opportunity.

It's time to think about the bigger picture.

[!SG]

take out a student loan. or even a student/education line of credit (both will give roughly the same interest rate, which i believe is around prime + 2%)

that should cover some if not most of ur living expenses.


is the condo under your name or your parents? this will go against you when you apply for the studen loan.

[datoad]

Whats wrong with the work you are doing now? Even if you went back to school and did a degree there are no promises you'll land a high paying job and plus you'll be stacked with a student loan plus by then you'll be at least 33/34 and starting out at junior positions which will offer you around the same wage you are receiving now. Unless you already have a bachelors and want to go into grad school for medicine or to become a lawyer which from your post doesn't sound like the case.

My thoughts would be continue with your current job if the prospects are good while going for night school or part time to upgrade your "skillsets" instead of just blindly looking for a degree which will offer you no experience. With your newly acquired skillsets, try to climb your way up the ladder and maybe into management. if the prospects at your current company is not looking so good, then try applying for larger companies which might offer you better compensation and/or job prospects.

But ya good luck, we're all going to need it at these hard times.

[k2_alpha]

the answer you want all comes down to what you are willing to give up?
luxuary?
accomidation?
convience?
pride?

figure out what you are willing to let go, and you will find the right path for you.

[gnat.]

do some career assessments?

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

u have to find what you like doing first, otherwise you'll be working another job, or a dead end career, or you'll hate your life, one of those.

[Moratorium]

Well, i cant give you any financial advice but i can give you some general info on the Design industry.

1. Yeah make sure you want to do this is what you want to do because. If you can't handle compromising artistic integrity this is not the career for you. Every single client will have their own idea of what looks good no matter what your opinion is. Sooner or later you will have to pump out a design that you are completely dis-satisfied with.

2. Links back to reason one make sure you want to do this because yea most Design programs are expensive as hell. So really don't waste your time if you're not sure.

3. Its not so much the school as your portfolio and site thats important when you're looking for a job, at a firm or freelance jobs. So I'd say the institution where you get educated isn't TOO important (name wise). You can choose either the fastest path to a diploma or the most cost efficient one.

4. Yeah actually thats about it lol, don't jump into it, spend time on your portfolio first not sure if marketing design needs one but most graphic design programs do have a port requirement.

[!SG]

a single person goes thru at least 7 different jobs and careers in their lifetime.

out of hs, i was set on engineering / drafting, and eventually architecture.

i switched majors after the first year, went into comp sci,

another year goes by and i switch yet again to business finance...

after pursuing that for a while, working at jobs in and around the field, ive decided to yet do another career change and go back into automotive, something i like doing. need to work from the bottom again, but hopefully i can get into something that can combine what i studied with what i love.

so yeah, im hoping around as well.

[RunningFree]

To the OP...

Are you fairly artistic? The reason I ask because the field is extremely competitive and I've worked with some really pro graphic designers. I never really knew how much thought went into something I thought was quite simple, and after seeing how they do what they do, I have a totally different perspective on media design.

Not to burst your bubble or anything, but I hope that you're artistic or at least have an interest in art itself if you're going to get into design.

Good luck!

[liu13]

u have to find what you like doing first, otherwise you'll be working another job, or a dead end career, or you'll hate your life, one of those.

exactly

graphic design is extremely competitive, i suggest not doing that

rent the cheapest crappiest basement u can find in town, lease your condo, save as much as you can, keep saving, start own business, go back to China, retire and live the good life

[Bankai]

thanks for the advices.

shit this is heavy... after all thats been said here, im getting turned off with graphic design. Is the industry really that bad? i mean every career mentioned here in RS seems to be in the negative whether its IT, marketing, graphic design, etc. It seems trades is what everyone is pushing for and although i understand why, it is not something i dont want to do long term. I prefer office settings rather than dirty work environments. Although i have to admit i am better with hands-on work but regardless i still see myself in a corporate level career instead of trades career.

Since were in the topic of various careers, what would you ppl suggest be a good career? im interested to know what ppl's outlook on todays careers are.

[raygunpk]

Graphic design is hard to get into, especially since anybody who's spent a good time in front of a computer can do it. There are lot of people with very impressive portfolios as well.

Trades are always in demand, so there's money there for sure. And if you're good at sales, you're going to be making a lot doing that.

Ultimately you need to find out what you want to do. If you want us to choose a career for you then you will probably be stuck with this dilemma again down the road.

[impactX]

thanks for the advices.

shit this is heavy... after all thats been said here, im getting turned off with graphic design. Is the industry really that bad? i mean every career mentioned here in RS seems to be in the negative whether its IT, marketing, graphic design, etc. It seems trades is what everyone is pushing for and although i understand why, it is not something i dont want to do long term. I prefer office settings rather than dirty work environments. Although i have to admit i am better with hands-on work but regardless i still see myself in a corporate level career instead of trades career.

Since were in the topic of various careers, what would you ppl suggest be a good career? im interested to know what ppl's outlook on todays careers are.

Ever considered what I said?

[goo3]

thanks for the replies.
3. The career I want to go into is Graphic Designer in Marketing.


Do you know what school u want to go to? Do they have advisors? Ask them questions over email, or better yet, go talk to them and ask them your questions about how to afford it and how to find out if it's right for you.

You can take courses part time to feel it out, for example. Ask them which ones are good, etc.. Then you can see how good you are at it and whether you want to put the effort into becoming good.

thanks for the advices.

shit this is heavy... after all thats been said here, im getting turned off with graphic design. Is the industry really that bad? i mean every career mentioned here in RS seems to be in the negative whether its IT, marketing, graphic design, etc.


Everything has something bad about it. It's called work, not a vacation. And there's always ppl who are better than you. If you avoid something cuz there's some negative, you'll end up with nothing. Weigh the good and bad and then decide if you wanna jump in.

Although i have to admit i am better with hands-on work but regardless i still see myself in a corporate level career instead of trades career.

Since were in the topic of various careers, what would you ppl suggest be a good career? im interested to know what ppl's outlook on todays careers are.

This is Canada. There are tons of good careers that spit you out into the middle class. Look at the different programs @ BCIT or University or whatever. Which ones do you like the most? Which can you be good at? Which has a decent industry here?

The default answer is to go into business LOL.

[Bankai]

impact x - i thought about what u said but i really do not want to go back home. i just dont see a bright future for me there plus i prefer living lifestyle here than in asia. I know i can live there like a king and be pampered to death but i chose to live the independent side of life and not have to depend on ppl to do my work for me. Thanks for the idea though.


Im gonna be more on the realistic side here and maybe u guys can help me out. Ive always wanted to work for ICBC since i am into automotives anyways. I havent really decided which department but ill throw in a position here; Claims Adjuster. If i was to get into something like that how do i get in and what do i need in order to get in? I guess this is a more realistic scenario in terms of a stable job. not exactly a stable career but nowadays its not easy to have a career anymore.

[Chuck Norris]

Okay, I'm going to be a bit of a hard ass but for good reason.

How much money do you plan on or expect to make?

If you're looking for a career where the financial gains are going to be worth the hardship then go for it, otherwise you need to figure out why you're doing what you do.

For most people, work is a means to an end. That end is enjoying life with friends, hobbies etc. If you're looking at a job that becomes your life due to passion, then forget about the money but be prepared to make whatever sacrifices in order to get there.

If you really want to get into graphic design, go for it. If it means you'll make the same amount of money or less then you need to adjust for it. Maybe that dream of having a Ferrari will need to stay a dream.

The idea that money or financial reward equals happiness is garbage. You need to decide how important each is (happiness and money) and either pick one, the other, or a compromise. You might be lucky enough to have a passion for something that generally pays very well and if so, then that's all the more reason to go for it.

I understand how you feel. I'm at a point now where I too hate my career, the only problem is I have a hard time giving up the massive paycheques. I am not happy.

Keep working and apply for scholarships while going to school. Again, you need to figure out what is going to be best for you and what you want. Nobody can tell you that but you. Time to find yourself and when you do, if you go back to school, bust your ass.

[impactX]

impact x - i thought about what u said but i really do not want to go back home. i just dont see a bright future for me there plus i prefer living lifestyle here than in asia. I know i can live there like a king and be pampered to death but i chose to live the independent side of life and not have to depend on ppl to do my work for me. Thanks for the idea though.


Fair enough; but you have to realize that if you want to be successful in any real career, you need to have the ability to lead. Do you think you can be a claim adjustor for life? Or with that mindset, is the regional manager of ICBC getting "pampered" and depending on people like claim adjustors to do "his work" for him?

I think you have a skewed view of "family business", you can be there working hard, or you can be yourself, sitting there, pondering what to do next while collecting money. So do you have a highschool diploma or do you have a post-secondary diploma/degree already?

You are already being "pampered" when you live in a place fully-paid for, and believe me, there's absolutely nothing wrong about that. But at the same time, living that comfortably doesn't let you have much ambition or urgency to figure out what you really want to do THAT can make a living and more.

[MelonBoy]

I am currently in a struggle of wanting to upgrade my education since i have no career job right now and im almost 30. My family is well off so i have been given the luxury of a paid 2 bedroom condo although the monthly expenses and property tax are mine to pay off. Ive been wanting to go back to school to upgrade my education but i am having difficulty on how i should approach this. I want to go full-time in order to get the full concentration but i cannot do that because i need to work or the bills around the house will not get paid. I can do part-time work and part-time school but that wouldnt be enough earnings for me to keep up with the bills and misc. expenses and it will only drag my school longer than if i did full-time. What would u guys do in my situation? I need help here.

I may have the luxury of a home that most ppl would probaby dream of but it doesnt amount to the satisfaction of having a career.

*lets keep the comments and replies to a mature level please. Mods, if possible, help me keep this thread clean. Thank you*

there no such thing as cant do it.. its all about determination
I know people who are in full-time programs, while working 1-2jobs.. they need the money to pay rent and food.. if they can do it why cant you?..

Having to much bills around the house and misc expense??? Honestly this is what your bill should be
- Property tax?
- Hydro/electric
- Food expense honestly u can last on like 500-1000 a month.. thats QUITE a bit of money actually..
- Anyways i assume ur misc expense is random shit to pamper ursefl but that snot needed so ya!

Assuming you have an idea of what you want to go into.. do some research you might have to take some adult edu, if you dont meet program requirements.

I'v noticed your posts about wanting to work in a office setting away from trades in general?
Id look into Hospitality Management
- Job shortage? never.. one of the biggest growing industries
- Job positions? HUGE amounts, just to name a few in general: All positions within Hotels, restaurants, tourist sites, convention planners, etc its endless i say! soooo many choices...
- The pay? in general hotels pay at least $15min.. (not one of the shaddy kingsway motels)... Depending on what positions you go for and how well you do, you can make at least 50k+ a year..
- School work load? More then highschool, less then BCIT.. go to class study a couple of days and u got this down!
- Ages that attend ? it ranges from 18-50 in general.. im in the program and i know at least 2 people who oculd be my dad..

[DasHooch]

Hmm, here's some quick thoughts:

If credit is an issue, selling the 2 bedroom for a 1 bedroom or studio would generate major cash without needing approval from anyone (assuming home is in your name).

Is there still a global lack of pharmacists? It's decent career with a nice starting salary.

Just make sure you don't sell the real estate and get hooked on drugs and lose it all.