Do you think the paper chase is worth it?

mistral4543 · 02-05-2002, 07:03 PM

Lately, most of my peers in the office have begun signing up for and taking full time/part-time MBA courses and stuff. Now, for the first time in my life, I am beginning to experience peer pressure [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Personally, I am not sure yet if the paper chase is worth it. First, you'd have to earn enough in the future to cover the fees incurred (and Masters courses don't come cheap). If you opt for a full-time course, you'd also be losing income completely in the meantime; if you opt for part-time, chances are that your work performance would be compromised since you probably wouldn't put in as many hours as a person working full-time.

What are your views on the paper chase? Would you embark on one?

Galadria · 02-05-2002, 07:26 PM

Hi, Mistral. Well, I guess I'd be the wrong one to ask, since I basically spent 13 years of university type training to get my own "piece of paper," but I would have to say, yes, it is worth it. You have to remember that you will probably work a long time, and that many years at a higher salary really add up quickly. Also, it will give you better standing within your peer group, and that is always something. Also, as the latest jargon would have it, you will have more "self-esteem." Be all that you can be.

mistral4543 · 02-05-2002, 07:30 PM

Thanks, Galadria

And to think I was seriously considering a simple life... working as hard as I can and of course, hanging around this delightful forum

Seems that I ought to be pursuing better things in life... now, I've to somehow gear myself into the right momentum and attitude [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Galadria · 02-05-2002, 07:41 PM

Hey, Sugar, don't think that I have all the answers. That just worked for me. I knew what I wanted and worked my tail off. I don't think that I should have worked so hard, if I hadn't desired it so dearly. If you are having second thoughts, perhaps you should think really hard, (and I know that you know how to do that) about what you really want. A highly creative type such as yourself might be unhappy in business. Perhaps what you really want is a different career. I don't know. But if you are happy in your work, I definitely think that you should take it as far as you can.

Father Bronze · 02-05-2002, 07:46 PM

I'm a high school English teacher and so my salary depends highly on the degree that I have.

I've started working on a Master's degree a couple of times. The first time was before I was married and had kids. I should have finished that time, but I didn't.

The second time I tried was after my family was settled. I can think of lots of reasons why I didn't finish the second time, but in the end they're just excuses.

In about 4 years I will reach an effective salary cap. I won't get any new pay increases (other than cost-of-living increases) until the day I retire, or the school district chooses to redo its entire pay scale. I think retirement will come sooner.

I don't know all of the details of your situation, but if you have the time and the energy, get the degree and don't regret it.

Cerek the Barbaric · 02-06-2002, 12:43 AM

quote:
Originally posted by mistral4543:
Lately, most of my peers in the office have begun signing up for and taking full time/part-time MBA courses and stuff. Now, for the first time in my life, I am beginning to experience peer pressure [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Personally, I am not sure yet if the paper chase is worth it. First, you'd have to earn enough in the future to cover the fees incurred (and Masters courses don't come cheap). If you opt for a full-time course, you'd also be losing income completely in the meantime; if you opt for part-time, chances are that your work performance would be compromised since you probably wouldn't put in as many hours as a person working full-time.

What are your views on the paper chase? Would you embark on one?

I have mixed emotions on this one. If you already have your Bachelors Degree, then you can get an MBA in about 2.5 years going part-time.

On the other hand, unless you're going into High-Level management, I don't know that an MBA is going to make that much difference in your pay scale.

Like Father Bronze said, it just depends on your work situation. Is there a good chance for a pay increase with the degree? If so, then I would agree with Galadria...you're going to be working for a long time...in contrast, 2 years will go by quick.

Djinn Raffo · 02-06-2002, 02:23 AM

I would stay in school for the rest of my life if i could (i'm feeling the grind of full time 9 to 5 work right now

). I wish university here was free and we had food replicators from star trek. Some day i hope that we can all go for our mba's and doctorates just for the hell of it without having to worry about paying it off or surviving in the meantime...just a silly dream.

Scholarcs · 02-06-2002, 02:58 AM

Knowledge is worth alot. I'd go with getting the degree, it'll improve your job prospects and future income (therefore life-style).

Wulfere · 02-06-2002, 08:20 AM

Go becaues it is something YOU want. Screw your peers. If it is something you want, something that will help you in the future and make your life better then go for it. Otherwise...

mistral4543 · 02-06-2002, 07:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Djinn Raffo:
I would stay in school for the rest of my life if i could (i'm feeling the grind of full time 9 to 5 work right now ). I wish university here was free and we had food replicators from star trek. Some day i hope that we can all go for our mba's and doctorates just for the hell of it without having to worry about paying it off or surviving in the meantime...just a silly dream.

Hey, I can identify with this dream

Just to add on, I already have a BA(Hons) from an overseas University. So if I wanted to take on a Masters, it would make more sense to get it overseas as well... reasoning being that my BA(Hons) degree seems devalued otherwise. But obviously, a Masters degree overseas is going to cost another bomb.

I'll really have to sit down one day and think seriously over this. I wonder why I'm finding it so hard!!!

02-05-2002, 07:26 PM	#2
Galadria 20th Level Warrior Join Date: November 3, 2001 Location: Texas Age: 54 Posts: 2,830	Hi, Mistral. Well, I guess I'd be the wrong one to ask, since I basically spent 13 years of university type training to get my own "piece of paper," but I would have to say, yes, it is worth it. You have to remember that you will probably work a long time, and that many years at a higher salary really add up quickly. Also, it will give you better standing within your peer group, and that is always something. Also, as the latest jargon would have it, you will have more "self-esteem." Be all that you can be. __________________ Lady Galadria,Goddess\' Equal of the O.R.T.; [img]\"http://havak.db-forge.com/portraits/bitmaps/wlf180L.bmp\" alt=\" - \" /><br />\"Romance at short notice was her specialty.\" - Saki <br />Founder of the IW Branch of the Anti-Anomen Society

02-05-2002, 07:41 PM	#4
Galadria 20th Level Warrior Join Date: November 3, 2001 Location: Texas Age: 54 Posts: 2,830	Hey, Sugar, don't think that I have all the answers. That just worked for me. I knew what I wanted and worked my tail off. I don't think that I should have worked so hard, if I hadn't desired it so dearly. If you are having second thoughts, perhaps you should think really hard, (and I know that you know how to do that) about what you really want. A highly creative type such as yourself might be unhappy in business. Perhaps what you really want is a different career. I don't know. But if you are happy in your work, I definitely think that you should take it as far as you can. __________________ Lady Galadria,Goddess\' Equal of the O.R.T.; [img]\"http://havak.db-forge.com/portraits/bitmaps/wlf180L.bmp\" alt=\" - \" /><br />\"Romance at short notice was her specialty.\" - Saki <br />Founder of the IW Branch of the Anti-Anomen Society

02-05-2002, 07:46 PM	#5
Father Bronze Baaz Draconian Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Northern Illinois Age: 55 Posts: 719	I'm a high school English teacher and so my salary depends highly on the degree that I have. I've started working on a Master's degree a couple of times. The first time was before I was married and had kids. I should have finished that time, but I didn't. The second time I tried was after my family was settled. I can think of lots of reasons why I didn't finish the second time, but in the end they're just excuses. In about 4 years I will reach an effective salary cap. I won't get any new pay increases (other than cost-of-living increases) until the day I retire, or the school district chooses to redo its entire pay scale. I think retirement will come sooner. I don't know all of the details of your situation, but if you have the time and the energy, get the degree and don't regret it. __________________ [img]\"http://www.kism.net/images/bronze.gif\" alt=\" - \" /> <br />The supreme irony of life is that no one makes it out alive.

02-06-2002, 12:43 AM	#6
Cerek the Barbaric Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: North Carolina Age: 61 Posts: 3,257	quote: Originally posted by mistral4543: Lately, most of my peers in the office have begun signing up for and taking full time/part-time MBA courses and stuff. Now, for the first time in my life, I am beginning to experience peer pressure [img]tongue.gif[/img] Personally, I am not sure yet if the paper chase is worth it. First, you'd have to earn enough in the future to cover the fees incurred (and Masters courses don't come cheap). If you opt for a full-time course, you'd also be losing income completely in the meantime; if you opt for part-time, chances are that your work performance would be compromised since you probably wouldn't put in as many hours as a person working full-time. What are your views on the paper chase? Would you embark on one? I have mixed emotions on this one. If you already have your Bachelors Degree, then you can get an MBA in about 2.5 years going part-time. On the other hand, unless you're going into High-Level management, I don't know that an MBA is going to make that much difference in your pay scale. Like Father Bronze said, it just depends on your work situation. Is there a good chance for a pay increase with the degree? If so, then I would agree with Galadria...you're going to be working for a long time...in contrast, 2 years will go by quick. __________________ [img]\"http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/cerek/cerektsrsig.jpg\" alt=\" - \" /><br />Cerek the Calmth

02-06-2002, 02:58 AM	#8
Scholarcs Red Dragon Join Date: December 5, 2001 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Age: 38 Posts: 1,557	Knowledge is worth alot. I'd go with getting the degree, it'll improve your job prospects and future income (therefore life-style). __________________ <br />\"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five\" - Groucho Marx<br />Member of the ORT Clan. <br />\"Some birds are not meant to be caged because their feathers are too bright\"<br />Ma bouche sera la bouche des malheurs qui n\'ont point de bouche, ma voix, la liberté de celles qui s\'affaissent au cachot du désespoir. - Aimé Césaire<br />La plus perdue de toutes les journées est celle où l\'on n\'a pas ri. - Sébastien Roch Nicolas

02-05-2002, 07:03 PM	#1
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 47 Posts: 3,159	Lately, most of my peers in the office have begun signing up for and taking full time/part-time MBA courses and stuff. Now, for the first time in my life, I am beginning to experience peer pressure [img]tongue.gif[/img] Personally, I am not sure yet if the paper chase is worth it. First, you'd have to earn enough in the future to cover the fees incurred (and Masters courses don't come cheap). If you opt for a full-time course, you'd also be losing income completely in the meantime; if you opt for part-time, chances are that your work performance would be compromised since you probably wouldn't put in as many hours as a person working full-time. What are your views on the paper chase? Would you embark on one?

02-05-2002, 07:30 PM	#3
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 47 Posts: 3,159	Thanks, Galadria And to think I was seriously considering a simple life... working as hard as I can and of course, hanging around this delightful forum Seems that I ought to be pursuing better things in life... now, I've to somehow gear myself into the right momentum and attitude [img]tongue.gif[/img]

02-06-2002, 02:23 AM	#7
Djinn Raffo Ra Join Date: March 11, 2001 Location: Ant Hill Age: 49 Posts: 2,397	I would stay in school for the rest of my life if i could (i'm feeling the grind of full time 9 to 5 work right now ). I wish university here was free and we had food replicators from star trek. Some day i hope that we can all go for our mba's and doctorates just for the hell of it without having to worry about paying it off or surviving in the meantime...just a silly dream.

02-06-2002, 08:20 AM	#9
Wulfere Red Wizard of Thay Join Date: March 20, 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska USA Age: 63 Posts: 893	Go becaues it is something YOU want. Screw your peers. If it is something you want, something that will help you in the future and make your life better then go for it. Otherwise...

02-06-2002, 07:15 PM	#10
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 47 Posts: 3,159	quote: Originally posted by Djinn Raffo: I would stay in school for the rest of my life if i could (i'm feeling the grind of full time 9 to 5 work right now ). I wish university here was free and we had food replicators from star trek. Some day i hope that we can all go for our mba's and doctorates just for the hell of it without having to worry about paying it off or surviving in the meantime...just a silly dream. Hey, I can identify with this dream Just to add on, I already have a BA(Hons) from an overseas University. So if I wanted to take on a Masters, it would make more sense to get it overseas as well... reasoning being that my BA(Hons) degree seems devalued otherwise. But obviously, a Masters degree overseas is going to cost another bomb. I'll really have to sit down one day and think seriously over this. I wonder why I'm finding it so hard!!!

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