I don't need no stinking degree... Do I?

There comes a time when you seriously have to ask yourself: What do I want out of life?

I know that sounds like a really big question to ask yourself but you need to start somewhere. What are you doing right now? Does it suck? Are you dissatisfied? I've found that the biggest motivator to overcoming odds is to be just plain fed up. You need to be so sick and tired of your state of affairs that you're willing to put in the work to do something to change it.

For many of us, being a young parent meant leaving college behind (or opting out altogether). Have you ever found yourself browsing the job listings and everything you’re interested in applying for has this big, fat stop sign on it: "bachelor’s degree required"? These days it’s not just a formality, it’s a downright requirement. I mean, do you really need a four-year degree to be an administrative assistant at a Fortune 500 company? Very unlikely, but if a position becomes available that could possibly usher you into the financial freedom you’re looking for, your lack of a degree will definitely hold you back. Our parents’ generation had the benefit of subbing in hard work and on-the-job training for a formal education. But with today’s market as competitive as it is, you need to be, well, a competitor.

Embarking on the collegiate path is a big undertaking. It’s just as much a commitment as your full-time job, but if you’re really frustrated with being underemployed then you’ll make the commitment. Here are a few steps to get started:

• Start in community college: It's cheap, it's accessible and it's flexible. Talk to the advisors about getting on the "transfer track" and begin making progress on those core courses that will register time (and money) saved once you apply to a 4-year college.
• Consider an online program: The availability of distance learning has made degrees possible for so many working folks who don't have the option to sit in a classroom. Check out eLearners to explore your educational paths. Choose a school, research them to be sure they are properly accredited, and request enrollment information. I personally prefer degree programs that are associated with a brick & mortar institution. I am intermittently working on a master's degree online through Gonzaga University (I admit, I'm a label snob). Some of the top schools in the country offer online learning now, and you could only benefit from the brand equity of a recognizable school. If you choose distance learning, I consider it beneficial to make at least one trip to the campus... maybe for your graduation. It will give you a chance to bond with the institution.
• The money is out there; find it: I've heard that there are grants and scholarships available for nearly everything under the sun... and it's true. Exercise caution in your paper chase because there are shady companies looking to capitalize on the optimism of eager students. Fastweb is an excellent source for finding legit money for school. There should never be a cost associated with finding or applying for scholarships.
• Don't be deterred by expensive schools: My research is unscientific, but I've found it to be true... the more a school costs, the better their endowment, the more money they have to give away in financial aid. Each year in undergrad, Southern Methodist University was the donor of my biggest grant. I was there for four years and only ended up financing the equivalent of one year. Schools require you complete the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.
• Apply for Federal aid: Because you have a dependent (or a few) the government responds in your favor. And the benefit to making crappy wages is that you'll qualify for need based grants. Stafford loans are an additional means to make up any shortage on expenses. (And they're not based on creditworthiness, woo hoo!) I know some of you might be leery about taking out educational loans, but consider it an investment in yourself. Besides, in most cases you can draw out the term as long as 16 years. With interest rates in the single-digits, it's not something to spazz about. Sallie Mae services all of my student loans and they've been nothing short of stellar in terms of flexibility and payment options. Also, most lenders offer a six month grace period after you finish school before you begin repayment. NOTE: Do not, under any circumstances default on a Federal student loan. That is the government and they WILL get their money one way or another. Not only will default wreck your credit and kill your eligibility for future Federal loans, but they are fully entitled to garnish your wages to make sure you pay what you owe. When applying for loans, read all of the fine print. The last thing you need is to get caught up with a predatory lender who will bury you before you even really start.
• Borrow wisely: I am the first to admit that when that financial aid award letter shows up and you see all of that big, blazing loan money available to you, you wanna take it ALL. Don't. Calculate what you will need for tuition, books, equipment related to your classes (a funky fresh new laptop, maybe?), transportation and borrow only that amount. Even though student loan repayment terms are flexible, still less debt is better. Sallie Mae's Be Debt Savvy(tm) offers insightful and practical information about managing credit and debt (news everyone can use).
  
• Get your student ID and use it unashamedly: Businesses love students. It doesn't matter your age, if you've got a valid student ID, brandish that bad boy everywhere from electronics stores and restaurants to movie theaters and mass transit get your discount. Even if it's 5%-10% off, that's money in your pocket. Check out Student Advantage and pimp your student-status for what it's worth! The student life office can also inform you of partnerships in the city for discounts.

Hopefully this list can help you get motivated. Even if you're not 100% certain about your career path, choose a field of study that offers practical, real-world value. Don't get too caught up in the mindset that you have to major in the field you plan to enter. (Sometimes medical anthropology majors end up becoming television writers.) In some cases the right major is necessary, but if you're half way through a program, go ahead and see it through. Consider a minor in a different discipline to make you more marketable. At this level of the game, your degree is a stepping stone; internships and jobs offering relevant experience are the keys to getting into your choice field.