Free university classes at my job...

[Ultralight]

As I have mentioned in previous threads I was worried about some lay-offs. I apparently got out of them this go round.

But...

I want to be prepared for it if they come back around in another couple years or so.

For this reason I am considering taking some classes, maybe pursuing another degree (since my tuition is free).

Thoughts?

[Stacy]

I see no downside to this. Free tuition? Do it!

[Ultralight]

I need to do something that does not require math but still has lots of govt jobs available. So I am thinking some classes in social work.

[Tussiemussies]

Sounds like a great opportunity!

[ApatheticNoMore]

The cost then of course is time, whether it's worth it to spend the time to pursue another degree, going to classes and studying (perhaps depends on whether the results are likely to be better, but it's a personal decision).

Now the cost of time in addition to in money is less than it usually is except with online learning, as there's no commuting to school in addition to work as it's at your job (which might otherwise be a real time cost). But whether it's worth it really doesn't depend on what anyone else's time cost spent pursuing education may be, that's irrelevant. Just there is another advantage besides the money savings there fwiw.

[Ultralight]

The cost then of course is time, whether it's worth it to spend the time to pursue another degree, going to classes and studying (perhaps depends on whether the results are likely to be better, but it's a personal decision).

Now the cost of time in addition to in money is less than it usually is except with online learning, as there's no commuting to school in addition to work as it's at your job (which might otherwise be a real time cost). But whether it's worth it really doesn't depend on what anyone else's time cost spent pursuing education may be, that's irrelevant. Just there is another advantage besides the money savings there fwiw.

I mostly enjoyed college and grad school. I read a lot of quasi-academic books and articles in my free time. So it would not be that big of an adjustment. The main issue would be commuting, paying for parking (they privatized parking on campus so now some corporation makes $$$ renting spaces), and rejiggering my simple life.

[iris lilies]

I don't know which fields have lots of government jobs available. Do you mean at the federal level?

[sweetana3]

There are social worker jobs out there for a very good reason. It is very often a stressful job working with people in crisis. The pay for a Masters degree is pretty low and the hours are long. However, if it is your "calling", it is in demand.

Would pay to look into some of the problems states are having with their Dept. of Family Services and staffing issues.
http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/child-and-family-social-worker/salary
http://www.collegesanddegrees.com/programs/social-work/salary-prospects
http://work.chron.com/problems-faced-social-workers-11849.html

[Ultralight]

There are social worker jobs out there for a very good reason. It is very often a stressful job working with people in crisis. The pay for a Masters degree is pretty low and the hours are long. However, if it is your "calling", it is in demand.

Would pay to look into some of the problems states are having with their Dept. of Family Services and staffing issues.
http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/child-and-family-social-worker/salary
http://www.collegesanddegrees.com/programs/social-work/salary-prospects
http://work.chron.com/problems-faced-social-workers-11849.html

Thanks for the links!

[frugal-one]

https://www.usajobs.gov

[ToomuchStuff]

Why is the schooling free? Are you sure it isn't going to be cut as one of the cost cutting measures? Do you think they offer it as an incentive to improve your current job related skill set?
What is your current degree, and are their classes that cross over, so you can get another degree quicker? Do you have any interest in that subject? Does your work have anything in that area (move to a different position if the current one disappeared)?

You mentioned: We are going to be asked to "do more with the same amount of staff, lot less staff."
Not really a lot less staff if no firings. More responsibilities from other departments maybe? How is this going to affect your time to attend school?

Just a few questions.

[Ultralight]

Why is the schooling free? Are you sure it isn't going to be cut as one of the cost cutting measures? Do you think they offer it as an incentive to improve your current job related skill set?
What is your current degree, and are their classes that cross over, so you can get another degree quicker? Do you have any interest in that subject? Does your work have anything in that area (move to a different position if the current one disappeared)?

You mentioned: We are going to be asked to "do more with the same amount of staff, lot less staff."
Not really a lot less staff if no firings. More responsibilities from other departments maybe? How is this going to affect your time to attend school?

Just a few questions.

Oops! I mean "not less staff" rather than "lot."

[Selah]

Whatever you do, get some Spanish classes in there while you're at it! I cannot believe how many jobs I've been "almost" qualified for, except for my lack of Spanish--it really has been the dealbreaker for me in many instances and has limited my professional growth. I currently have a temp job at a university, and am hoping it becomes permanent, just so I can get free tuition for Spanish classes!