Going back to school?

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Recently, faced with mounting issues at home,  I have been contemplating going back to school, at the local tech school for a welding certificate.  I have a little over 6 years of college education.  I was in the Ag Ed field at UGA but left because I burned out over working 60 hours a week and going to school full time. So...never went back and I really don't want to go into teaching at the primary level.  My wife is a teacher now but is faced with layoffs...I of course have had training in welding along the way in college and as some can see here, fairly competent.  But I have no certificate or AAS degree saying that I could "cut" it.  I know...It doesn't mean I don't know my stuff, but at the same time, I realize I could "sharpen" my skills and get  back into practice in some of the disciplines that I have not used in a while like TIG and only had limited experience. My blue print skills are awful... rusty...ok down right forgot whatever I learned.   I feel that for me to provide for  my wife and myself, should she loose her job, is going to take more than a "part time" effort on my part.  I am set up as far as the equipment goes except for TIG, for a business or simply to go to work on pipe or some "NEW" government stimulus project.  It is a one year program from start to finish...but it offers advance placement and transfer of "basic" credits.  Just looking,  I should have covered about 1/3 of the program in transfer credits.  You never know, they may want me to start at square # 1.Plus, the expense will be minimal because we have the HOPE scholarships thanks to all those gamblers willing to bet on winning the lottery.The irony of the situation is that I twice applied to teach at the very same school. Never got a callback, but it was a political hire, already determined when I got my application in. The educational requirements for the job were pretty low...I exceeded them quite well, I thought. Just wondering what some of you guys thought.  It is an important decision, if my wife does loose her job, we may be faced with moving and I won't be able to complete it yet again.  But I can't just keep on sitting here reading posts every morning "waiting" on a call to work or keep following up on the same "leads" that are never going to materialize.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Even though it is really just a piece a paper I believe a college degree can help you out it many ways. What I personnally enjoy about college is all the theory you learn. I recently completed my A.A.S in welding and continuing on to get my B.W.E and I can honestly say going to school is the best thing I have ever done. I have talked to many people in the program who have come into the program with years of experience in industry and they are blown away by how much they learn.My 2 cents is go for it and good luck
Reply:Even if you only take a couple of classes at a time anything you do to improve yourself is never going to hurt. IMHO you might want to consider taking some business classes, even if it is only at the local level. I to majored in Ag Ed as well as Ag Mech with a minor in An Sci.
Reply:It can never hurt to know more and if you can acquire that knowlege at a low price and you have the time to do so, then 'Just Do It'.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:In my experience it will get your foot in the door in alot more jobs. Just a thought, but pick a school that has a good reputation in the field. I came out of Tulsa Welding School and it has helped me my whole career because of their rep. a CC may charge the same amount and not teach you as much.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldRecently, faced with mounting issues at home,  I have been contemplating going back to school, at the local tech school for a welding certificate.  I have a little over 6 years of college education.  I was in the Ag Ed field at UGA but left because I burned out over working 60 hours a week and going to school full time. So...never went back and I really don't want to go into teaching at the primary level.  My wife is a teacher now but is faced with layoffs...I of course have had training in welding along the way in college and as some can see here, fairly competent.  But I have no certificate or AAS degree saying that I could "cut" it.  I know...It doesn't mean I don't know my stuff, but at the same time, I realize I could "sharpen" my skills and get  back into practice in some of the disciplines that I have not used in a while like TIG and only had limited experience. My blue print skills are awful... rusty...ok down right forgot whatever I learned.   I feel that for me to provide for  my wife and myself, should she loose her job, is going to take more than a "part time" effort on my part.  I am set up as far as the equipment goes except for TIG, for a business or simply to go to work on pipe or some "NEW" government stimulus project.  It is a one year program from start to finish...but it offers advance placement and transfer of "basic" credits.  Just looking,  I should have covered about 1/3 of the program in transfer credits.  You never know, they may want me to start at square # 1.Plus, the expense will be minimal because we have the HOPE scholarships thanks to all those gamblers willing to bet on winning the lottery.The irony of the situation is that I twice applied to teach at the very same school. Never got a callback, but it was a political hire, already determined when I got my application in. The educational requirements for the job were pretty low...I exceeded them quite well, I thought. Just wondering what some of you guys thought.  It is an important decision, if my wife does loose her job, we may be faced with moving and I won't be able to complete it yet again.  But I can't just keep on sitting here reading posts every morning "waiting" on a call to work or keep following up on the same "leads" that are never going to materialize.
Reply:Gee!! Lug you do whatever you want to do its your life annd utimately your decision as well as your wife's. If you can get the training in on only parttime then so be it. But those certs do help especially when you have have some hands on experience to back it up.TomCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Mark,You just had a bad day or what? I never partied in College.   In fact, I barely even dated.  I had to work.  I put myself through school.  I worked full time on top of that.  My parents weren't rich and never gave me a dime.  I didn't even have a car until I worked for it, into my second year of school.  I got extremely ill during my first semester. I had to drop out for the second semester.  I had to "retake" some classes when I went back because I was so sick I was unable to take some of my finals.  I was in a course of study that was a entry into another course of study(aviation) for two years.  I did not get accepted into the program due to lack of being able to pay for it. I was at a private institution that though accredited did not accept governement money.After not getting accepted into the program, I moved back and worked for some more to save to go back to school.  There I went to a state ag college, where I worked on a plant science degree/animal science double major.   It was there that I was encouraged  into ag ed program by my advisors, because of my knowledge, skills and abilities.  There I  went to the University of GA where they disallowed part of my coursework from the AG college in transfer.  I went to UGA and studied for nearly 2 years in AG ED, working full time as aparts manager at a tractor dealership just down the street from the college, working 60 hours a week, including after hours repair business with a friend of mine. I would literally run up the hill to get to class many times 15 minutes late because my boss wasn't there to wait on the line of customers.  I couldn't even afford used books for my classes.  Many of them I had no books and had to borrow, many times unable to do the homework.I burned out because of work and because UGA had gutted the AG ED program, leaving few preparatory classes in the Ag field.  Now...I have "done" it.  Sometimes, due to aspects out of your control, because of NAFTA or some other type of legislation that removes your livlihood, you wake up one morning and realize the thing you are "doing" though a good idea in the past, is no longer a viable option.  It has nothing to do with growing up.  In fact it is a mature thing to decide to be able to evaluate yourself.  I am 37.  I have made more money without a degree than I could have with a degree...way more money.  But now thanks to multiple circumstances, it is now gone.  So are  the jobs I would have had if I had a degree.I happen to live in a community with 15 percent unemployment rate.  Jobs are scarce. So are "opportunities".  I have been to people looking for a special niche I could fill.  In fact that is one of the things I have specialized in the past.  But when the goose lays her last egg and falls over dead, you got to be able to realize you ain't gonna get no more eggs. We have thought about moving, but we couldn't sell the house if we tried. We were responsible, buying a house that cost half of what we were approved for.  It appraised 32 k over what we paid for it.  But everyone is trying to sell. Kchoate,This is a tech school, known well around here.  It does have a "good rep" . But the reason I am considering it and not going down to JAX, is because, I can go to it for free.  Our state has the HOPE scholarship/grant program, that covers tuititon and fees, and even a little on book money. So I have been thinking I am stupid if it is only 3 miles down the road and not take advantage of it while I can. It is a diploma program. As for the business, I am not just starting out, and I have had "economics and agribusiness" courses in college...in fact an agribusiness degree and ag ed degree have the majority of courses in common.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:IMO, the certificate programs are a waste if you already know how to perform the physical aspects of your craft.An associate's degree or higher on the other hand, could go towards getting your foot in the door somewhere, and if you're transferring in work experience for credits, there's no reason not to get it.
Reply:lugweld,  i have to agree that you CANNOT have enough education.  it can only help you.  In todays job market it will always give YOU the edge.  I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do............Lincoln 255XT Power Mig                                                                    Lincoln Precision Tig 225Hypertherm Powermax 30
Reply:Well, here is what you have to ask yourself.  Will I be able to better myself by taking the program.  Most of the tech programs that I am aware of in our area do not have you coming out of school as a certified weldor.  They give you a certificate of completion, or degree, but you will still have to take a cert test in whatever process, position, etc... for the job you intend to perform.  The other thing to consider is will that course and the certification allow you to do something that you can't already do.  In my opinion no.  I'm not saying school isn't a good thing, but if a welding job came up and required a certification then my bet is that with a couple days a steady practice you could pass the cert.  test, and get the job. In the end it will come down to whether or not you will be able to do more with the degree than you could without it.  If it is yes then I say go for it.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Hammack,You make a valid point.I am going to post the course curriculum here or at least try to.  I know it is a 4-5 quarter diploma program.  I probably can do most of what they will teach.  What I might like to do is turn around and become and instructor, which I have tried to do before.  It will at least give me something "regular" to do for now.Here:Course No. Title Credit Hours General Core Courses MAT 1012 Foundations of Mathematics 5 ENG 1010 Fundamentals of English I 5 Occupational Courses SCT 100 Introduction to Microcomputers 3 WLD 100 Introduction to Welding Technology 6 WLD 101 Oxyfuel Cutting 4 WLD 103 Blueprint Reading I 3 WLD 104 Shielded Metal Arc Welding I 6 WLD 105 Shielded Metal Arc Welding II 6 WLD 106 Shielded Metal Arc Welding III 6 WLD 107 Shielded Metal Arc Welding IV 6 WLD 108 Blueprint Reading II 3 WLD 109  Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) 6 WLD 110 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) 4 WLD 112 Preparation for Industrial Qualification 4  OR   xxx xxx Elective(s)* 5 EMP 1000 Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development 3     Total credit hours required: 73   Electives:(depend upon course offerings and instructor availability)  WLD 102 Oxyacetylene Welding I 1 WLD 150 Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 5 WLD 151 Fabrication Practices 5 WLD 152 Pipe Welding 5 WLD 153 Flux Cored Arc Welding 5 WLD 154 Plasma Cutting 5 WLD 160 Welding & Joining Half-Time InternshipAdditionally,They post:The Welding and Joining Technology program includes instruction in the various types of welding processes and their practical applications. Graduates of this program are competent in areas of shielded metal arc welding in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions; blueprint reading; gas metal arc welding; gas tungsten arc welding; oxyfuel cutting; and common joining processes. Program graduates receive a diploma, have the qualifications of a welding and joining technician, and are prepared to take qualification tests.Last edited by lugweld; 02-25-2009 at 08:12 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:A couple of options (god, bad, or in different, you decide.)1 Check w/local institutions  and see if you can parlay your existing credits get a certificate or diploma  w/minimal effort.Any degree is better than none.2 Find out if you can challenge the courses at the tech school. Sometimes they will give credit if you can pay and pass.3 lie on your resume.A butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:Mag,Some will transfer such as my math and English, but the technical courses are only good for 7 years.  I don't know about testing out yet.  I went down this pm and filled out an application.  15 app fee and presto:  I am scheduled.  Whether I actually go or not...it is another question.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Lug - you need to talk to the instructor and find out if you can really finish that diploma in the 4 - 5 quarters you mentioned.  The reason I say that is most of those courses are 4 to 6 credit hour, which means they require about 10 CONTACT hours each.  In other words, plan on scheduling 10 hours of class time per 5 or 6 hour welding class per quarter.  If you do the math it adds up very quickly!  This has two ramifications - one your time and 2 the instructor's time.  Each full time instructor in this program is supposed to have only 3 or 4 classes a quarter.I bring these points up because I keep hearing complaints from students wanting to rush through.  Most of the core classes math, engl, emp, sct are usually also offered as online classes, so it's not so hard to get them done.  But, be willing to put some time in on the weld dept classes.  Oh, and I play parttime night welding instructor in a GA technical college that follows the exact same curriculum, so I know that list of classes quite well.  I've got WLD 101, 103, and 108 this quarter with 100, 105, 109, and 110 next quarter.Jason
Reply:BTW - which school is it?
Reply:JasonI graduated from East Hall.  Went to church at Flowery Branch...It is East Central TechWell,  the total clock time is listed between 1070-1220 hours.  I wonder if they will allow me to test out...I already have had  some classes at ABAC a few years ago...more than seven though.But the "college" core is already taken care of...just waiting on transcripts.Last edited by lugweld; 02-25-2009 at 09:35 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:That pretty much makes my point.  It says that you will be prepared to take qualification tests.  You are ready to do that now without the schooling.  The other thing to consider is how much actual work time will you be out while taking classes.  If your wife is on the lay off list then I would think that you would want to work as much as possible for income.  I'm not trying to talk you of going to school.  Just hate to see you feel like you have wasted good time and money when it's over.   My main employee left last Sept. to pursue this same idea.  I talked to the guy teaching the classes, and he made the statement to me, that he would basically be qualified to do what he was already qualified to do.  That gave me the opinion that he would be better off working and making a living than learning things he already knew.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweld  (aviation) for two years. state ag college, where I worked on a plant science degree/animal science double major.   It was there that I was encouraged  into ag ed program by my advisors, because of my knowledge, skills and abilities.  There I  went to the University of GA where they disallowed part of my coursework from the AG college in transfer.  I went to UGA and studied for nearly 2 years in AG ED,  I have had "economics and agribusiness" courses in college...in fact an agribusiness degree and ag ed degree have the majority of courses in common. I have been to people looking for a special niche I could fill.
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldMark,You just had a bad day or what? I never partied in College.   In fact, I barely even dated.  I had to work.  I put myself through school.  I worked full time on top of that.  My parents weren't rich and never gave me a dime.  I didn't even have a car until I worked for it, into my second year of school.  I got extremely ill during my first semester. I had to drop out for the second semester.  I had to "retake" some classes when I went back because I was so sick I was unable to take some of my finals.  I was in a course of study that was a entry into another course of study(aviation) for two years.  I did not get accepted into the program due to lack of being able to pay for it. I was at a private institution that though accredited did not accept governement money.After not getting accepted into the program, I moved back and worked for some more to save to go back to school.  There I went to a state ag college, where I worked on a plant science degree/animal science double major.   It was there that I was encouraged  into ag ed program by my advisors, because of my knowledge, skills and abilities.  There I  went to the University of GA where they disallowed part of my coursework from the AG college in transfer.  I went to UGA and studied for nearly 2 years in AG ED, working full time as aparts manager at a tractor dealership just down the street from the college, working 60 hours a week, including after hours repair business with a friend of mine. I would literally run up the hill to get to class many times 15 minutes late because my boss wasn't there to wait on the line of customers.  I couldn't even afford used books for my classes.  Many of them I had no books and had to borrow, many times unable to do the homework.I burned out because of work and because UGA had gutted the AG ED program, leaving few preparatory classes in the Ag field.  Now...I have "done" it.  Sometimes, due to aspects out of your control, because of NAFTA or some other type of legislation that removes your livlihood, you wake up one morning and realize the thing you are "doing" though a good idea in the past, is no longer a viable option.  It has nothing to do with growing up.  In fact it is a mature thing to decide to be able to evaluate yourself.  I am 37.  I have made more money without a degree than I could have with a degree...way more money.  But now thanks to multiple circumstances, it is now gone.  So are  the jobs I would have had if I had a degree.I happen to live in a community with 15 percent unemployment rate.  Jobs are scarce. So are "opportunities".  I have been to people looking for a special niche I could fill.  In fact that is one of the things I have specialized in the past.  But when the goose lays her last egg and falls over dead, you got to be able to realize you ain't gonna get no more eggs. We have thought about moving, but we couldn't sell the house if we tried. We were responsible, buying a house that cost half of what we were approved for.  It appraised 32 k over what we paid for it.  But everyone is trying to sell. Kchoate,This is a tech school, known well around here.  It does have a "good rep" . But the reason I am considering it and not going down to JAX, is because, I can go to it for free.  Our state has the HOPE scholarship/grant program, that covers tuititon and fees, and even a little on book money. So I have been thinking I am stupid if it is only 3 miles down the road and not take advantage of it while I can. It is a diploma program. As for the business, I am not just starting out, and I have had "economics and agribusiness" courses in college...in fact an agribusiness degree and ag ed degree have the majority of courses in common.
Reply:MarkI haven't lived off my wifes earnings...until recently.  We used to use hers to go on vacations and the like, and have lived off of what I have been able to add to the pot.  Maybe YOU don't get it.There is no limited availability in schools.  The funding I am using is rightfully mine because I have paid taxes, to fund and support the operation of the higher education schools in  GA.. It would be no different if I was working on a Masters or a Doctorate.  As far as depriving a 20 year old of something...Are you serious? There aren't any 20 year olds complaining they can't get into a state college around here.  I don't know about where you live, but here, there are plenty of non traditional students. Didn't our president just ask us all to consider going back to school...young or older?  I don't agree with much of what he says. But at least I can see his point on this one.  That little story you wrote about the carpenter is only an amuzing anecdote about a guy who had the "fortune" of being in the right place at the right time.     Whether or not I go to school is immaterial..I have the right to go back...degree or no degree...If I have to work to get through, so be it.  You probably had beer money in your pocket when ever you called you mommy to send you some. I did not.  If you had a leg up in this world when you started, then fine.  But some of us have had to beat and bang our way to where we are.   It isn't about tough love...What you wrote is about as unthoughtful as a post can get...without really weighing what I said at all.  You said you didn't get my post....Everyone else did.  I suppose that you may not understand this one either.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:lugweld I would definitely push the school to accept every credit you can make them take. I started out at Drexel in Architectural engineering. Wanted to be an Architect and that's what the dean of the program said would happen. Well long story short Drexel canned his a$$ from "misrepresenting" the program. It was a civil engineering program with a few arch classes tossed in. I dropped because the math was killing me, anyways after a few years of working, I wanted to go back and do Architecture so transferred my credits to Phila. University. I wished I had pushed harder for them to take more of my classes. I ended up a a 2nd semester freshman with over 100 credits, most as electives. They won't give you any more credits than they HAVE to. Someone (state) is paying for those classes, and they'll want as much money as possible.I would talk to the instructors about  being able to test out of some of the courses if possible. no sense in you learning to strike an arc in stick, if you can already weld overhead. Worse they can say is NO. Then oh well, the class should be cake.I know want its like to work FT and go to school FT. That's what I did when I went back. I don't know how the classes are set up there. One thing I lucked out with was because I had so many credits, I got to pretty much set my schedule of classes before anyone else did in my class. I only ran into issues if I tried to take a class form the next term to fill my schedule as I was in the middle of the list to register. Again I pushed the school to make them put me in classes I wanted. I needed to have days off not so I could do nothing but so I could work. I HAD to condense my schedule to get the most classes in the fewest days at school and minimize time lost by "open" hours on class days. They didn't quite understand the commuter/ working student thing at that time.Good luck.
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldMarkI haven't lived off my wifes earnings...until recently.  We used to use hers to go on vacations and the like, and have lived off of what I have been able to add to the pot.  Maybe YOU don't get it.There is no limited availability in schools.  The funding I am using is rightfully mine because I have paid taxes, to fund and support the operation of the higher education schools in  GA.. It would be no different if I was working on a Masters or a Doctorate.  As far as depriving a 20 year old of something...Are you serious? There aren't any 20 year olds complaining they can't get into a state college around here.  I don't know about where you live, but here, there are plenty of non traditional students. Didn't our president just ask us all to consider going back to school...young or older?  I don't agree with much of what he says. But at least I can see his point on this one.  That little story you wrote about the carpenter is only an amuzing anecdote about a guy who had the "fortune" of being in the right place at the right time.     Whether or not I go to school is immaterial..I have the right to go back...degree or no degree...If I have to work to get through, so be it.  You probably had beer money in your pocket when ever you called you mommy to send you some. I did not.  If you had a leg up in this world when you started, then fine.  But some of us have had to beat and bang our way to where we are.   It isn't about tough love...What you wrote is about as unthoughtful as a post can get...without really weighing what I said at all.  You said you didn't get my post....Everyone else did.  I suppose that you may not understand this one either.
Reply:OOOOHHHH,,,,,    but excuse me,,,,,  you never actually graduated from anywhere?????   BIG difference,,,,  you are actually NOT an alumni from any school,,,,   sorry,,,  just carry on in your little world .......
Reply:Originally Posted by mark8310OOOOHHHH,,,,,    but excuse me,,,,,  you never actually graduated from anywhere?????   BIG difference,,,,  you are actually NOT an alumni from any school,,,,   sorry,,,  just carry on in your little world .......Originally Posted by Sparky#1While I do understand where you're coming from I think you might be beating him up a bit,he's going through a rough time as it is.
Reply:And Sparky????  the ne'er'do well, don't even have a friggin' degree to start with, he's saying this is the same as going for a master's or a PHD?????   NO, not at all, you gotta do it one step at a time,,,,   complete one thing, then do the next thing.   AT BEST, if he does what he's proposing, with public money, in two years (giving him the benefit of the doubt), AT BEST (again), he will be the proud owner of an associate's degree If that.   Given past history,,,,   probably """""   burn out"""""""   before  it's finished.  What you would expect, a 22 year old, to have, right out of school. (associate's degree) Ever heard the term,,,,,   "professional student" before????????    Last edited by mark8310; 02-26-2009 at 09:14 PM.
Reply:Will only offer one comment:  a year from now, the time will have passed, and you will not want to look back and say why didn't I do it.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and part of an MBA which I did not finish due to similar circumstances, full time job and night classes...no time to sleep.  Try to get a degree that will open a known door; some degrees don't...they just show one is tenacious. Guess that was more than one comment...and it was free but hopefuly not worthless.Good luck.
Reply:Originally Posted by mark8310And Sparky????  the ne'er'do well, don't even have a friggin' degree to start with, he's saying this is the same as going for a master's or a PHD?????   NO, not at all, you gotta do it one step at a time,,,,   complete one thing, then do the next thing.   AT BEST, if he does what he's proposing, with public money, in two years (giving him the benefit of the doubt), AT BEST (again), he will be the proud owner of an associate's degree If that.   Given past history,,,,   probably """""   burn out"""""""   before  it's finished.  What you would expect, a 22 year old, to have, right out of school. (associate's degree) Ever heard the term,,,,,   "professional student" before????????
Reply:Oh, believe me,,,,   I'm an a$$.I believe, given past history, as stated by the op,,,,,   two years from now, after finishing a one year program, the op will be in exactly the same position he is now,,,,,  many years of education, but no job, no economic benefit to the world.  More education, more lines on a resume,,,,   NEVER did anybody a bit of good, unless they could demonstrate value to an employer, or, otherwise, use it for themselves.This guy, didn't even have the dedication, to finish off a four-year degree, in six years......   YOU tell me, how another couple years, prolly gonna wimp out anyway, is gonna help him??????   I mean, he hasn't even said what his goal is,,,,  other than " a job".....   What KIND of a job???   With WHO?????   Doing WHAT????   I have no problem with additional education, as long as there is a defined goal at the end,,,,,   and also,  you are wrong, today every state has limitations on educational budgets.   I'd rather pay to educate a 20 year old kid, who has the world in front of him, than a middle-aged man who still doesn't know what he wants to do with his lifepriorities, priorities ....  am I wrong????Last edited by mark8310; 02-26-2009 at 10:44 PM.
Reply:So................um, yeah. Mark, WTF man?You get some slag on your lip today er something? Relax brother Yup
Reply:Out of respect for myself and the kinder gentler members of this board,  I won't try to defend myself any further with this beligerent tyrant.  A man bent on trying to be a "bulley" on a board will often succeed.  Success should never be confused with significance.But to those questioning whether I am a hack or not...Here:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=25051http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=26949http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=26857http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=26820http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=25907Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldA man bent on trying to be a "bulley" on a board will often succeed.  Success should never be confused with significance.
Reply:Gee mark8310 is it that time of the month for you or what. Lets see some of your degrees, workmanship, or some of your sucesses. You sound like a narcissistic individual.Lugweld is trying to better himself annd you come in here and rake him over the coals. Seems to me we should be praising him for his efforts and encourge him.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:"No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care."Author unknown to me.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Mark8310.  I am closing this thread due to your commonts to the original poster.  I am leaving it here so people can see what kind of person YOU are.Education is not a waste on anyone.David Edit:  Draw your own conclusionLast edited by David R; 03-05-2009 at 09:13 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.