Everyone has been hit by the bad economy in some manner over the past few years. We've struggled to make ends meet losing jobs, homes and even relationships in the process. I am not a stranger to the reach of the poor state of the economy. I haven't had a raise in a few years, lost a home to foreclosure, and added a new member to my household to add to my financial strain.
In an effort to think ahead, to build a career that would be capable of supporting my family for years I finished my college education. I began school back in 2005 while still working full time and caring for two children still in school also. I studied day and night to earn my Bachelor's degree. Upon completion in 2009 the state of the economy was poor. I kept hearing that education is the key to a long and prosperous career. I have my Bachelor's degree, but would it be enough to compete in this ever shrinking job market?
I was easily sold on the theory that eduction will set me apart from every other average Joe attempting to find a progressive job. I decided investing in more eduction would be my ticket to financial freedom down the road. Already in debt with student loans, I deferred my loans and continued my education with the current educator. My new goal was a Master of Business Administration.
I must admit that nearly six years of college along with a full time job was tiresome. Those last few classes were loathsome. In time I finished my second degree and became a proud owner of an MBA. With high GPA's and new found knowledge I was proud of my hard work. Additionally I was certain with this new acronym attached to my name that the offers would come rolling in along with the salary to make paying off those loans a little less painful. This has not happened.
I am currently in a position of over educated and under employed like many. As the economy grows I wonder what my future potential may hold. Do I need to add a few certifications to my educational repertoire? Have I only succeeded in making myself feel smarter, but in reality played a pretty bad hand of cards?
Private universities and colleges are running campaigns on national television selling prospective students on the fictitious ladder of success. Commercials tell the story of offices moving up to the next level; success is waiting for them to finish that degree. I played that game and invested in an education I simply can't pay back at this time. Unfortunately the longer I wait the more my education will cost me.
I still believe in education. I want to keep learning something new every day for the rest of my life. I am dedicated to continue growing in my career. And as I sit at the top of my game in my current situation, banging my head on the perpetual glass ceiling, I wonder if I will even utilize the knowledge I gained from all the years of studying. I fear I was sold an education that I may never need.
