Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing the right thing.

[Tobin S.]

I guess that's only natural when you are taking a chance.

I went back to school to finish my bachelor's degree in May of 2012. I've had to go part time because I have to work full time- we're talking 55 hours a week at the job and three classes at school a semester. The combination of that schedule over the past two years and a brutal winter here in the Midwest had me feeling exhausted as March neared.

Several times I've wanted to quit. I would have my second semester back if it hadn't been for a glitch in the automated system used to drop classes that made me have to consider the decision longer.

I am feeling good now that spring is here. I've got a little over a year to go to get the degree I want. I could graduate this December if I choose not to take a concentration of study for the degree, but my job prospects will be better if I take that concentration.

I had to do this if I want to get ahead and provide a nice life for my wife and my child if we manage to have one. The only other option looks bleak to me now- about 30 more years as a truck driver. It was okay when I was alone. I coped with it. But I want more for my family.

There is a chance that this won't pay off and I'll have another big bill on top of the big pile I have already. I think the chances are greater that I'll have greater success in life with that degree. I'll have to try if I want to get somewhere and I'm pretty much past the point of no return now.

A guy once told me that my self doubt was what made me good. He said this in reference to the job I was doing learning how to drive a new style of truck. It makes me understand things and know what I need to do before trying something that might get me into trouble. It's a double edged sword, though. Anxiety, baby. Yes, indeed.

[RebelOne]

1. Hang in there and finish school if you possibly can.

I have posted before that my daughter was working full-time at a college and attending night classes at that college. She had two children and a husband who managed to hold down the fort at night. She earned her Bachelor's degree, became a middle school teacher and then went on to get a Master's degree last year. She is now earning a lot more money.

It will be difficult, but stick with it if you can.

[Tobin S.]

2. Thanks for the encouragement, Rebel.

I'm hanging in there. The prize is almost within reach. It's just a question of my tenacity.

[elleng]

3. You're where you should be, Tobin,

even with the difficulty and doubts. A more satisfying life will surely follow.