Occasionally I think about whether, if I had known that I would become a SAHM, I would have made the choice to go to college or not.
I like to think I would have - I really enjoyed college for the most part and I'm sure I got more out of it than just what I would use if I had continued working.
Still, did it make sense to go and to get a degree? There were 5 years between graduation and now being a SAHM; I enjoyed working, but we've always been comfortable on DH's salary (we got engaged before I even graduated), and I do still pay some student loans every month.
I don't know if I will go back to work at some point or not, so I do think it's good to have the degree.
Just curious how others feel. When you were in college, did you ever think about whether you would work for a long time or did you know you'd like to have kids and stay home with them? Do you ever feel like you're "wasting" your degree, or was the whole college experience worth it?
I like to think I bettered myself by going, even if I'm not actively using my degree right now...
Re: If you went to college...
I was never planning to be a SAHM. Most of my college friends are actually surprised that I'm a SAHM. I was so career driven.
I worked for 10 years before becoming a SAHM. My degree was well worth it.......
ABSOLUTELY I would have gone to college even if I knew I was going to be a SAHM. Life is short and you never know what's going to happen down the road. It's a good thing to have a "marketable" degree.
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
No regrets whatsoever.
Once accomplished, the education one pursues while attaining a degree cannot be replaced. As of this month, my entire undergraduate and graduate school loans will be paid off, and not for one minute to I think I wasted any money on my education.
C 7.16.2008 | L 11.12.2010 | A 3.18.2013
I absolutely do not regret getting my degree, but I also used it prior to becoming a SAHM, and plan on going back to work as soon as the kids are in school. It took a lot of convincing to get me to stay home in the first place though.
I was a high school science teacher. The ones that stick around are a rather special breed. I've been out for 4.5 years and STILL wake up in the middle of the night with awesome lesson ideas.
When I was in college, I never thought I would be a SAHM. Even after having children, I still didn't think I wanted to be a SAHM. Now that I am a SAHM, I love it and have no regrets.
I had been out of college for almost 10 years before DD was born, so I do think it was very important that I went. Because of all those years working, I definitely don't think it was a waste. Even if I hadn't worked before having children, I still wouldn't feel like my education was a waste. I got so much more out of college than only what I learned in the classroom.
I don't regret college at all. I'm glad I have my degree and I think it's important for everyone to be educated/tech school or something after high school in some way despite what you choose in life.
I do plan on going back to work after the kids are established in school and will be glad my Bachelor's is behind me.
Natural M/c 12/13/08 at 8w5d
I have no regrets at all. I went to school and got my degree in culinary arts and became a certified chef. I got pregnant about a year after graduation, so I haven't had a lot of time to put my degree to use. I don't plan on being a SAHM forever though. I plan on working part time, maybe just 10 hours a week depending on what I can find, and when we are done having kids going back to work full time.
I loved my college experience. If I could find a way to make it happen financially, I would be a career student. There are just so many interesting things to learn about out there.
It wouldn't have made a bit of difference. In the first place, I worked for a long time before I got married. I needed a degree to be able to do that. And it wasn't for fun, it was in order to support myself and carry a mortgage.
Secondly, I take pride in having an education. It's not just about your earning potential, it's about developing your intellect. I can't imagine that I would be nearly as well-read, or be able to dissect politics or understand research studies or historical impact the way I do now, without the benefit of a graduate and post-graduate education. And although in a million years I would never have thought of what I was doing as a path to an "MRS degree," I doubt I'd ever have married my husband and wound up where I am without that education. He's a smart, educated guy, and he wanted a partner who was educated, as well. I don't think the two of us would have been a good fit if I hadn't had all that schooling.
If not for staying to finish up an add-on to my degree I'd have never started dating DH, so I guess in that respect I needed to get the degree...
Functionally, the degree was not worth it. After dating DH I ended up working for his family's business which I could have done without the degree and even though I no longer work there, I'm still paying $$$/mo for the student loans I needed to take out and will be forever.. It's a catch 22. The real kicker of it all is that I've been out of school and work so long that if I wanted to reenter the workforce I'd have to go back to school and take out more loans because my training/experience is now obsolete...
My education and degrees were for me, they made me a better person. DH is extremely intelligent, and I doubt he would have married me if we were not matched on that front. DH and I both have masters degrees. FWIW I never would have married a man without a college degree. Growing up college was not an option, it was the next logical step after highschool, as it will be for my kids.
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I never thought I was going to be a SAHM when I was going to school, though. I met my DH the year after I graduated and that's when we decided I would SAH. I only worked for 5 years between graduation and SAH too.
No regrets.
I attended college so I could continue playing softball, I just had to go to class and maintain grades to play.
My degree is in counseling. Now, I wish I had done something in Accounting or Business that is more transferable.
ETA: I also didn't meet DH until I was 25 and married at 27. I worked until DD1 was 18 mo, so it was worth it (I was a probation officer).
Me too! Off the top of my head, I have one friend w/o a college degree. The rest actually have done graduate work or beyond, one Ph.D & one a Physician Asst. (3 plus years post-undergrad).
I can't regret it...
I met my DH.
I got to play collegiate soccer for one of the Nation's best soccer coaches.
That being said, I didn't use my degree when I graduated. I certainly don't use it now. Perhaps I'll use it in the future.
This, exactly. I worked full time in my field throughout college. I pursued my degree in order to open up opportunities for advancement in my field and to make more money. Also, I couldn't see my husband and I ending up together had I not gone to college. While I didn't have the "typical" college experience, it absolutely enhanced my abilities to think critically, problem solve, and hold an intelligent discussion. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't go to college.
No regrets. None.
I went to to college and love it. I enjoy the atmosphere and learning. I worked for a fair amount in my field before becoming a SAHM. I don't look at it as a waste of money, because experiences and knowledge are priceless IMHO.
I am probably going back to college when the children are in middle school or high school. I want to do a different line of work and feel like it it would be great to learn a new trade.
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
Definitely no regrets here. I loved college and would actually go back for an MA now if DH wasn't already a full-time student. We have talked about the possibility once he completes his PhD and we are settled for his work.
I always wanted to SAHM but the thought of not going to college never entered my mind. I worked for 4 years before DD was born and work part-time now (just not right now since I am on mat leave until May). My degree and ability to get a job easily have enabled and funded our move overseas and allowed DH to pursue his dream career. I may never return to m career full-time but I like knowing that I have a solid back up plan in place if anything were to ever happen to DH. It wouldn't be easy but I know I could support myself and the kids if I had to.
m/c at 13 weeks - March 23, 2011
Nope, no regrets! I actually went to college thinking/hoping that I would someday be a SAHM. I met my hubby my second day at college.
I have a BS in accounting. I do not have a CPA as by that time in college, I knew I was going to marry my hubby and be able to be a SAHM. The CPA line of work didn't appeal to me either. I only worked 3.5 years before I became a SAHM.