I was in a very similar situation and was able to go back and get my bachelors degree without putting my career on hold. Here is how:
- I used my tech background to get an IT job at local University. As a full-time employee, I was eligible for tuition remission.
- The majority of my classes were available in the evenings or online. For the evening in-person classes, I was already on campus for work, so getting to class was a non-factor.
- For the few required classes only offered during the day, I worked it out with my boss to take an extended lunch break to go to class. Turns out that IT managers in Higher Ed value continuing education for their employees.
It took about 6 years of going to classes part-time, but I graduated at age 35 with zero student loans.
Also, there are a lot more non-traditional students out there than you would think. Don't let your age be a deterrent.
- I used my tech background to get an IT job at local University. As a full-time employee, I was eligible for tuition remission.
- The majority of my classes were available in the evenings or online. For the evening in-person classes, I was already on campus for work, so getting to class was a non-factor.
- For the few required classes only offered during the day, I worked it out with my boss to take an extended lunch break to go to class. Turns out that IT managers in Higher Ed value continuing education for their employees.
It took about 6 years of going to classes part-time, but I graduated at age 35 with zero student loans.
Also, there are a lot more non-traditional students out there than you would think. Don't let your age be a deterrent.