For the past month, I've been trying to make a decision. Should I spend the next 2-5 years trying to get the Zoology degree I've always wanted? Or go to the University of Phoenix and get a Bachelors in Information Technology and be done with school (for the time being, really) in under 2 years?

The reason I say 2-5 years for the Zoology degree is because I have to finish up my Community college courses, push up my GPA and get a AA. Then transfer to a four year and spend about 2 years there. I've been on and off school for a while now. They say school isn't for everyone and I guess I'm proof that that saying is true, so I stopped attending. But I've been working entry level type jobs and it seems that the only way to move up is to go back to school. So, here I am 2 years later, trying to decide what to do.

God, I'm soo confused right now its not even funny. I've been asking everyone I know because I want to get it off my chest and I'm looking for advice. Everyone keeps saying, do what you feel would be right but I don't even know what that is! I've already established that I'd rather not work in an office. But, I dunno.... I might just end up in one. I'll be 24 this year and I feel like I need to do something! Its soo depressing hearing that another one of your friends has graduated, moved on to the real world and such.

I remember when I was still in high school, I had this incredible life plan. If everything went according to that plan I'd off partying and putting off studying for some Veterinarian course right now.

Anyway, what do you all think? I'm trying to get as many view points as possible. I tend to be very impulsive and I almost sent in my application fee off to the UofP this morning. I'm kinda glad I didn't since it gives me a little more time to think about it. That 45 bucks can go toward anything else, you know?

Well, hon.. I'll be totally honest with you and just give my opinion on this whole thing as I've gone through something like it (Not to the same extent at you, but I guess a little is better than nothing). If you really want to go through with Zoology and it's something you'd love to do then I'd say go for it. I just recently went through the major switch thing and wasted thousands of dollars in my first year because I dropped classes that I now need today, and am trying to get my AA/out of PG and move out.

Is it going to be worth it? I don't know.. I looked into the IT thing too and also have a plan about going into the Air Force for training and eventually a degree (Plus getting the experience requirement most jobs have out of the way) because I don't feel like things are going fast enough, but sticking in there is probably the best thing to do if things are going okay.

If it's your dream I'd go for it, especially if your current job will pay for your classes for you. Both fields are pretty good, but it just depends on how far you're willing to go to get what you want. It really is tough though, especially when you're just ready to get up and go.

I'm in the Air Force...if you're going to college I say finish up get a BS or BA then come in as an officer.

Yes there is tons of schooling options available for you in the AF as enlisted......but will you have time to do it? For the first few years...likely not.

I'm still finishing up my CCAF, only 20 credits to go!

Go with the degree that you want. The extra time will be worth it if you get a job that you love. As a computer science major, I see lots of people who are in it just for the money, and they do poorly in the classes, which leads me to believe that if you take the path that you want, you are more likely to succeed, and you'll be happier doing so.

First, find out if having a zooology degree is the only way to become a zooologist. Also find out if you can live off the salarary that a zoologist gets... If you can, get that degree, its much better than going to the univerisyt of Phoenix.

You're going to spend 2-5 years studying and about 40 years working. So, if you want to work in something that needs a 5 years degree, it'll pay off in the end.

Not to say, college is much more interesting than normal school, at least for me.

I think if you really want that zoology degree, you should get it. You should never just settle for something when you want something else.

That's really the best advice I can give you, because I don't know your entire personal situation.

After reading this again, and going through my own persnoal soul searching in the gamining industry, I think you need to ask yourself if Zoology is REALLY what you want, or is it just what you think yoru good at and other people make you think you want it.

I think I'd like Zoology. It's been a dream of mine to do several things: discover a new species of animal or at least research a newly discovered species, help save an endangered species and help make this work a better place for both people and animals. If I couldn't do any of the above, I'd just love to open up a no-kill animal shelter that finds loving homes for pets or just become a curator at the local zoo. Ever heard anyone say that doesn't matter what they make because they would gladly do their job for free? Well that's me right there.

I've always wanted a job that made me feel good about myself and all the work I do. Something that I don't mind getting up in the morning for, you know? While, I don't mind learning about and working with computers and networking, I'd definitely be settling for it. I do have a passion for Zoology, ecology, biology, etc. But at the same time, I see myself getting older and older and nearing the age that I'd like to settle down and do something more with myself. I still have a good 7 years left of my 20's and if I get the ball rolling now, I can get that schooling out of the way. There's plenty of room for partying and such.

Well, I went to Northern VA's Community College today and registered. The good thing is that I am allowed to start fresh. I don't know why, but before, I thought that I -had- to submit all of my previous school records, but the good people at NoVA told me that wasn't true. So basically I'm going to be starting from scratch and transferring the good grades from my previous school next year. I'm pretty pleased with my decision, too. ::beams::

Anyway, I've caught myself rambling. Thanks for allowing me to vent. Now, I hope I can stick with decision since I have a terrible habit of doubting myself afterwards.