February 18, 200818 yr QUOTE(Iwritecode @ Feb 18, 2008 -> 02:31 PM) Tell me about it. Overworked and underpaid. It's the story of my life. I was in contact with a head-hunter during a job search once and when I told her what I made she laughed... I do mostly mainframe stuff. Programming languages that are older than I am. I messed up by getting my 2-year degree just before the web programming stuff really took off. Back in 97-98. I really need to go back to school (which I can't afford) or become self-taugh in the newer programming languages. I'm willing to commute. I already drive 40 miles (about 1 hour) one-way. I can't imagine it would be that much different taking 90 into the western burbs. Relocation is a slim possibilty but not something I'd rule out right away. The kids are getting a little older so after-school care isn't as much of a concern as it used to be. Craigslist is your friend. Also, pick a language you'd like to learn, and get certified in it. It's not as good as a degree, but it's cheaper, takes less time, and since you have dev experience it's a foot in the door. I'd suggest going for SCJP (Java) or MCSD (C#/.Net). If you have C/C++ experience, they'll be easy to learn, and are pretty popular languages right now.
February 18, 200818 yr Tell me about it. Overworked and underpaid. It's the story of my life. I was in contact with a head-hunter during a job search once and when I told her what I made she laughed... I do mostly mainframe stuff. Programming languages that are older than I am. I messed up by getting my 2-year degree just before the web programming stuff really took off. Back in 97-98. I really need to go back to school (which I can't afford) or become self-taugh in the newer programming languages. I'm willing to commute. I already drive 40 miles (about 1 hour) one-way. I can't imagine it would be that much different taking 90 into the western burbs. Relocation is a slim possibilty but not something I'd rule out right away. The kids are getting a little older so after-school care isn't as much of a concern as it used to be. Your company doesn't offer tuition reimbursement? My company offers 100% (provided you stay for 3 years after the class completion otherwise it's pro-rated) and 70% for wage guys. If you can't afford college at a local community college, how do you expect to help your kids after high school for their college education?
February 18, 200818 yr QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Feb 18, 2008 -> 04:01 PM) Your company doesn't offer tuition reimbursement? My company offers 100% (provided you stay for 3 years after the class completion otherwise it's pro-rated) and 70% for wage guys. They do but it has to be approved and be "work-related". I'd have to pay for tuition and book out-of-pocket and then they re-imburse us based on our final grade. I've pretty much gone as far as I can at the local community college. The only thing left I could really take is a couple of introductory courses. I was taking courses through the RVC-NIU partnership but that got really expensive really quick. Of course I make "too much" to qualify for financial aid. QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Feb 18, 2008 -> 04:01 PM) If you can't afford college at a local community college, how do you expect to help your kids after high school for their college education? I didn't get any help from my parents getting my 2-year degree. My wife didn't get any help and didn't even go to college. Sadly, I doubt we'll be able to do much for our kids. Keeping the bills paid is more important right now.
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