for those of you without college degrees..

[jeanie]

I do feel like I am doing the most important job in the whole world but at my age of 42 I do feel like I missed out on college..I know I can go now if I want too. I am thinking it over just to get a two year degree..I am going to feel funny when my kids grow up and ask me if I went to college and I tell them no I worked instead. What about you..is it a good time for you to go? I am a SAHM.

[Ma Kettle]

I'm a SAHM with 3 college degrees in child development and education.

I don't feel like I wasted money on an unused education because I homeschool my kids and I think it's helped me as a parent.

I do at home courses online through penn state now. Whenever it's convenient and affordable to enroll in an available course I take it. I think it's important to teach kids through example that learning is a lifelong achievement. There is ALWAYS something more to learn. Whether it's reading books, attending a 1 hour informational session at the local community center, or college courses as they are available in your schedule.

I wouldn't worry overly much about if they ask if you went to college. Just be honest. There is nothing to be ashamed about in working for a living.

[my3sweeties]

Good post, Ma. There is also something to be said about being a SAHM. Raising your children full time is nothing to be ashamed of.

[Steph211]

Mama Jean, as a previous poster said, there is nothing to be ashamed about not having gone to college. As you said, there's nothing stopping you from going now either. I would caution you not to begin a program just for the sake of getting a degree though. Choose something you are interested in. You could always just begin with one course in something you enjoy (or think you'd enjoy). Who knows what that might lead to? I wouldn't worry too much about what you kids think either. It's important to show them that there are lots of different routes to take in life, and most importantly, they should do what makes them happy. At the same time, it's never too late to change your mind. Years ago, maybe college wasn't right for you, but now might be the time to start thinking about it. And remember, there are plenty of idiots out there with advanced degrees. :snicker: Having a diploma (or several) doesn't make you a better person.

I have both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. Now as a SAHM, I have recently completed a correspondence course in writing. It was something that interested me and gave me something "grown up" to do. Both of my parents have Ph.Ds. My MIL though, raised 4 kids and it wasn't until her youngest (my husband) was in college that she decided to go to college where she earned a degree in accounting. After 20 or so years of being a SAHM, she became an accountant for a local business. So it's really never too late!