Can I Afford to Go Back to School to Pursue My Dreams?
Photo: Marc Royce
Q: I'm 36 years old, and my husband and I have three children. My job is stressful and unfulfilling, but it pays very well. After a serious illness last year, I started to see life differently. I created a plan to get us out of debt and want to embark on a career change that requires returning to college. I would continue in my current job for three more years while attending school part-time to help pay off our credit card balance, establish an emergency fund, and save for my children's educations and my own. However, my husband is completely unsupportive of my "siphoning off funds" for an interior design degree that, according to him, "you can't do much with." The average salary for graduates in that field is less than half of what I'm now earning. We already have some money put away for retirement. Do you think it's irresponsible to pursue this dream?
A: Your mental and physical health are, in my opinion, the most precious gift you can give yourself, your children, and your husband. What does he want you to do, stay in a situation you hate just so you can continue to make more money? There is nothing—I repeat, nothing—irresponsible about how you're preparing to achieve this goal. You've given yourself a three-year buffer to clean up your balance sheet and enact your plan. I'm so impressed at the care you're taking in anticipation of this life-altering move. So many women who hate their jobs come to me ready to quit tomorrow without a penny saved. You're a great example of how to move toward change in a sensible way.
Your husband is the one being irresponsible. He should value your dreams over your paycheck. Besides, even though you were earning a lot, you still had credit card debt and no emergency savings. Unhappy people often spend, spend, spend; people who are satisfied with their lives don't need money to create a false sense of well-being. If you follow your passion for interior design, you'll be more content in your professional and personal life. That's good for your health, good for your head, and ultimately great for your family. Will you have less money? Only time will tell. But even if your income decreases, I bet you'll find you can make more out of less.
By the way, don't be angry with your husband. My sense is that he's just fearful of change and worried about making sure the family will be okay. Over the next three years, you'll have plenty of time to talk about how to make this leap.
A: Your mental and physical health are, in my opinion, the most precious gift you can give yourself, your children, and your husband. What does he want you to do, stay in a situation you hate just so you can continue to make more money? There is nothing—I repeat, nothing—irresponsible about how you're preparing to achieve this goal. You've given yourself a three-year buffer to clean up your balance sheet and enact your plan. I'm so impressed at the care you're taking in anticipation of this life-altering move. So many women who hate their jobs come to me ready to quit tomorrow without a penny saved. You're a great example of how to move toward change in a sensible way.
Your husband is the one being irresponsible. He should value your dreams over your paycheck. Besides, even though you were earning a lot, you still had credit card debt and no emergency savings. Unhappy people often spend, spend, spend; people who are satisfied with their lives don't need money to create a false sense of well-being. If you follow your passion for interior design, you'll be more content in your professional and personal life. That's good for your health, good for your head, and ultimately great for your family. Will you have less money? Only time will tell. But even if your income decreases, I bet you'll find you can make more out of less.
By the way, don't be angry with your husband. My sense is that he's just fearful of change and worried about making sure the family will be okay. Over the next three years, you'll have plenty of time to talk about how to make this leap.
Please note: This is general information and is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio, and a qualified legal professional before executing any legal documents or taking any legal action. Harpo Productions, Inc., OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Discovery Communications LLC and their affiliated companies and entities are not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial or legal decisions.
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