Perpetual Students

[burbuja0512]

I would love to study something new every day for the rest of my life if I could. However, something I will never understand is the perpetual student that continually needs to amass credits and debt, yet doesn't ever get a new job or progress his or her career.


My husband's ex has 3 undergraduate degrees and a master's degree and finally got a full-time job in her late 40's.  Her school time was not a huge issue until she got divorced and kept going to school even though she had no reason (or money) to do so.   In fact, even though she finally got a decent job, she is so mired in debt that she lives on dried beans and charges my step-daughter sky-high rent just to make ends meet.    (My stepdaughter is barely 18 and autistic to the point of almost being disabled.  She could live with us for free, but after living with us her whole life, she wants to spend time with her mom.)


The latest annoyance is a friend who has 180 B&M credits from very good schools and just went back to a for-profit online school, today is taking a whole slew of business 101-type classes.    I have already told her that I will volunteer to fill out all paperwork and help her with one of the Big 3 schools in order to help her see how quickly she can graduate.   I even pointed out to my friend that if she's going to spend more money on school, it should be at the graduate level, and that btw real-life experience at her age counts a LOT more than a business degree.   But she LOVES to be in school and has been posting on Facebook and getting so many congratulations and motivational messages.    "Good for you.. so smart that you're doing something positive in your life!"  Etc..


I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but these are just two examples of people close to me.  I am all about studying when you want to, and I really believe that the US has a lot of problems with higher ed.  But OMG going into debt for study that serves no real purpose is infuriating.    Am I being a grump about this or what is the purpose of being a perpetual student when  you can't afford it?    Is it just an escape from reality?

[quigongene]

I don't believe you're being a grump. I personally don't see the point of multiple undergrad degrees, especially if you're going into debt for them.
Edit: Another undergrad degree is OK if you're switching careers.

[davewill]

It's a way to avoid responsibility while putting a good face on for friends and family. They don't have to hold a real job, or have a real, adult place to live because they are students. Sadly, a real job would be easier than dealing with classes and crushing debt.

[burbuja0512]

@quigongene - yes, I agree a career switch is a real reason to pursue additional education. I also think hey, why not, if you just have enough money not to work. Would be nice! LOL

@Davewill - Yes, I call it the "when I graduate fantasy." In this fantasy, everything is amazing and will happen to you at some time in the distant future. When that time comes closer, people either have to face the reality of creating their own post-grad life, or they could just re-enroll to continue perpetuating the fantasy.

I definitely view this as the opposite of what most people here do. We all love to learn, but are going on the cheap, testing and finding cheap credits. Even the worst education addiction here wouldn't be too bad! I am truly only referring to the expensive degrees.

[dfrecore]

Getting one BA/BS degree might be considered a "need" more than a want. Getting multiple degrees, esp at the BA/BS level is a luxury that you should be paying cash for - it you can't afford that, then you shouldn't be doing it.

These days, you can easily learn all kinds of new things for free or very cheaply if that's what you want. To pay money that you don't have to get a degree (in the cases you sited) is just silly. I agree with davewill that they are avoiding responsibility and "real life" by doing this.

[cookderosa]

  Is it just an escape from reality?

For someone with plenty of education already? Yes. Doing what young people do makes older people feel young. Going to school is what young people do, so when adults do it, it feels youthful and ambitious. I'm not talking about someone's first degree, I think that's an entirely different thing, but I do think what you describe is indulgent and lacks maturity BECAUSE it is at not only an opportunity cost (which if fine- live life, be happy) but because it involves debt which creates a ripple effect and burden on those around the person (like your stepdaughter).

IMO you should just vent here, my money is on them going forward no matter what you say.

[natshar]

Whats crazier is people who seem to be perpetual students and still have no degree. I know someone who has been in school for like seven years straight at least three different schools and no degree of any kind! Those people really should check out the big three or the BOG AAS to least have something.

[burbuja0512]

Thanks for letting me vent guys.


@Jen - yes, I think you're right about the youthful thing. My husband's ex has never wanted to grow up and I've gotten so many texts lately from my stepdaughter and the issues they're having because of the student loan debt and how it has affected them. (Oh and her mom wants to take more classes but can't afford it. I stupidly suggested testing as a fun way to learn, but my stepdaughter was scolded and told that in their house, they do "real" education. OMG.. glad that's working out for her)

@Natshar - the second person I mentioned is EXACTLY who you're talking about! 180 credits should add up to a degree, even if a few UL credits or a capstone is needed in addition. I'm just glad I posted this here instead of replying to one of the many "you can do it, you're awesome" posts that my friend is getting on Facebook. I've said my piece and if she's not interested in graduating, then why do I care? I don't know why the motivational posts annoy me.. I guess it just feels like a waste of talent and money. Learning is never a waste, but being stuck at low-level job when you have more than enough credits for a diploma is so frustrating.

Thanks again guys

[Jenniferinfl]

I have a friend who is married and has three kids. They live with her parents. Her husband is in college right now at a nationally accredited diploma mill. He will owe over $200k when he graduates if he only took loans out for tuition and not for living expenses.

We live in Central Florida. There is no way they will ever be able to afford to move out. He won't even be able to find a job in the field he is training in. He'll be lucky to get his old trucking job back, just now he'll have a $2600 monthly payment to make.

I get so frustrated with stupidity.

[bjcheung77]

... Her husband is in college right now at a nationally accredited diploma mill. He will owe over $200k when he graduates...

I get so frustrated with stupidity.

OMG, Amazing... Just wow! I wouldn't even touch such a school with a 10 foot pole!
That money could have been used for so many things other than that worthless piece of paper!
Which school and which program is he in? People need to be aware of these.