Sunday, January 06, 2008

Is this about money?

I have decided to take at least one semester off from school perhaps more. This has been a difficult decision. Getting a degree has been a life long desire and goal. Putting that on the back burner yet again is done with a bit of frustration. But, you can't always get what you want, or so the song goes.

This last year we spent way too much money. This upcoming year we are trying to re-coop some of what went out last year. While I don't feel like we are the victims of the economy, it certainly isn't helping. Being a stay at home mom is very important to me for a variety of reasons. I have decided that being home for the family is more important to me than finishing my degree in a timely manner. I could just get a job. I could just get a student loan. But, that is not the course I have chosen. So here I am.

It is my dream to become a web developer. This is the person who writes the code to make the beautifully designed websites come together and work. I have been reading job boards advertising for these types of jobs for a couple of years now. I want to make sure that I am prepared when I do go back to work. Many of these jobs require a degree in computer science, but many do not. All of the jobs require experience in things like PHP, Java Script, Flash, Ajax, Word Press, etc. My school doesn't offer any courses in these things. So even if I got a degree I still wouldn't know how to do the job I want to do. So I am going to teach myself how to do that stuff. I have found a ton of free information and tutorials on the Internet. So in essence I feel like I am still working toward my goal, but I wont be spending any money for the time being.

Hopefully I will be able to share with you some fun things as I learn them.

That is the plan for the next 7 months, until Lily starts school. I am hoping to teach myself to be a web developer in 7 months. Of course I am already proficient in many programming languages so this wont be as hard as it sounds. I hope.

8 comments:

Lorelei said...

My hubby is a web developer. He wants his degree too but feels the same as you about it not teaching him the things he needs any way. He is also teaching himself, focusing on certifications in php, project management, MySQL, Java, and Microsoft web developer. He knows PHP, Perl, Javascript, C, C++, Basic, XML, Assembler, CSS, C#, and others I'm sure. He suggests all you need to be marketable are PHP, Perl, VB.net, C#.net, SQL (MySQL, Microsoft SQL, Oracle), HTML/CSS, Javascript, XML and know how to write/manipulate regular expressions. Passing familiarity with Linux/Unix is good too.

You will do great.

Sheila said...

It sounds like you are headed in the right direction. When Lily is in school it will be easier.

Anonymous said...

There are so many different things you can learn in this arena without paying for classes. They can come later, you know? I think it's all in the practice, practice, practice...and having the patience to teach yourself through trial and error.

Cynthia said...

Hey, I had to come over here and respond to your comment about the debate...I think Hillary did a great job, actually I think Edwards won the debate, Hillary second, Barack third. I don't think it matters...Obama has the momentum, he will win N.H. and he will win South Carolina easily...Then he will be unstoppable. I know B. Obama, he was at my wedding (weird I haven't talked about that on my blog). He is a bright man, and genuinly interested in bipartisanship, which is what this country needs. I am not sure if Hillary can say the same. If I didn't know Obama, I would probably vote Edwards, he is very passionate. I completely agree with you, the Rep. had a much easier debate. They talk faith and Ronald Regan, while the Dems. get Iraq and Pakistan...I don't get it. I do think Hillary by far is the most qualified, I just don't think she is going to pull it out (I feel bad for her, she's a tough lady and I respected her on the stage).
Sorry to hijack the comments, good luck with your studies. It is very doable to learn on your own, I've been doing it with Photoshop and now I am moving to After Affects. Good luck! Feel free to respond in my comments if you have more to say:)

Kathy said...

I know you can teach yourself to do most of the things you mention; you've got that background that allows you to think the way you need to to learn this stuff.

Anonymous said...

You know, motherhood for me has been one sacrifice on top of another on top of another until I looked around and realized I spend almost ALL my time living for my family. But no one is forcing me---I chose this, I remind myself. And someday...sigh...someday...

Leanne said...

Life is all about choices. I just wish the choices were all a little easier.

Good Luck with your home studies! I know it will all work out great in the end.

mamadaisy said...

i marked this post in bloglines to come back and comment, but i guess it took me a while!

you made a good and unselfish decision. and you are not really sacrificing your education, as you are right that you can learn these skills on your own. i know several web developers who were employed in other tech jobs and just started reading the right books and learning the tools. you can do it, AND you can be there for your family. it just takes more longer that way!

sure is tough doing all these jobs well, isn't it?