Registered: Aug 2008
Location: Port Matilda,Pa
Posts: 246

I have professor's, peers, advisors, and my wife pushing for me to continue beyond a BS. I will have the new GI Bill and I have the grades as of right now anyways HA! HA!
I am thinking about seeking a Masters or even Law School. I graduate and receive my BS in May 2010, and with the new GI Bill I could pursue higher education. I think this whole college thing is going to my head and making me think of crazy possibilities??? Masters= better pay, Law School= Juvenile Public Defender or Private Practice
Downside 2 more years of no full-time income. Law School in itself is a fulltime committment, so no family/free time.
So, what is your 2 cents worth?

Another key factor to weigh is the fact I am a 40 yr old with an 11 yr old son who will definitely be a teenager by the time I would finish. His first 8 yrs of life he shared his father with endless Marine Corps Deployments ( I am now retired at 20 yrs). So I guess I don't want to cheat him out of quality time, but quality of life would be better.

James

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location: ALABAMA
Posts: 5183

With the new GI Bill, you should take full advantage of it........You'll' also be setting an example to your son that it's never to late for higher education or never to let to follow your dreams.

If being a lawyer is a dream...........you should go for it.

Being college doesn't mean no family time. Where there is a will, there is a way.

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Registered: Aug 2008
Location: Port Matilda,Pa
Posts: 246

Thanks Buckshot,

If I go the Master's route family time would not be an issue.
Law School on the other hand I am alittle more skeptical. I guess they have programs out there that are more adult learner friendly, instead of being like the movie "Paper Chase" depicting traditional Law School.
I know as a lawyer ( Public defender) I could help just as many if not more less fortunate juveniles as I could as a Probation Officer. Whatever I decide it will be motivated by the ability to help troubled youth.

James

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Registered: Mar 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 19374

That you find the ability to make the right decision... whichever way you go That the future brings you only good things.... and Peace and Happiness etc....

SO... what does your son want you to do??? I bet you will do well with whatever choice you make since you sound like a HARD worker who truly cares about family.
Not going to attempt to help you choose... I think you'll make the right decision.
Best for the future, Heather and Bob

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Registered: Feb 2006
Location: Western Pa
Posts: 2106

James - I know that you're going to say, "that's a cop mentality." Until I moved into the A.C. position last Jan. I worked at a Juvenile Detention facility for over two years. The courtroom, shelter, detention, intake officers and probation officers were all in the same building. I was the only deputy assigned (bid job..) You will see more frustration than you can believe. Most cases you deal with are return cases or multiple offender. A majority of your cases will be single parent kids, mostly with no father in the picture. You will be dealing with teenage anger in this case. Some of those kids will spend their lifetime angry at the world and not knowing why. Most of the sexual assualt defendant's were sexually assualted themselves. Most of your teenage arsonists were sexually assualted or molested. If you think school is frustrating wait until you start dealing with some of the kids in the system today. You will also have to defend kids you know are guilty and will get some of them off knowing full well they should be behind bars. Keep up on your defensive skills. I have seen a couple of assualts on PD's and I, myself, have rolled on the courtroom floor with a few kids. About 2 years ago I was talking with the daylight detention superviser as a certain kid walked out the door. Both our responses were that this kid would kill someone before it's over. Less than 4 months later he shot and killed a 17 year old local football star. I'm not trying to deter you rather prepare you.
Military kids (a.k.a military brats) have a somewhat sheltered life. I know. I married one!! I'm not saying that there aren't bad military kids, but, they are used to a "different" way of life. Whatever you decide......Semper Fi and good luck, my friend.

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Registered: Oct 2006
Location: il.
Posts: 1743

education is something that can never be taken away from you... the feeling of accomplishment-self worth that results is of great value as is of course what occurs in the career path.... some programs allow one to continue working while attending school to further education.... do what will make you happy and fufilled, the rest will fall into place... today we see many students older than you that continue their education for a variety of reasons... best of luck and continued success, congratulations on earning the degree...

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Registered: Jun 2003
Location: Radford, Virginia
Posts: 2748

I've been in youth ministry for almost 20 years now. One of the things that I believe kids today desire is to be "included." Include your family in the decision making process. Have a family pow wow and sit down and talk about it and be honest up front about time etc. I think they'll appreciate that and your 11 year old will support you in whatever your decision. Hope all goes well.

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Registered: Nov 2008
Location: Pinckneyville, IL
Posts: 959

This is a decision that none of us can give you an answer to. It must be decided between you and your family. We aren't in your shoes, we can't tell you what to do. I know from experience the challenge of balancing work and time with my wife a three kids and it is very challenging. I also understand the money issue as far as no steady income for a couple years vs more income down the road. My only advice would be to search your own soul and make sure you will enjoy your job or no amount of money is worth it. Good luck.

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Registered: Dec 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 36

I think it is wonderful that you are going above and beyond with your education - so many people cannot, so HUGE congratulations to you!

I think you need to do what you want to do, but please be honest with yourself and your kid. Law school needs to be something that you can aim for, that you have the desire to achieve no matter what, and you will sacrifice a lot of family time.

Do not make promises you cannot keep - time-wise and such. You may think you will have the time, but I promise you won't.

My mother is in her final year of law school and it has been the hardest 3 years of our lives!

We had no idea it would be as time consuming as it has been, and she has missed the most important 3 years in her kid's childhoods. I was just 17 when she began, entering my senior year of high school, my sister was entering her sophomore year, and my twin brothers were 11. We have missed our mom being a part of our lives so much.

We thought she would work part time and go to school part time, but after a semester, she found out that law school is EXTREMELY competitive and hard to keep up with - and it is not easier if you think you are smarter, my mom is as smart as you can get, and it has been hard. She decided to go full time and we stopped seeing her at all, and when we did, she had to study.

Everyone started off very happy with her, but after our time with her was cut back so much, my siblings got irritated and felt upset with the situation - which I know is wrong, but they are kids, I was old enough to make it work and understand that in the long run, it will be great for them. However, it has created a rift, bonds are sort of broken (if that makes sense).

I think you should go for your Masters, and if law school is something you KNOW you want to do, then do it, but tell your kid how it could be, and probably will be, and make sure you are on the same page.

I am so proud of my mom, but I admit, our relationship has completely changed, and I have been doing all I can to make it better. She will graduate in December, and when I asked her if she would do it the same, or wait, she told me she would have waited until we all got done with high school.

I am not trying to put you off, I just want to help parents potentially understand what it is like for their kids. It's very hard, but again, if this is what you want, and you have the drive and the desire, go for it.

So many people can tell you to go on and just do it, but from someone who has had to go through it, I will tell you, honestly, that I wish my mom would have just been my mom until I was off in college and making my own life. I needed her to be with me sometimes, and she couldn't be. My 11 year old brothers needed their mom, and they didn't have her when it was most important. 11 is an age where you start to venture into the beginnings of a new life phase. I think it's an important age to be supportive of, and to be a major part of.

Also though, not all people in law school have issues managing time and family life - I think it depends on the person.

Again, I mean no harm (just being truthful) and I wish you the best of luck!!

Whitney Mattison

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Registered: Aug 2008
Location: Port Matilda,Pa
Posts: 246

I hear you Randy about today's kids. I work at a residential group home right now and some have been in detention and some will probably go back. But if one doesn't then that is one that has a chance in life. I grew up in an old factory neighborhood outside of town in central Ohio that when the factories left, poverty set in for some. A boy named Rick lived there also with his grandparents and two cousins. All three kids were victims of everything you could imagine before the grandparents took them in. Well, Rick who is my age spent his life in and out of facilities as a youth, until one day he made a bad decision that sent him to the Lima State Pen at 22 yrs old. Well 5-15 was in his future, but his defense attorney found a technicality and got him out. Rick's PO was a large man with alot of presence, but a man of compassion. He helped Rick get a GED, and a job and would embarass Rick in public if he saw him hanging with the old crowd. Rick is almost 41 yrs old and still clean, and trust me if anybody should have failed it should have been Rick with his childhood history. So I guess seeing many kids of my generation and old neighborhood in and out of trouble with no support network and now their kids carrying on the tradition I feel my college career came about for a reason. A reason bigger than just myself and my family. I was fortunate growing up, I had parents who cared and a summer camp called Marine Corps Boot Camp that extended for twenty years LOL., or I would have been another causaulity of the Ole Neighborhood.

So to everyone else, I appreciate your input and you are right I must decide. As I sit here I realize that I did last night before I ever got one here. If getting in to Law School becomes a reality for me then that will be the route I take. If not then I will go the Probation Officer route and try my best to keep them flying straight. I am a firm and passionate believer that the youth of America are an invaluable resource and if we neglect to lookout and groom them into model citzens than we are doing ourselves a disservice.

Last edited by HalfmoonHounds on 06-14-2009 at 06:01 AM

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Registered: Aug 2008
Location: Port Matilda,Pa
Posts: 246

Whitney,

You do not realize how important your post is to me. 99% of the responses on here are of a parent's view or just a fellow adult, very seldom is it depicted through the eyes of a child. You have brought great light to the picture and it is well appreciated. My son is a strong 11 yr old, like I said he spent his first eight yrs with me in the Corps. He knows the reality of Dad being away and he also knows how to make the most of the time when Dad is home. At the age of 4 he saw me go to Iraq while his fellow preschool peers' dads made all the scool plays and such. He was strong even then, once I was back we had more quality time then the kids and dads who never left. I think he learned not to take the everyday simple things of life for granted. Quite honestly I think he will handle it better than most older kids would, he has been in my corner from day one since I started school. We set at the table and do our homework together.
We are going fishing next week, so I will bring it up in a neutral way and see if I am on the money, or way off as far as his feelings.
P.S my wife is a very strong woman and my In-Laws are very involved with my son, so he has a support structure most kids don't have.

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Registered: Jul 2003
Location: PA
Posts: 2162

It sounds to me like you are looking for an excuse to not pursue higher education, but your family is pushing you toward it.

Law School is a major comittment and would require a lot of your time. If you elect that route, it better be what YOU WANT!!

A Masters degree ( in whatever field you choose) is easier to combine with work. But, it will take effort!

What would you want your kid to do, if he had the same opportunity? Let the answer to this question guide you.

I'm a great proponent of education, but it has to fit you. You should not be pushed or steered into anything that is not of interest to you.

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Registered: Aug 2008
Location: Port Matilda,Pa
Posts: 246

honalieh,

I actually really enjoy school believe it or not. I think as long as you stay organized and keep up with the work it isn't really that hard. I am far from an academic scholar, but I maintain around a 3.6 GPA. So I don't think I am making excuses to keep from going higher. I just don't like to put myself first, and have everyone around me make sacrifices while I am in school. Heck I have already had one career that I truely enjoyed and talk about sacrifices on the family's part (USMC 20 yrs). I retired at 20 as I promised I would, and now I am about to jump into another time consuming career.
As far as my son I would want him to seize the opportunity. I watched my father work in harsh factory conditions for 43 yrs. I had it alittle better, but 20 yrs in the Corps took its toll on me. So yes I would want him to have an easier walk in life, so I guess leading by example is one way to ensure it.

Thanks,
So what is your profession, college professor by chance?

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Registered: Dec 2003
Location: East Texas
Posts: 3970

I had the GI BIll, but never used it, I got out of the Marine Corps in 95 and pretty much went streight to work.
I went to school, but the Company I worked for payed for it.
I had ten years to use it, and that time has expired.

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Registered: Jul 2003
Location: PA
Posts: 2162

Corporate Accounting (Controller) and some Human Resources Management. CPA/MBA.

Congratulations on your retirement!!! A military career has to be one of the toughest, especially when you have a family. At least, with most other careers, you get to stay in one place and come home every night.

At 40, you are certainly not too old to start a new career, so don't worry about that. You still have more of your work career ahead of you than behind you.

With your military career background, you should already have some valuable skills : organizational skills, leadership and communication abilities. These are valuable and transferable skills.

A friend just retired from teaching (worked with my wife) after a previous military career. There's one option. There are many others. Don't overlook govt. jobs (they are typically very secure and offer great benefits).

I wish you well in whatever you choose.

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Registered: Feb 2006
Location: Western Pa
Posts: 2106

James - I think that Juvenile Probation is an excellent field. My son-in-law is hoping an opening comes here in the county. I thought you were talking about being a Public Defender. I'm good friends with the Juvenile Public Defender in the county here. It can be quite frustrating at times....

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Registered: Feb 2004
Location: georgia
Posts: 148

HalfMoon--------Been there, done that. At 37 years of age and with a wife and 4 kids on the ground, with 1 on the way, I sold out of the dairy business and went to law school. Law school gave me more time with my kids than dairy farming did. Of course, dairying took 100+ hours of work a week. If your reading comprehension is good, law school ain't that bad. All you have to do is read cases and brief them. If what you want to do is practice law, go for it. Like I said, time is not an issue. I did all of the "mommy" things like haul kids, cook, clean, shop, etc. (because wife was at work); plus T-ball, soccer, etc.; plus work part time at a lawyer's office; plus trained a pup and made him a gold champion, and finished his mama out to grand nite and finsished her in the top 16; plus went to law school (and graduated). The competition is only fierce if you're trying to make it into the top 10% of the class (for law review, mock trial, etc.) Not important unless you are planning on going to a big firm. Sounds like "big firm" is not in your plan. I also found that I had an advantage over the youngsters in law school due to my life experiences. Income tax was no biggy for me because I had been running a business and paying taxes for years, so I had a basic understanding of the concept. Not so with the younguns; most of them had never even had a job, so I started out ahead of the curve. Also, most of the stress associated with law school is self-inflicted. The professors try to get into your head and get you rattled. If your realize early on that it is just a game to try to crack the overly-stressed, you will do fine.

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Registered: Aug 2008
Location: Port Matilda,Pa
Posts: 246

Thanks Locknut,
I had the same experience in BLaw, the young kids had no life experience with contracts and torts. I on the other hand have bought 4 cars, 4 houses and have taken people to small claims court. Needless to say that class was an "A" for me. As far as the professors getting in my head, I spent 20 yrs in the Marine Corps. A professor doesn't have jack on an old crusty SGtMaj as far as headgames go HA!HA!

Randy,

I am keeping my options open. My goal is to help juveniles in the Justice System. Originally it was being a Probation Officer, but as I progress through school some professors who are lawyers have seen some potential in me to defend juveniles and have brought it up to my attention. So I am kinda at a crossroad, but both directions lead to helping juveniles just on different levels. All I can do for now is take the LSAT and the GRE and see what fate has in store.

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