Re:Ask HN: Does attempting to finish my CS degree make sense?
by SwabbyNemo on Friday May 12, 2023 @09:18PM
(#35924481)
Well, it's other people in my life that think I should go back and finish the degree. Even though that kind of work probably what I'm most appropriate for, I've resisted since I think they are being overly optimistic and it would be a waste.
Do you have any recommendations what careers I should be looking at, given my limitations (terrible memory, speech)? I have a hard time coming up with anything that's a significant improvement on what I'm currently doing.
Re:Ask HN: Does attempting to finish my CS degree make sense?
by savorypiano on Saturday May 13, 2023 @12:34AM
(#35925559)
Terrible memory -> take notes
Speech -> rehearse
Why let things stop you.
Re:Ask HN: Does attempting to finish my CS degree make sense?
by SwabbyNemo on Saturday May 13, 2023 @01:06AM
(#35925752)
I do both, and they help, but they have limits. I can't look at my notes during a closed book test, and I can't perfectly predict how a conversation will go, so it always ends up somewhere I wasn't able to practice. Neither of this issues have gotten better with time.
You'll face 2 problems even if you finish your degree which will make it hard for you to get a job after you finish. 1) Lack of experience. 2) Ageism. Also, after you finish your degree you'll need even more training to get a job. CS teaches you about how information technology works but it doesn't necessarily train you for a job.
if I were you, I would start looking for a new job in an area where you can create a long term career, even if you need to get an entry level job. There are careers that don't need a college degree. Look into those. I would then finish my schooling so I can get promoted.
But first of all, look forward 10 years and determine where you want to be. Create a 10, 5, 2, 1 year plan on how to get there. You'll need help. Go to the nearest community college and get and appointment with a career counselor and start your plan. Also, revisit the plan every 6 months, to make sure you are on the right path.
Don't wait. Start!