Rant - sort of.

[Darrin Drader]

I would rethink whether or not its worth going to school for that. I have a friend with no formal schooling whatsoever making excellent money doing exactly that. If you have the practical experience, you should be able to get potential employers to see your qualifications rather than a piece of paper you paid for.

Just my pair of coppers.

 

[Michael Morris]

Nothing is tying me down to where I am except the lack of funds to move elsewhere. As to cost - that's what I remember being the total program cost - I'm not sure how my transferred credits affect that (It drops it but how much I'm not sure).

Dusk is still on my hard drive. Maybe one day I'll do something with it, but for now I have other things to work on.

 

[Alan Shutko]

Look at the CS degree as more than a piece of paper. Right now, you're doing PHP web development. That's the low-end of the programming totem pole and unlikely to open any doors in the future. Advancement is possible, but would be a whole lot easier with a degree. Not just because of the piece of paper, but because of what you'll know.

You've taught yourself programming, and you've been doing it in the real world. That shows you've got the drive and ability to learn more. So look at the degree as a chance to fill in a whole lot of gaps. I wish the team I'm on now had more people who actually remembered anything they learned in college.

You'll be able to learn more about algorithms and when to use what. Sure, they're almost all in libraries these days, but you have to know when to use what. Use your classes as a chance to learn more about larger systems and architecture styles. Most schools now have group-based labs where you can get a bit of practice as a group lead.

If you want to, you can gain a lot more than a piece of paper. You'll be more flexible when your current job gets shipped to India and you'll be able to find better ways to help your clients or company.

 

[ghettognome]

Alan has the right of it as far as a degree. Broadening your horizons can only benefit you.
I also agree that a change of scenery makes a world of difference. I was a depressed suicidal mess when I lived in Milwaukee. Since I have left there, things have been so much better for me. I had no money when I moved, I was lucky and had support. You never know, there might be someone out there looking for a roommate in an area rich with gamers and things to do. Hang in there.

 

[d20Dwarf]

and ran precisely three games in the setting

I played in one of the only three games ever run in Dusk?! Sweet! That was one of the most fun and memorable times I've ever had at Gencon! I know a lot of the others agree.

 

[DaveStebbins]

Good luck, Michael. The deeper the darkness, the brighter the light seems afterward.

 

[Jdvn1]

We're rooting for ya, Michael.

 

[Treebore]

Just keep trudging Michael. All quiting will do is drop you into that deeper, darker, pit. Talking about it does help, I bet even the little you have done here has helped. I hope you have the resources for the meds, and that the side effects don't suck.


Just no matter what, do whatever you gotta do to stay above the surface. We are all on your side and want the best for you.

 

[Michael Morris]

I wasn't counting the one shots - theres been about 20 or so of those.

Thx though.

 

[Naathez]

Whenever it hurts, whenever it feels useless, whenever you don't know why you bother...

this little sentence I heard a long time ago always helps me. I hope it can help you.


"No matter what, I'm the only Michael Morris on the planet. If I don't do this job, noone else can. That's quite some qualification."


Good luck, Morris, I'm cheering for you. Though I look horrid while waving pom-poms