Need some advice about going back to school

[Copper]

Well it looks like my tenure at my current job is steadily making its way down the tubes. The only good thing I can say is that my boss let me know ahead of time so I can prepare a plan that would minimize my time in the unemployment line.

The bad thing is, I was a complete idiot in school. My grades were low, and I had no chance of getting into college, so I made do with a couple of community college courses and I ended up working for a local publication. For a while there it seemed as if the company was going to grow--and then the stock market went to hell and because no one is buying ad space in print right now, my boss is considering going online only. Which means my particular set of skills aren't going to be needed for much longer.

Fortunately I've had to do a lot of Photoshop work, and I've since been teaching myself Adobe After Effects, which is basically Photoshop for video. I'm currently considering taking an Adobe training course for certification and applying with a local temp agency to get experience. The thing is, the course is seven days long from 10 am to 6pm--and although it got glowing testimonials from the likes of CNN and Avid, it seems like they're going to cram a lot into those seven days and it's iffy that I'd be able to find a job with just that.

The alternative is just plain going back to college and taking courses to set myself on another career path but I'm not sure how to approach that considering my dismal performance in school.

Anyway, sorry to dump on you all.

[DungeonmasterJim]

Hey Copper, I'm in a similar situation. While I haven't been told officially I'm out the door at my job, every indication is that I will be laid off along with a bunch of other people anywhere from from 3 to 6 months to permanently by the end of next week. So going back to school is a potential path for me. I'm not sure what state you are in but if the info from a co-worker is correct there is a retraining program by the government. I'm in Massachusetts. According to my co-worker the government will pay for your schooling if you pick a trade, can find 3 want adds for that job and find three schools for that trade in your area. He said you can stay on unemployment for two years while getting your new education. I was thinking of some sort of medical imagery type work such as x-ray technician or sonogram stuff but I'm not sure if that classifies as a trade. And my understanding is once you are attending school you do not have to go back to your old job and still collect unemployment. This is big for me in case my job calls me back to work several months into my schooling.

DM Jim

[Copper]

I'll have to take a look at the retraining program. Not sure what it's like in Connecticut, though. Thanks!

[Copper]

Hey Copper, I'm in a similar situation. While I haven't been told officially I'm out the door at my job, every indication is that I will be laid off along with a bunch of other people anywhere from from 3 to 6 months to permanently by the end of next week. So going back to school is a potential path for me. I'm not sure what state you are in but if the info from a co-worker is correct there is a retraining program by the government. I'm in Massachusetts. According to my co-worker the government will pay for your schooling if you pick a trade, can find 3 want adds for that job and find three schools for that trade in your area. He said you can stay on unemployment for two years while getting your new education. I was thinking of some sort of medical imagery type work such as x-ray technician or sonogram stuff but I'm not sure if that classifies as a trade. And my understanding is once you are attending school you do not have to go back to your old job and still collect unemployment. This is big for me in case my job calls me back to work several months into my schooling.

DM Jim


Thanks for pointing me in the right direction--Connecticut is apparently trying to make itself more attractive to film production companies. So they have this month long training program that gives you the basics of film production. Since I've had interest in doing it anyway...this program might set me on a new career path.

[section 8]

I will either take Criminal justice, or go directly to the police Academy

Then I will transfer to my home town, and arrest my mother for assauting a Police Officer the next time she slaps me upside the head

[Village Idiot]

I will either take Criminal justice, or go directly to the police Academy

Then I will transfer to my home town, and arrest my mother for assauting a Police Officer the next time she slaps me upside the head

She will be exonerated if she tells the court it was for your own good, and that it hurt her more than it hurt you.

Best of luck with going back to school or getting into a training program. We are in an age where education will be ongoing, as things are changing so quickly.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I hope things in the job markets get better for you guys. I have considered (thinking heavy at the moment) about being a fireman. I know a friend of mine has tried to convince me its a job worth getting and the insurance and shit is taken care of.

My one fault.... I'm afraid of heights.

[section 8]

She will be exonerated if she tells the court it was for your own good, and that it hurt her more than it hurt you.

Best of luck with going back to school or getting into a training program. We are in an age where education will be ongoing, as things are changing so quickly.

She will be exonerated because she's friends with the DA and knows a LOT of lawyers, and a few of the judges back home.