Went back to school at 38, completely different person now

6d ago1 min read

Spent 15 years working construction, decent money but totally unfulfilled. Decided to go back for my degree part time while still working. Took me 6 years total but I finished and got my diploma last month. Now I'm in an office doing project management and I honestly feel like I woke up from a long sleep. What I miss: the simplicity of clocking out and being done, the camaraderie with my crew. What I gained: confidence, respect from my kids, a career path that actually goes somewhere. The exhaustion was real but worth it.

5 comments185 views

Comments(5)

GGarrettNew Dad4d ago

Props for having the guts to do this. A lot of guys get comfortable even if they're miserable. How are you managing the financial side of things while you're in school?

DDwayne S.Regular6d ago

Six years part-time while working is serious dedication. My brain can barely handle one thing at a time, so mad respect for pushing through to something that actually fulfills you.

TTyler H.New Dad6d ago

This is inspiring, man. Going back while still working construction is no joke. I'm curious how you balanced it all while co-parenting - that's the part that would wreck me.

MMark R.New Dad6d ago

This hits different. I spent so many years just grinding it out for the paycheck without actually enjoying what I was doing. What was the scariest part about making the jump back to school?

BBrandonRegular5d ago

That's awesome man. I'm curious what degree you went for? I've thought about doing something similar but with two kids in soccer leagues and work it feels impossible to find the time.

to join the conversation.