Baby or Second Master's Degree..

I have a question for you ladies, do you tend to have difficulty planning your life because of the possibility of having babies at some point? I'm asking because I have a master's degree right now, which is useless because there are zero jobs in the field. I work at Columbia University and want to get a second degree there. I know if I get the degree I will have no problem getting a job in the new field. In my mind, though, I have worries about committing to a new master's degree because it'll take three years to complete. I won't graduate until I am 32. I keep thinking about what if I want a baby before I graduate. I have that view of the biological clock hitting me at 30 and even though I do not want a child presently, I have a fear of long-term commitment. What do you all think? Have you been in such a position?

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

I think you need to do what is best for you. I did not return to get a graduate degree and now that DS is here just getting myself together to apply, take the entrance exams etc seems so hard.

I know plenty of women that started their graduate work and took a semester off to have a baby. I wish I had done that, honestly, and all of them returned after their DC was born.

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

The person who graduated top in my law school class had a baby while were in school. My sister all got her doctorate while pregnant and having a baby. It actually may be even better to have a baby while in school than while working. You would likely have a more flexible schedule. It can be done.

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

I got married at 37, I finished a second master's at age 38, had a baby at 40. I definitely did not want to go through pregnancy while I was trying to finish the degree so I waited. Luckily I had no trouble getting pregnant, but I also had the attitude that if it happened I would be thrilled, but if we didn't have children, I could live with that too.

I think if I were 32, I would focus on the degree and try to get pregnant afterwards. I would be determined to get it done in the 3 years, though, and try not to procrastinate. It took me 2 years after completing the coursework to finally finish the darn thesis because I was working. I can't imagine finding time to do it with a baby.

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

I think it depends on the degree that you're going for. While they're all demanding, some are much more doable than others. We put off TTC until i'm done with school, but i have a bunch of classmates that are PG, have newborns, etc... It's hard, but they do it. I also have friends that have just had babies, and while they had planned on going back to school, those plans have definitely taken a backseat to the baby- at least for now, anyway.

You have to look at it from all angles, and then do what you think is best for you.

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

Just to let you know, it's doable. I am working and in school. Granted it's going to take me a while, but I did not want to put off having children because of my age. I am going to wait for #2 though. It's a lot to juggle, but if you are determined, you can do it.

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

I am actually in the same position. I am 29( 30 this August) and am about to change careers. I got into the nyc teaching fellow program, where I will be teaching full time while getting a 2nd masters degree, this time in education. It will take 2-3 years to complete the masters, bringing me to 32-33 years old. I decided to go through with the program, but at the same time, I am not putting off pregnancy. I will just take a semester off once I have the baby or take extra credits while I am pregnant so I don't fall behind. I am preparing myself for a tough 2 years, but for myself and my husband, I know is worth it. I hope this helped.

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

I put off trying for a baby until 32 and totally regret it because I am having trouble getting PG. I put my education, career, and buying a home before starting a family. I would have tried to get pg sooner if I knew how hard it would be for me to conceive. Best of luck in your decision.

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

I think about this stuff alot, although I am not ready for a baby yet, I try to plan career and education stuff around the possibility of "what if", I say go for it because when you do actually have the baby there will be no time for you to possibly go back to school.

Re: Baby or Second Master's Degree..

The day that I found out that I got into the program for my second masters was the day that I found out i was pregnant. I didn't have any troubles with it. I actually looked forward to the classes...