This is a throw-away daylog, unless many of you think it should be renamed into a real write-up/node. I'd leave this hidden, but would like more input. I'm passing along information to a friend; but I earned my Master's so long ago, I know I need more current information. I'm not doing formal research for pay or play, I promise.
How many of you have pursued a graduate degree while working full time, and was it in a traditional classroom setting, or online? Did your employer help with tuition, or at least help with time off for research at local libraries? How did you prepare for the GRE or other standardized exams? And, more importantly, did earning the degree while working full-time leave you with no time for friends and family?
For some background: I earned my Master's while working full-time, with a fairly busy travel schedule. I was very lucky to have half of my tuition (not books or software) covered by my employer, and could take time off for writing papers - or intensive study for exams - if I scheduled the time around known business conflicts. In return, I lost a bit of sleep when life didn't go as planned, and the big boss didn't wonder why I looked a bit tired. It was worth every dollar and hour I spent on earning the degree, and not just for career advancement. I now approach problems in a different way in almost every situation, almost always to the good. I think.
Send me a /msg, or respond to all in a daylog if you have information to pass on. Let me know if anything sent to me via /msg should be shared with or without attribution.
And guys, if you want it, go for the degree, graduate or undergrad. It's for YOU.