what kinda job has your dl degree

Earning Potential

In my humble opinion I feel it depends on where you are in your career. Speaking only for myself I am motivated by the earning potential for my family. I also happen to be in a job that I love to do everyday, everyone can't say that. Just my $1.95


s/

 

PhD or bust...

I currently don't have a degree; however, in the last 10 years I have seen my salary triple!!! That's right, up over 300%. However, I feel trapped in my position because after the burst of the Internet bubble and the subsequent fall away of IT jobs, I'm not really all that confident that I could command the same wage anywhere else. They keep giving me raises, stock options, bonuses, etc. and I just don't have the heart to refuse them ;-)

I am currently going to school to make myself worth (in my eyes) what I'm being paid. However, if I accomplish my goal and finish a PhD, then this pursuit will probably be for a career change. One that could very possibly reduce my salary. But I want to enter the world of academia where I would have the opportunity to practice and hopefullly spread my love of Computer Science.

 

I am 35 years old and am quite successful as a real estate/property management professional. I am enrolled in a DL program for a BA in Christian Studies. After that, I'll enroll in a graduate program for Theology. After that, I may continue my education, I may not. I'd like to do a little writing and perhaps some teaching. What will that get me? Well, probably a salary equal to only 25% or 30% of what I currently earn, a better understanding of God, and satisfaction in knowing that the example I've set for my children will be based on more than dollars earned per year.

BA in Christian Studies: $15,000
MTh: $12,000
Teaching Job: 75% Reduction in Pay
Setting a good example for your kids, improving your relationship with God, and improving personal piece of mind: PRICELESS!

Tony

 

I'll be the first to admit that I started seriously working on my first degree because of the financial rewards, but along the way I found out that I really enjoyed the intellectual stimulation and the learning process.

As a result, I'm now contemplating a Ph.D. program or a second Master's degree, neither of which would yield me any financial compensation whatsoever. If I undertake another program, it will be purely self-satisfaction and interest in the subject.

 

I'm working on a CA state approved Psy.D. (I know all the drawbacks and risks) to add to my R.A. MA and Ed.S. Making more money has little to do with my motivations. I doubt if it will make any difference pay wise. The main motivation was credibility with parents of school age clients and public and private school educators. I believe that even though the degree is not R.A. it will still provide additional respect/credibility far beyond what I experience with the Ed.S. To be honest, other motivations include a sense of accomplishment and to make my momma proud (she doesn't care if it's State Approved or R.A.).

 

Well said Jack. I´m with you 100%

 

Hopefully my degrees will earn me a significant pay cut and a teaching job in a college.

 

Ian,

You apparently are are feeling me! That was very, very funny. I couldn't figure out how to say it but you put it very well. lol

 

While it is certainly true that for some the pursuit of a degree--dl or not--is directly tied to the promise of future promotions and pay raises, there are those among us that pursue advanced degrees because we have a genuine interest in our fields of study. And this enthusiasm, this interest leads to problem solving and research that extend beyond coursework at the undergraduate level.

 

My DL Masters degree in Clinical Psychology got me a promotion and a 40% pay raise right off the bat. The day my diploma arrived, I presented it to my supervisor, she immediately promoted me to another position that I had been promised once my MS was completed. She then sent a photocopy of the degree and my transcripts to HR. The first question asked by HR director and the regional director of the agency I work for was "Is the degree accreditted?" Since it was RA, I had no problems with the "credibility" of my credential. It also opened up a whole host of other potential positions in my organization. It was also great preparation for doctoral work.

 

cool...or shame on you for making money with your degree.

seriously though, which program did you go to?

 

My BA Degree in Organic Chemistry landed me a job as an accountant (go figure). My BA in business helped to move me over to Purchasing and a significant pay raise. My MBA had helped me to land a position with a major computer company which pays really well and provides huge amounts of opportunity.

I just signed up to start my PhD which I'm doing purely for personal satisfaction (that and I want my wife to have to call me Dr.!)

As to career vs. personal satisfaction, I would say that both have been major motivating factors in my pursuit of knowledge. I enjoy both the knowledge and the money.

 

Acquiring a dl degree has actually improved my life. I have seen a lot of doors which previously seem to have closed gradually open right in my eyes. I have seen my job options multiply dramatically. I now plan to go in for my PHD degree and that I hope will greatly fulfill my inner desire.

BA History
MBA

 

Interesting. I took Ian very seriously that he hopes it WILL earn him a job in teaching that WILL result in a decrease in pay. Which is it Ian?

 

Hi Skidadl

I think what you may be missing is that many of the posters here have been posting together for over 3 years. Both you and any other new posters are very welcome.

Your post gave me the impression that your were telling Jack off. If you are going to react strongly it is likely you too may receive a strong reaction.

 

I like this quote. It sums up my feelings on the degree for learning sake versuses the degree for employment debate that seems to be going on in this thread.

"We know. You're naturally curious, committed to lifelong learning, and generally ambitious. Those are great reasons to pursue an education. But with the high price of college, it's safe to bet that you're also hoping that degree will pay off in more practical terms--with a first job, a promotion, or a job change, perhaps. " http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/departments/elearning/?article=qswhowouldhire 18/02/04

While I enjoy learning, I have to admit that after having spent time and money on a degree, I do hope for a job change in about 10 years and promotions in my current job in the meantime.
I commend those who learn for learnings sake. However, if that is the case, why make the investment of time and money necessary for a degree program? Why not just read a book, surf the net, go to a museum, etc?

 

I don't think earning a degree (even a PhD) will increase my earnings that much (if at all.) However, completing a degree program gives me something to be proud of in myself. If I can hold in all the way through to a PhD, then I will have OPPORTUNITIES that have nothing to do with money. Teaching at the University level for all practical purposes (especially within my field) requires a degree. 'nuff said.

 

Are you working on your degree for personal satisfaction, the opportunities that it will bring, or both? I'm not certain that anybody can say that they fall at one of the extremes. While I do take personal satisfaction in having completed my degree (the first in my immediate family), I do realize that it keeps more doors open for me down the road.

JoAnn, I am in a little different situation than you in that I know that in 10-15 years, I will be starting a second career while in my early forties. I see a lot of coworkers struggling to make that transition because they do not have a degree. Doors are closed because of a lack of education.

 

That post covers my feelings on the matter. I will be the first to achieve a college education in my family and I will finally be completing a degree that I started seven years ago. Completing the degree will not only give me a wonderful feeling of satisfaction, but also provide me with the knowledge to begin a career I enjoy rather than just making ends meet with an unfulfilling job.

On the other hand, part of the "career I enjoy" will include a higher paycheck and less demanding work hours so I can spend more quality time with my son, provide a better lifestyle for him, and put more money away for his future.

Just adding my goals and inspiration for higher education,
Emily

 

I am working on Phd . This degree will provide personal gain from which I have wanted since I was 13. I attained my MLS to actually gain employment ( More jobs for librarians than historians). Am I rich? Of course not. I would have made more money had I stayed with Firestone. I agree with Jack, it is what you make of it. The money jobs are out there, with the degrees to attain them. It is up to you what you do. To answer the orginal question, I have not used my dl history degree at all. The others yes, but the Thomas Edison one...no.