Not to Learn... That is my Answer

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I thought and prayed, thought and prayed. It's not the right time for me now. I want to pay down some of my current school loans. I also want to get a gifted endorsement. It's a year's worth of work, tons of hours. But it's free. It'll enable me to have a chunk of gifted students in my room, or to be a gifted teacher. Only one per school can go (It's always about money.), and there is a waiting list. I'm still fighting with the county to let me go this year. =) I told them, "All I want to do is learn. I don't get paid extra; why can't I go?" Hitting closed doors right now, but we'll see...

To Learn or not to Learn... that is my question

Okay, so I'm up for a big decision. It involves money. I'd love advice from friends. A friend of mine is encouraging me to get my doctorate with him. I want to- had planned on waiting til I was about 32. I want to pay off Lipscomb and Masters' loans. BUT, if I got my doctorate, I would make (after 3 yrs.) what I will be making at the END of my career with my Master's. Gwinnett Co. has the whole step-process of salary posted every year. It's something to think about. I don't know if I'm taking on too much debt- house, loans, car. (Doctorate will cost $38K.) I really need a financial advisor. Plus it makes me nervous to think about all the work. But my brain is still used to all the work. =) And I DO want my doctorate at some point- my goal is to teach college one day. (Ed. majors at LU: I want to be Dr. Mary. =) ) So, any comments? Thanks for any thoughts! I know I'll have to pray a lot.