How much college is too much college

[Hillbeans]

Ok, my DH just got his Masters degree in IT Project Management. Mind you, he started school when I had a 2 month old, we both work FT and had bought a house. It was a very hard time for all of us but we got through it and he graduated last December.

He just dropped the bomb on me that he wants to go back to school and get ANOTHER Masters Degree in HR Management.

He's a smart guy, and a good provider to our family, but how much is too much? I'm now PG with # 2 and I told him in not a very nice way that this really isn't the time for more school. He tried to reassure me that it'll be 100% on line (that's how it started last time but then he had to commute to the school once the "on-line" requirements were completed). He got a nice raise at work which was good for the family, however money isn't everything.

He says he loves school (he did get a 4.0) however i'm starting to feel neglected. Is anyone else in this situation?

 

[snoopy]

I think if its making you feel neglected, its too much.

-- I hope he reconsiders, or finds a way to get his second masters without to much strain on you and the kids.

 

[jrydberg]

That's for you and your DH to decide. If it makes you uncomfortable, then it's a problem.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I guess it all depends on how much return he'll be getting for his investment (of time and money)? I know in my own situation, my MBA was the last degree I planned of getting, simply because there's not much else I could do, academics-wise, that would further my career right now.

 

[caitycaity]

i'm sort of in the reverse position. i am the one getting my degree and dh tends to feel neglected. we are sometimes like ships passing in the night.

the compromise we worked out was that each week we will set aside some time just for us where i don't do school and he doesn't do work.

good luck, i know it's hard.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You have honored his wishes now it is time for him to honor you. Tell him you are not saying no to it forever. It is that you really need him to be more focused on the family right now.

 

[Hillbeans]

Well i'm sure the return on investment would pay off in the long run, however just having his Masters has done that already. I really don't know what more this will do. He just loves school, and I understand that however I don't think I was being unreasonable. He did just go to school for 2 + years, many of those days being full Saturdays.

Thanks for the input.

 

[danacara]

Does this mean a big raise? If he gets the degree, will the company reward him? Could be extra baby money.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think regardless of whether or not there will be a raise, or anything, I think going to school as a married person is a joint decision between both people because schooling affects the ENTIRE family, and mostly the spouse.

I think you have a right to be frustrated, AND, that you have a right to be heard and respected. Taking a few years off after completing one degree is a worthy goal. Family is more important than an education, and it's often hard for the student to realize how taxing his/her education is on the family as a whole. I think sometimes we students miss how much it affects everyone else, you know?

In answer to your thread title, I don't think there is a such thing as too much college, BUT, I think in your situation, he should take a break for awhile. Maybe take a class here and there for fun, but start another hobby - preferably one that includes his family

Good luck to you. I hope you can both find a compromise you can both live with soon.