How Does It Feel?

[Shemrat]

I have been meaning to ask this question for a while now. I love reading "I'm Done" posts because it gives me a clue as to how it feels to finish a degree. So how does it feel? Did you feel different after obtaining a masters than you had when you received your bachelor's? I am almost done and I'm getting a little anxious.

[marianne202]

Honestly, I feel relief more than anything. It means I'm one more rung closer to the top of the ladder. I usually go out and celebrate with my family. Since I'm not completely done yet I don't let myself get too caught up in the satisfaction, for fear I might think enough is enough! I keep toying with the idea of a doctorate, but I really don't think I could write a dissertation, nor do I really have any desire to write one. So I'm probably getting closer to the end than I thought a few months ago. When I'm finally done I will probably go out to a very nice restaurant or take the family on a little trip away for a few days and enjoy the stress free feeling of no looming assignments! I would like to through out the words due date from my vocabulary, but being a teacher that isn't possible. Good luck and keep on trucking. When you can see the end in sight it makes each step even more stressful. You can and will do this!

[Maniac Craniac]

I celebrated by ordering a big fat calzone and downing a little (...hmm, ok, a lot) of gin & juice.

I guess it wasn't so exciting for me since an AA isn't my goal, just a practical step along the way. It's nice, more than anything, to be in the category of SOME degree in SOMETHING from SOMEWHERE rather than nothing at all

[Katterina]

I was immensely relieved after completing my BS because I needed the credential for a job I had applied for (and subsequently landed, go EC!). I was also the first in my family to complete a college degree, so that was a great feeling. My dad bought me an Excelsior College class ring and I still wear it.

My MS was more like icing on the cake for me. I don't need it at the moment, but I may need it later on to "check the box" should I change agencies or pursue supervisory positions. :ack: So that feeling was more like, "Hmm, no more papers. That will be nice."

[bawhitsett]

I agree with the others in that you feel relief more than anything. While I didn't initially set out to go to an on-line school, it turned out to be my best option as the local B&M options weren't really available with my work schedule. I finished my BS six years after starting it. The MS was not really required for where I am at in my career, but it was always a personal goal to complete one, and it was done in two years. At this point I'm mulling over doctorate and MBA options but these won't come until I'm established in my new city of residence.

[Shemrat]

Thanks for all of the replies! I can't wait to add my own personal success story. I bypassed the Associates, so this B.S. is long overdue... Did you catch the play on words?

[FinancialWorld]

Haha, Shemrat I just got it (aww man, now that's going to be in my head all day). LOL