You guys all thought that you were done with all of my school posts, DIDN’T YOU? Well today I have yet another one. It’s been 2.5 months since I graduate with my Finance MBA and I’ve been reflecting on my education a lot lately it seems like.
Life didn’t change completely for me of course. I still have my same position at my same company, which I do love.
I already had a ton of bills and knew what to expect from paychecks, which is something that not all graduates surprisingly know about (hmmm maybe that’ll be a post for another day). I know of a couple of people who had to really think about whether they would get Short term loans online.
Anyways, lately, my friends and I have been talking a ton about how stressful school is for them, and then I just sit there and feel a huge grin forming on my face. So I thought I’d make one final FINAL post and talk about it one last time.
1. More time to do what I want.
I still feel extremely busy, mainly because I’m devoting more time to my blog, but I am happy with it all. It’s so nice to go home after work instead of classes. After going to classes and working full-time since I’ve been 16, it’s nice to finally just go home after work.
I of course still get asked (and was just asked last night) about what I do with all of my time. I still work people! I am an analyst which is a very time consuming job due to the work and the certifications needed. I think it’s hilarious when people ask me this. Does anyone else get this question all the time?
2. Less stress.
This goes hand-in-hand with number 1 above. Being able to go home and actually have fun with my blog, spend time with my sister, boyfriend and my dogs is nice. Not having homework and projects is nice as well.
I feel much less stress! I don’t feel like I can say this enough. I used to only get 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night, and now I get around 7 to 8, which is wonderful.
3. More time to cook.
It was hard for us to cook meals before. The boy worked very late and wouldn’t get home until around 10pm or 11pm, and I would get home at around a similar time. It was hard cooking when I was so tired after work (and the boy is a terrible cook). Now that I don’t have school, I’ve been able to make better and tastier dinners.
4. For my student loans to start disappearing.
Yes, I could’ve been paying a large amount this whole time, but it’s nice to know that I’m pretty much forcing myself to pay them off before interest starts accruing on them. I can’t wait until they’re gone!
What do you look forward to when you finally graduate?
What are you happy about now that you’re done?
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DC@Young Adult Money says
I'm in that "in-between" stage where I am done with undergrad and COULD be done with school forever, but I'm currently entertaining the idea of an MBA. You definitely have a lot more free time (or more sleep depending on your lifestyle during school) which is nice because you can dedicate that time to things you never had time for during school. I don't want to get too used to it, though, in case I end up going back!
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MakingSenseofCents says
Yeah I love that I have more sleep!
christineslittleblog says
I'm in the same boat DC. I keep thinking about going back for my MBA and I'm thinking I'd really like to do it sooner rather than later! Right now the free time is nice but I keep thinking that my free time with a bigger paycheck will also be nice. 😉
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MoneySmartGuides says
I was so thrilled when I finished grad school. I had to much time now to do other things. I grew tired of studying and meeting up on weekends for group projects.
The one thing I always thought about were the people that were older than me in my class. It was hard enough for me working 40+ hours a week and going to school at night. But some people worked 40+ hours, went to class at night and have a family at home. I don't think I could have handled all of that.
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MakingSenseofCents says
Yeah I hated meeting for group projects. They were always extremely annoying. And yeah I agree, I couldn't imagine having kids also while getting my MBA, I always thought about that too.
Thomas S. Moore says
When I was done I was just happy it was over. School bores me to death and I find myself learning more at home then in most classes. Since I am an introvert I was glad when I didn't have to see so many people the free time was nice. Especially since I was working full time.
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MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, I much rather gain experience.
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John S @ Frugal Rules says
I was so happy to be done with my MBA. Actually, my wife was getting her Masters at the same time and we never saw each other. Both of us worked full time and then grad school on top of it. It just added so many things that had to be done on top of our regular lives. That said, I wouldn't give it up as I love to learn and was a great experience.
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MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, it was a great experience, but I'm glad it's over.
My recent post Glad I’m Done With School
Pauline @ Reach Financial Independence says
I did my master while working for a company too. It is really nice when the crazy hours end. But sometimes now I think that I don't do enough if I was able to do all that before!
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MakingSenseofCents says
I agree! Sometimes I wonder how I still feel like I have no time.
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gregjohnson975182420 says
I haven't been a student for a long time but I'm still glad it's over with. It's nice to just have my regular life and responsibilities!
MakingSenseofCents says
Agreed 🙂
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SavvyFinancialLatina says
I was so thrilled when I finished my MS program in May. I took the summer off and it felt awesome. Now, I'm back finishing up my MBA, and I can't wait to finish! Two classes this fall, and 1 in the spring, almost there.
Right now, I notice that I'm being a tad lazy. In the past I was so focused, I rarely took a chill pill. I'm trying to slow down this year and enjoy life.
MakingSenseofCents says
You're so close to finishing your MBA! YAY!
My recent post Glad I’m Done With School
Val says
I'm getting ready to start applying for grad school to get my MBA, but this is really not encouraging!!
MakingSenseofCents says
Haha sorry 🙁
My recent post Glad I’m Done With School
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, I love just being able to come home and do what I enjoy.
My recent post Glad I’m Done With School
MakingSenseofCents says
I do miss all the friends I made. I don't talk to a single one of them anymore.
My recent post Glad I’m Done With School
MakingSenseofCents says
Yes I just don't get it!
My recent post Glad I’m Done With School
nicoleandmaggie says
I'm just glad that I'm the one giving the exams now instead of taking them.
Though grading does kind of suck. Still, I wouldn't trade.
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MakingSenseofCents says
Haha yes that would be better.
Hannah says
Oh my goodness the time is certainly the biggest blessing for me. I've gotten to do things I love in my free time. But I agree, life has unfortunately not significantly changed since I graduated. I didn't even get a pay raise at my job for it. Makes you wonder why we even get degrees! But hopefully it will be worth it down the road.
MakingSenseofCents says
I'm sure it'll be worth it!
Kristine says
I was extremely thrilled when I finished my undergrad, maily because of no more studying!! I love school, but all the time put into it outside of school was exhausting. I am now in my graduate program and it is terribly difficult to get back into especially with a full time job. I am taking two weeks off between classes, but it is always a relief when I've scratch one class out.
MakingSenseofCents says
I took a 6 month break after I graduated from college, and even that was tough to get back into.
Jason Clayton says
Its great seeing your student loans disappear. Mine are at ridiculously low interest rates, so I just make the payments. Some choose to get them paid off fast – but either way, it is nice to see the balance drop every month. 🙂
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MakingSenseofCents says
I wish mine were at lower rates! Jealous. 🙂
savvyscot.com says
The Time factor is the one thing I love about adulthood… having my evenings and weekends (usually) to myself! The knowledge that I won't have to spend evenings studying or pulling all-nighters in order to learn lectures… Can safely say that is one aspect of University that I don't miss!
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MakingSenseofCents says
Agreed!
emearnshaw says
i'm looking forward to less stress, more time spent doing things I love, and learning things that have nothing to do with school (cooking, languages, blogging, photography) 🙂
love,
elisabeth
lavitaebella-elisabeth.blogspot.com
MakingSenseofCents says
I agree, I love all of the extra time that I can spend doing things that I want to do.
helenesula says
I am sure you will still be very very busy!! P.s. thanks for the compliment about my hair. made my day!!
MakingSenseofCents says
Welcome 🙂
Kim@Eyesonthedollar says
It's been a while, but I did go to school for 8 straight years, so I did not miss the homework or after hours stuff. When you leave work, you can go home, not home to study for hours. Although, now blogging takes about as much time!
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MakingSenseofCents says
Blogging definitely does take up the same amount of time (maybe even more) but I LOVE doing it.
Ashley says
One of my favorite things about the working world is knowing at the end of the day there's no test or homework to work on. You can actually relax and enjoy the evening!
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MakingSenseofCents says
I agree! I hate tests and homework.
Budget & the Beach says
Well it's been years since college, and I wasn't working full time when I was going, so I will just say wow, 3-4 hours of sleep?!? I would be a wreck. Of course I'm an old lady! lol!
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MakingSenseofCents says
Yeah I have HUGE eye bags to show for it. No matter what, I can't get them to go away. haha it stinks!
MakingSenseofCents says
Thanks!
MakingSenseofCents says
About half of us are out of school and done, and the other half are still in school. I can't wait until they are all done!
MakingSenseofCents says
I definitely watch a lot more tv too.
Mary says
Yeah, yeah rub it in. 😉
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Crystal @ PET says
I loved being able to finally use my time as I wanted. My boring job ended at 5pm on the dot, so I really enjoyed being able to do whatever since I didn't have homework to do or another part-time job to go to. 🙂 Enjoy the feeling!
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Your Fab Life says
I'm in that in-between stage as well! I even halfway started a program and decided it wasn't the right fit. The tuition terrifies me.
Amy Powell says
I've been done with school for a little over 2 years, and it's fantastic. Everything you're talking about here I totally agree with!
AverageJoe says
I feel like I'm in this cycle again: my kids graduate in a few months and then free time will return! I hope people ask me "what do you do with all your time now?" That'll be awesome.
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Elena @ Funny Jokes says
Getting done with school is the best feeling in the world. Now you have all your life in front of you to do everything you want. I remember when I graduated I had a great feeling I have accomplished something important in my life. Good luck with everything!
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My Money Design says
Its funny, but I got in a bad Netflix rut after I graduated. I didn't really know what to do with all my free time. Thankfully I started channeling the energy into something way more beneficial.
dancingwithashley says
I love this cartoon…so true ; )
frugalportland says
It's amazing how we fill our time, isn't it? I know that if I turn the TV on at 6, I am at home in front of it until 9. And I don't even have cable!
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The College investor says
I replaced my MBA with blogging and starting multiple websites. My wife thought she was going to get me back – she did a little – but now I want to start more ventures!
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iheartbudgets says
I loved graduating. Mostly, it was getting time back to do what I want. I may go back someday to get my BA and go for my CPA, but only if I have to. Learning in the school enviroment doesn't work great for me, I love learning on my own terms (books, online classes, little homework, real world application).
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Ornella@Moneylicious says
I find that I'm constantly in "school." I'm consistantly learning new things and researching new ideas and concepts. That has lead me to develop my first women's financial empowerment conference in Atlanta. I do take advantage of my down time because you have to find those moments when you can relax.
Drop that Debt says
I hear ya!! Totally loving not having schoolwork anymore!! 🙂
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jefferson@ SDR says
i bet you are loving having all of this free time!!.. so awesome..
i know that your site has really benefited from all of the extra TLC.. you are doing a great job.
Hailey says
paying off student loans is the best!!
Evan says
I found that after I was done with law school I actually felt weird with the amount of free time I had since I was working and studying during school lol.
Congrats on finishing up on your MBA a huge accomplishment