Grad school in a bad economy

[90sNickelodeon]

Here are the facts:

I have a full-time job, health insurance, and benefits.

The only problem with said job is that it's pretty dead-end, and the pay is OK but could be far better.

I'm thinking of returning to school to get my "career" started. However, in this bad economy, I am wondering if it is such a good idea to leave a steady job for school.

Is anyone else in the same or a similar predicament? :|

[aginath]

I was at a full time job with a state agency I had been with for more than eight years. I was making more than $60K and had awesome health, vision, and dental insurance.

I'm now a lowly doctoral student and graduate assistant making $20K with a health plan that is administered through the campus health center.

I honestly didn't let these factors influence me negatively (too much). I made sure the bills could be paid (downsizing in a number of areas) and that the health plan would cover the basics. Vision and dental were nice, but required. I can work on those as necessary.

[kahlan_amnell]

I'd say avoid taking out loans unless you are thinking of going to grad school for something you are pretty sure will dramatically increase your earning potential. If you can get a funded offer, or otherwise avoid loans, then I'd say it is a good idea to go.