I started undergad in 2015 majoring in Human Resource Management.

Anonymous

August 4,2022 at 5:46PM UTC

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I started undergad in 2015 majoring in Human Resource Management. In 2018 my family and I experienced extreme financial hardships where being in school seemed to be near impossible to do. I had to reduce the number of courses I took per semester just to afford to stay in school. Due to the financial hardships and the pandemic, I still have 3 more courses before I can get my degree. However it has been extremely hard to even save up toward paying off my balance to even complete my studies. I currently work as a HR Coordinator and a After School teacher. But both positions have been part time. It is so difficult to find a salary paying job without my degree despite my experiences. But I am getting tired of having to work multiple part time jobs just to get by. I feel like I can't get a well paying full time career without my degree. But I need exactly that to afford to finish school without another 2 years going by. Any advice?

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AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 6:17PM UTC
Do either of these part time employers offer any type of tuition assistance? ever thought of dropping one of those part time gigs for a server/waitress position? tax free cash tips at the right busy restaurant add up when you work on the weekends.
KatAugust 4,2022 at 6:49PM UTC
Look for a company that offers tuition assistance or reimbursement. Starbucks and CostCo are two I can think of right away. CostCo has a good starting wage and offers health care and other benefits. Also, check into chain retailers like Target, as they often pay $15-$20 an hour to start, which might be more than one of your part time jobs. If you're up for a change of pace, look into other fields outside the "pink collar" (traditional female jobs like teaching) you seem to be stuck in. Factory work, truck driving, billboard painting, warehouses, tend to pay better in general. You might be able to pay off your debt faster if you work one better paying job than two lower paying ones. Depending on the company, they could offer tuition reimbursement/assistance to finish your degree too.
AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 8:29PM UTC
Check out higher education. Colleges and universities often have some sort of tuition assistance as part of a benefits package for full time employees. It can rage from "$X per semester" to "all expenses paid" depending on the school.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 4,2022 at 10:23PM UTC
Have you been applying for full time positions?
What have you done so far in your job search? Where do you have your resume posted? How often are you updating those profiles?
Is your LinkedIn profile filled out and up to snuff? Do you have the green “open to work” banner on your LI profile and the other “open to work” indicator that recruiters with a LinkedIn Recruiter license can see?
Have you been using specialty job sites - like I hire HR?
LorraineAugust 4,2022 at 10:46PM UTC
If you set up a Go Fund Me for educational purposes, I will be very pleased to contribute. Many people ask for financial assistance toward various personal needs. I recently contributed to a GoFundMe for a friend's daughter that needed to come up with her down payment for an apartment. Many other people helped out as well. You are so close to obtaining your agree and I would venture to say that you would get financial support on GoFundMe.
Kim CallinanAugust 5,2022 at 12:36PM UTC
Are you sure you can't get a job in your field without your degree. I would hire you for an entry level position with your experience and the near completion of your degree. Right now, it's a job marketers dream environment -- go out with a positive attitude with what you have to offer and you may be surprised what comes up. You got this!
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachAugust 9,2022 at 4:01PM UTC
Hey Anonymous! Have you looked at companies that pay for tuition reimbursement? It might seem like a "step backwards" to work hourly (Chipotle, Starbucks, Target(?)) but the coverage of tuition could make up the difference AND end up paying in the long run, when you land the full time job. Plus, having ONE place of employment can make things simpler for you in terms of work/life/mental balance. I know what it's like to work several part time jobs and it is a challenge.
What are you going to school for ? That could help you choose what company with tuition reimbursement to go with. You can align ANY work with your end goal. Example : When I wanted to work Nike corporate, I worked part-time at the retail store and then for a fitness beverage company to stay in the sports industry so I could use that experience to my advantage.
AlexisAugust 21,2022 at 2:14PM UTC
I agree with @Maegan Miller! Look for companies that pay for tuition reimbursement. You can find an HR job with a company who offers tuition reimbursement.:
https://myscholly.com/50-companies-with-amazing-tuition-reimbursement-programs/
Amy DavisSeptember 9,2022 at 1:47PM UTC
Walmart offers tuition assistance as well as Target. Maybe do a job out of your field to get your degree? Don't know where you're located, but NJ has a new program to help people finish their degrees.