[noobly]

Personal question, but I had to drop out a couple years ago as a Math/CS senior. I felt like the clock was really ticking back then to get my foot in the door. I'm considering re-enrolling (only two terms remaining), would it be better to wait until if/when the market has recovered so I can enter the market with a fresh degree? I worry a downside of completing it now would be a stale degree by the time the job market recovers. Assuming equal job experience, employers seem to prefer fresh graduates. But you know what they say about time in the market vs timing the market..

[alephnerd]

How much would it cost to complete your degree? Could you take online or CC courses that you could transfer to your old program?

While having no degree hasn't historically been much of a blocker, during a weaker job market credentials can and do play a role in tie breaking during hiring.

Honestly, even a WGU style bachelors degree can be enough depending on years of experience.

[noobly]

Not much given that it's a state school and I only have two terms (6-8 courses) remaining. I'll probably re-enroll this fall, perhaps I've been too negative. Thanks for the input.

[monero-xmr]

You are over analyzing this. It doesn’t matter. No one cares about when you graduated. You are going to need to hustle. If you are truly passionate about this industry you will make it work. Trying to fit some ideal on paper with timing is impossible

[noobly]

Thanks, you're probably right. I do feel that letting the dust settle on the AI layoff hype train might be prudent, but getting it done sooner is likely best.

[wil421]

Pursue a degree now to get you foot it the door sooner. I went back to school after a few year break. I also worked nights and weekends full time in the restaurant industry. It took sweat, tears, and burn out but over a decade later it’s 100% worth it.

Don’t worry about timing at all.

[noobly]

Thanks for the input, I'll aim to wrap it up promptly then.