Does this look like a good idea?

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Okay, so here's my next dilemma.

I'm pretty much set on Penn Foster. I've talked to a few vet clinics, and one clinic I spoke to told me they had 3 employees working there now that were currently getting their vet tech degrees online. She said they had no problem hiring people with online degrees, which made me breathe a little easier.

Now -- I'm thinking of finishing this semester of college here in town, and then taking next semester off. I'm going to start working full-time at Petco, and hopefully they will let me start the grooming program so I can become a groomer and make commission. The girl that finished grooming school 6 months ago is currently making 60% commission and brings home $700 every two weeks, which is double, if not triple what I make now. I'd also like to pick up a part-time job at a little sidewalk-restaurant that's opening soon. Just a few hours a week, something to do on the side. That way, I can work full-time for a while, save up some money, and not have to take out loans to pay for Penn Foster.

But -- my parents are going to absolutely FLIP. They don't like the idea of Penn Foster as it is, but the fact that I want to take a semester break and work before starting Penn... I'm sure they're going to kill me.

I'm torn between making my parents happy and making myself happy. You all know me, I'm very much a people pleaser, and to have my parents angry at me already, this is only going to make it worse and it sucks. Isn't it time for me to make my own decisions and do what I think is right? Besides, I'm twenty, my boyfriend and I would like to get a place together... I think now is my time to blossom and venture out there on my own.

I guess what I'm asking for is some reinforcement, that I'm not making the wrong decision here. My grandparents on my mom's side are all for it, they think it makes sense to be able to do school on my terms and work full-time. My dad and mom hate the idea, and I'm sure my grandparents on my dad's side will hate it too.

Am I making a mistake? Am I wrong to want to do what I want to do?

[Catty1]

You want to work to avoid taking out the loans for school.

If your mom and dad don't like the idea, see if THEY will pay for the schooling!

They might be more agreeable when they see it will come out of YOUR pocket.

[buckner]

Megan,

I'm not sure if Penn Foster is "ok" to Health Insurance Companies - I don't think I would still be under my mom's health coverage if I was doing an online degree. Look into that first.

BUT, if you take a semester off, you'll definitely NOT be covered under your dad's health insurance. I have wanted to take a semester off so bad to get my life and mind back in order, but I can't... I have to have that health coverage, it's crazy. I'm insured until I'm 25 as long as I'm a full-time student every semester.. summers don't count.

So look into all that and weigh it.
Is health coverage important to you? It is to me, because I'm sick a lot and have chronic problems that I need the coverage badly.
Would you rather take a semester off and lose the coverage?
Are you ONLY switching to Penn Foster because it seems easier? To me, online courses ARE easier than the ones in the classroom. Don't take the easy road out though, Megan... even if it'll be hard, do what you think is best.

My friend is enrolled at Penn Foster right now, as well as going to private institution. She likes Penn Foster, but never has time for it. Even when she wasn't going to school and Penn Foster was all she was doing, she never found the time to sit down and do the work. Just something to consider.