In the last three years the United States economy has taken a turn instead for the better to the worst and many of the individuals that are experiencing job loss at one time earned a very good income and never obtained a degree. 

You got laid off; you don’t have a degree and cannot find a job because you don’t have a paper to back it up.  Working as an Admission Counselor at a university…this is the story that I hear every day. 

The situation might be: You are single Mom with three kids, long hours at work (how do I find the time) and the most common “Icing on the Cake”…long hours commute to work. Despite all the obstacles that anyone may face what are the possibilities of landing that perfect job without a degree?  If it was twenty years ago the answer would be yes, but reality must be faced and it is 2010 where many jobs requires at least an Associate’s Degree.

If you fall into this scenario you might be thinking it is easier said then done.  Well, it is all about “Time Management”.  Why am I such an expert?  At one time, I was in this situation.  My life was hit with an unexpected pregnancy my first year in college and of course…being a Mom was my main priority. 
I promised myself and my parents that when my daughter would turn 13 that I was going to go back to school, finish what I started and get my degree. 

When that time came, I was accepted at a local state university but the traditional school method did not exactly work as good as I thought it was going to.  After a year and half of working full time, classes two nights a week, leaving my daughter home alone at night and last, but not least leaving a university campus sometimes close to 11:00 p.m. at night…I just gave up!!!

Took a year off to think, did some analyzing and looked at different options on how can someone get a degree and still handle all the daily stresses that we as humans have to face each and every day.  After a year, I said to myself it is time for me to give it another shot and of course I did, but this time a “Time Management” Plan was designed and let’s just say that it became part of the family.  We have many pictures of our kids on our refrigerator…that time management calendar became part of my family. 

The “Time Management” plan had when assignments were due, doctor’s appointments and daily meals and Crock Pot cooking became my life saver.  Instead of going out to lunch every day with the girls…I asked myself, what is more important having fun during lunch or obtaining my degree. 

Once you stick to your Time Management calendar you will conquer every obstacle and you will become the “Time Management Queen”.  In 2003 my journey on going back to school began then in 2005 it stopped for while, but with determination and motivation in 2007, I got back on my feet again and went back to school.

Next year, I will be walking across that stage, the long nights accompanied by my laptop and Folger’s Gourmet Coffee have paid off and I have the most rewarding career that anyone could ever have.  It can be done and I encourage anyone that is out there that wants to better themselves not to give up.  
Yes, you can do it!!!

By the way, did I mention that I am a single mom with a full time career, a daily commute to the city of Atlanta and home schooled my daughter her junior and Senior year.