- #1
bitrex
- 193
- 0
Hello everyone, I'd appreciate any and all advice on my situation.
I did not complete college the first time around, and spent my 20s working in various fields including a recording studio for the blind, and as sales/tech support for a music technology company.
In 2007 I was diagnosed with a neurological illness, the most debilitating symptoms of which were severe unpredictable attacks of vertigo and pain that has left me unemployed for the better part of 2 years. Fortunately, with treatment, physical therapy, and time to make "lifestyle adjustments" my condition has abated to the point that I feel I'd like to try to re-enter the world of the living again. During my illness I spent a lot of time thinking about what I'd like to do should I ever recover to the point that I felt functional again, and now that I feel that time may be here I'd like some advice on what to do. During the time I was severely ill I got relief from practicing my electronics hobby, and courses of self study in physics and mathematics (Thanks, MIT Open Courseware!). I feel that I'd like to turn this avocation of electronics into a vocation if I could.
Of course, in the US with unemployment approaching 10% my opportunities for employment after 2 years of illness are extremely limited without a degree, and while self study has been great, I realize it's worth little to a prospective employer without the academic rigor of an accredited institution behind it. I guess I'm looking at attempting a 4 year program of study in EE or a similar discipline at 30. I'm currently in the New England area, and while I don't think I'm ready right this summer to start a full curriculum, I would like to start getting required courses for an engineering program under my belt. Also, I plan on moving from this area to the West in the next 6-9 months for a number of reasons. Is it likely that required courses I take in this area such as Calculus I, II, Linear Algebra, etc. would transfer to another university's program of study? Are these the courses someone in my position should start taking to pursue such a program of study, or something else? Should I be attempting this at all? All input would be greatly appreciated.
I did not complete college the first time around, and spent my 20s working in various fields including a recording studio for the blind, and as sales/tech support for a music technology company.
In 2007 I was diagnosed with a neurological illness, the most debilitating symptoms of which were severe unpredictable attacks of vertigo and pain that has left me unemployed for the better part of 2 years. Fortunately, with treatment, physical therapy, and time to make "lifestyle adjustments" my condition has abated to the point that I feel I'd like to try to re-enter the world of the living again. During my illness I spent a lot of time thinking about what I'd like to do should I ever recover to the point that I felt functional again, and now that I feel that time may be here I'd like some advice on what to do. During the time I was severely ill I got relief from practicing my electronics hobby, and courses of self study in physics and mathematics (Thanks, MIT Open Courseware!). I feel that I'd like to turn this avocation of electronics into a vocation if I could.
Of course, in the US with unemployment approaching 10% my opportunities for employment after 2 years of illness are extremely limited without a degree, and while self study has been great, I realize it's worth little to a prospective employer without the academic rigor of an accredited institution behind it. I guess I'm looking at attempting a 4 year program of study in EE or a similar discipline at 30. I'm currently in the New England area, and while I don't think I'm ready right this summer to start a full curriculum, I would like to start getting required courses for an engineering program under my belt. Also, I plan on moving from this area to the West in the next 6-9 months for a number of reasons. Is it likely that required courses I take in this area such as Calculus I, II, Linear Algebra, etc. would transfer to another university's program of study? Are these the courses someone in my position should start taking to pursue such a program of study, or something else? Should I be attempting this at all? All input would be greatly appreciated.