Possible Major Life Change...Need Good Advice

**mschrief** · 12-12-2010, 04:50 PM

I would insist on review the by-laws of any condo you are seriously thinking about purchasing.

Most condo group have a board of directors, by-laws, rules & regs.

The condo building I live in does NOT allow any sort of business being conducted in an owners condo. You can do a little ebaying, etc. But my building would never allow a child care business, however casual.

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-12-2010, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

OK, so I've noticed that those of you from Canada use 'university' and 'college' as if they are two different things. Here in the States, the terms are somewhat interchangeable.
A college refers to an institution of higher learning, while a university is a similar institution but larger, with many divisions and possibly a post-graduate school - can you enlighten us Yankees?

Yes, they are two different things. A university issues degrees, a college issues diplomas and certificates. There is a bit of overlap now, some college credits are starting to be accepted at universities. Depending on what you want to do it could require a bachelor's (or higher) degree from university, or a 2 yr diploma from college, or sometimes (frequently) both.

**MaryCarney** · 12-12-2010, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

Yes, they are two different things. A university issues degrees, a college issues diplomas and certificates. There is a bit of overlap now, some college credits are starting to be accepted at universities. Depending on what you want to do it could require a bachelor's (or higher) degree from university, or a 2 yr diploma from college, or sometimes (frequently) both.

Ahhhh- thanks! We in the States would most likely call your 'college' a 'junior college' and possibly a 'trade school'.

**dancemommy** · 12-12-2010, 11:01 PM

I think it is a great idea, BUT really research what having this degree will do for your husband financially- for example, are their JOBS available in his desired area? What is the pay? If one job doesn't work out, are there other options? My husband went to law school right out of college. In hindsight we never would have made that decision again. The job market for attorneys is way oversaturated and unless you graduate right at the top of your class from an excellent school and have some great connections it is hard to get a decent job. It is the kind of degree that may not be worth the investment. I really wish that we would have had better guidance throughout college as to what our degree really prepared us for job wise and what the job market really would look like. I will guide our children much differently than we were guided. Anyways, good luck!

**mauimagic** · 12-13-2010, 01:23 AM

What a wonderful opportunity to wrap your minds about the endless possibilities ahead. QM - I feel your energy bounding ahead, while your DH seems to be trailing behind. As has been suggested, it would be best for all angles if he was an active participant in this discussion and search for ideas.

Of course it can be done - I have no doubt that you will find the best way for both of you!! Good luck and please keep us informed and updated on your progress!!

**Libby** · 12-13-2010, 04:45 PM

I find that Universities are large institutions that offer degrees for theoretical learning. Colleges are smaller and more hands on/practical skill learning which issue certificates after wards.

Almost everyone I've known went to university first then to a college immediately after so they could get a decent job so they could pay their bills/debt and find a job in their desired 'career'.

QM - I'm in the boat with several others - continue brainstorming and write down every possibility that could happen both positive and negative to be reviewed later down the road together.

**Tess B** · 12-13-2010, 04:58 PM

gosh, just for me, i think i'd slow it ALL way down until your husband has a CLEAR concrete idea about HIS goals for returning to school. you are considering a lot of VERY major changes and no REAL idea of why. i believe we all do better if the directions are more detailed than "West, I think........."

oddly YOU sound more excited about the idea of CHANGE then he does.....even that might be worth a deeper look inside!? he's vague and you're already picking out the curtains for the new condo!