Quarter Life Crisis #2 (Furthering my education)

To the left of my computer desk is a mounted copy of my college diploma: University of Arizona - Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science - something I'm honestly not too proud about. Lacking on the diploma are two minors I should have focused on: Media Arts and Business Administration. Unfortunately, my realization to what I really wanted to do - web/graphic design and business development - came too late. I was into my second year of college, and I felt the pressure of needing to graduate. So what did I do - I took the easy way out with an easy degree, and kept my two interest as minors instead.

Four years after graduating college, I've worked up the ladder and found myself in a fortunate position (along with a handsome salary). I've done well for myself, in comparison with my peers I've graduated with in college. Life is good (even considering the rough economy we are in).

Somehow, I feel something is missing in my life. I'm not content. I don't understand why. My situation is perfect: I'm engaged to a beautiful girl (to whom I'll be marrying in a year); I'm succeeding at my current job (in which I was recently promoted in May); I have the financial stability to buy things that I don't need (like domain names and iPhones); go on vacations....

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bragging by any means. I'm just in awe why I still feel a void.

It's not until I started to really evaluate my situation, and I started planning for the future. I asked myself a few questions like - Where do I want to be in the next few years? What do I want to be doing (career wise)?

I wish I had this sort of epiphany and realization maybe 6-8 years ago, while I was till a Freshman or Sophomore in college. Life doesn't work that way. I ignored the things I actually was passionate about during my undergraduate years. I refuse to live my life in regret and in "what if's." I've decided to do something about my dilemma.

So I enjoy being creative - especially when it comes to the Internet and graphic design. I also enjoy making money (who doesn't right?). In a few years, I want to be working for a marketing / advertising agency. Eventually, I want to manage and my own firm.

Although in a previous blog, I pondered the marketability of a web designer in the career world. I've researched a little more, and find the industry still in high demand. According to the Art Institute of Phoenix, part of their Web Design degree entails job placement, in which they are in need to fill in this industry.

As of this week, I have initiated the application and admittance back to school at the Art Institute of Phoenix -which has a spectacular media arts program. I am planning to obtain a second undergraduate year in Web Design. Eventually, I will plan to get my MBA thereafter.

By obtaining a second undergraduate degree, I am confident I will be able to master those classes (and GPA) necessary to apply to a promising MBA program, and achieve my ultimate goal - managing my own advertising/marketing firm.

I have been going back and forth whether to obtain a second undergraduate degree for almost a year now. I came to the realization that I should just do it and not have any second regrets. I feel by mastering this skill and getting this degree, this should fill the void I feel in my current life. Perhaps the cure to my dilemma is another diploma (in an actual study that I really enjoy).