Should You Finish Your Degree?

There are many moments as of late when I question my current degree program. Quite a while ago I wanted to leave my fancy liberal arts school and head home for a different course of study. I ended up pushing through and finishing my History degree in three years. I very well could have transfered, but I decided it was best to finish what I had started and not to throw away my years at my first school. I currently face the same conundrum when working on a second degree. Sometimes it feels futile to continue as I have other ambitions than to solely pursue accounting. What drives me forward, however, is the feeling that I again should "finish what I started" and not to "give up." If you or someone you know is in this same situation there are a couple consideration that you may encounter when weighing whether to finish a degree program or not.

Will the degree be more of a detriment than not when looking for a job?
You really would be surprised by the dirtiest secret in modern-day job hiring: overqualification. While going to school and working, I have been more than hesitant to list my highest education degree on a job application. I typically do need the minimum wage job I am applying for, but my degree isn't a primary requirement for the job either.

If I go on for a second degree will I be barred from getting financial aid?
While I decided to finish my first degree in three years, if I had been able to spread the degree out over a fourth year and start my second degree, I would have been eligible for financial aid for that extra year. I currently pay full tuition at my local state college. The tuition is a bargain, but it would feel like it is almost a free-ride with at least some financial aid. Usually when one is pursuing a second degree opposite of their first (a B.A. after a B.S.) they are eligible for federal loans. I currently do not take out loans for my tuition, so this is not much of a perk.

How will my decision affect my quality of life now and in the future?
If leaving your degree program would not leave you saddled with years and years of debt payments and little job prospects, I would consider leaving or transferring to a cheaper school immediately. Of course, if transferring would make you further behind in your program, I would recommend against moving your degree around. If you are simply unhappy where you are, I think this point is more important than you may think. For three years at college I was in an environment that stifled me and only fed my depressive tendencies. Right now I am back in my home-town with my loving parents and fiance and it makes all the difference to my quality of life. I may waffle on my educational path from time-to-time, but at least I am surrounded by supportive and loving people on a regular basis.