Is it a wise decision to pursue MS after 4 years of work experience?
I'm in the same boat as you, only difference being that I am yet to start gathering some work experience. Here's my analysis: It surely can't hurt, especially if you do it from a good place. We're in a skill based industry, and thats been the sole basis of your hiring. An MS will refine your skills and broaden your knowledge, which can only make you more productive.Downside, however, is that the kind of jobs open prior an MS and after an MS seem to be exactly the same. So if you expect to get a different or a "better" job post MS, I won't be so sure. Had you been talking about an MBA, or an MS in a different or specialized field, it might still have made a difference. In technology, not having an MS or a PhD is rarely a barrier to career growth.If your reason, thus, is career growth, an MS might not do too much for you and you should seek growth within the industry - or even the company. Amazon is a great company (possibly one of the top soft-dev recruiters in India at the moment), so I fail to see how an MS would aid in career-growth within the same line of work.
What are decent paying jobs that require 2-4 years of college?
The good news is...you don't have to decide today, or tomorrow or for a few months, what you are going to pursue. Generally, the first year of college is about the same for everyone. If you take general freshmen credits and maybe a couple classes to test the waters for what you may be interested in, you won't be wasting time. Later, as you narrow down your interests, you may have to pick up a couple credits of prerequisits, but you won't be drowning in them. You're asking questions, which is a great start, but here are a couple more to answer for yourself. Define "decent paying", for some folks a step up to 40K a year would be wonderful, for others "decent" means nothing less than 100K. Define a few things about yourself...like to work with people or on your own? Do you like to fix stuff, design stuff or make stuff. I think any medical field is going to be decent paying. It's a huge industry, so not only are there lots of opportunities, but you'll be able to find jobs that best fit your interest. Your wise to head for college. It's much harder to get the decent pay without some sort of letters after your name.
Should I Pursue a PTA or MSW Degree?
I have the opportunity to return to school and am trying to decide between two fields of study: physical therapist assistant and master of social work. PTA: Pros-Plentiful jobs anywhere, decent starting salary, hands-on, rewarding career, low stress. Cons-Early salary/career ceiling, no direct career "advancement", physically demanding/shorter career life, I already have a BA degree, so getting an Associate's degree almost seems like a step down MSW: Pros- higher degree = higher social status, long-term job security (if employed in Civil Service), long career life, more room to advance within the profession, more long-term earning potential, not physically demanding. Cons- can be stressful, frustrating job, possible low starting salary, job quality and availability? If anyone of you can help shed some light regarding a comparison of these two professions, I would be greatly appreciative. FWIW, any of these professions is going to be a vast step up from my previous horrible profession: high school teacher.
Do I pursue the U.S. Border Patrol or Police Officer?
I have the oppurtunity to do both. I know that the pay is basically the same. My delima is the border Patrol is a Federal job but it requires me to move and leave my house, family, and fiance for at least two years. I have heard that the Border Patrol can be a very dangerious yet boring job but again its an Government job so it brings job security. Flipside being a county sheriff officer pays basically the same, it allows me to still live where I have made a home and I think it might be a bit more fun. The only thing is it is now a county position, not as much job security but again same pay and advancement oppurtunity not to mention I dont have to leave everything I know behind...even if it is only well the minimum is 2 yrs. Which way do I go????