Ten honest questions.

I can name a specific role or outcome I'm trying to reach.

Vague 'better life' goals rarely benefit from school.

I've talked to people doing the work I think I want.

Three honest conversations beat any brochure.

Job listings I want explicitly require a degree or certification.

Check 10 real listings, not assumptions.

What I'm missing is knowledge & skill — not confidence or connections.

School fixes the first. Rarely the second two.

I can afford the cost without compromising essentials or stability.

Includes opportunity cost of lost income.

I have realistic time each week for study (10+ hours).

Burnout sinks more programs than ability does.

People close to me support this decision.

Hidden resistance at home is a slow program-killer.

I've seriously considered cheaper alternatives (certs, apprenticeships, self-study).

Sometimes a $40 book changes more than a $40k degree.

I feel curious about the subject — not just the credential.

You'll spend years inside this material.

If this doesn't pay off, I have a plan B I'd be okay with.

Hope is not a strategy.