How I Funded My $30,000-plus Grad-School Bill in Only 20-months

In January 2017, I embarked on a new academic journey when matriculating into graduate school. After a year-long process, I decided to pursue a Dual-Masters degree. The degrees stemmed from two institutions, which consisted of a 60-credit master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP accredited), and a 30-credit MBA program. After pursuing some of the MBA courses, however, I felt as though the program was not challenging me enough to justify the tuition cost. As a result, I decided to put a hold on that endeavor until I completed the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

By August 2018, I was already half-way through the 60-credit Masters program. I felt like this was a good time to reflect on the nuances of my academic achievements. At this time, I had been enrolled in the program for 20-months and was fortunate to remain debt-free!

I also thought it was a good time to comprehensively review my financials over the past 20-months. After sorting through my financial documents, I had accounted for more than $30,000 in school related expenses. Although my checking and savings accounts would reflect lower than ideal balances, I was satisfied knowing that I was well on my way towards coming out of graduate-school with no debt to my name. You might be wondering how I was able to fully fund $30,000 for graduate school in just 20-months.... Well, I'm here to tell you that story.

In the simplest of terms that I hope most of you understand - I made my money from bartending. Moreover, to add context-to-content, this gig wasn't at your average local pub. This particular job was located at a boutique hotel named The Reeds at Shelter Haven; located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. The luxurious venue was in a convenient location, and would attract a high-volume of customers on a daily and nightly basis. The memorable experiences, beach-front views, and array of food & drink options would command a high price point for any of the people looking to have a good time at The Reeds. This would frequently give bartenders and servers a high check-average on a regular basis.

Want to learn more about The Reeds? Here is a link to direct you to: The Reed's

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Although the job was considered seasonal, I was still earning a steady income year-round thanks to out of the ordinary events happening regularly. I decided to commute two-plus hours each way to bartend weddings in September (i.e. Labor Day Weekend), on popular nights such as Thanksgiving Eve, and other events from early March to June.

If there is anything I hope you gain from this post is this: Obtain a tip or commission based job that gives you the chance to earn a lot money in as little amount of time possible. In doing so, you will maintain a flexible schedule, develop a steady routine, and easily plan your schedule accordingly. If done correctly, you can maintain a healthy work/life balance (e.g. engage in part-time work, attend lectures, complete assignments for class, maintain a social life, and can spend quality time with your family).

However, accomplishing this is easier said than done; these jobs aren't meant for everyone. At times, it can become physically draining as well as emotionally and mentally daunting not knowing how much money you will earn each day, week, or month. Furthermore, some may not have the financial privilege or flexibility to pursue a tipped-based job based on other limitations such as requiring a steady stream of income to pay off a car payment. Lastly, it can be difficult to obtain a serving and/or bartending job at popular local bars & restaurants due to the overload of applicants going for the same positions. One may have to work their way up in an organization (e.g. start out as a barback before becoming a bartender), or be willing to work at a new location that isn't well-known in the local area - this is a potential risk because there is no evidence in knowing if the business will be successful or not.

Whether you are going back to school or find yourself in a similar situation as mine, you have to think of the positives and negatives beforehand. If you want to graduate from school without taking on any loans, or you hope to have an amount that is affordable, you must be willing to take risks by blocking off any outside "noise" (i.e. friend & family members that aren't shy to iterate that you'd be better off working full-time to earn a higher income and ditch going to school). You also need to understand that there will be times of financial hardships, but to remind yourself that your current situation isn't permanent and is only temporary. Believe in yourself, and have faith that you are making the right choice to pursue your dreams!