At this point in my life I would choose to work sooner, so I can gain some type of experience. In reality I'm just desperate for a job :-/

Not 100% sure. I just feel that I was pushed into University after School and then pushed into the scrapheap after Graduation.

I've done both at various points in my life. Living for the long run always beats the short term UNLESS you are in danger of going homeless and hungry. If you're in poverty but STABLE poverty, go with the path that gets you training and a better future.

Choose a career path that would take longer. I would do with less in the mean time.

I say, choose a career path that you WANT. the path that makes you happy .. if it's something that makes more money down the road and it's something you want, then I say go for it. I say, follow your heart to what you want to do.. and not let money be the deciding factor. because if you had a job that paid a lot but you hated... I would never want that for you..

I want you to be happy and do what makes you happy.

Love you.

Knowing the situation, my thoughts are to get into the job field as soon as possible. School is a great thing, but you also have to be comfortable knowing that school may take longer than planned, or any number of changes that you may be facing. You've made great progress in all areas and many accomplishments. Maybe it's time to face your anxieties head on. Many things get much easier with even a part time job. Who knows you might be able to keep the same school schedule as well. Wishing you the best always. Love you!

Either goal is a worthy one.

Chose a path that gets you to the place you want to be. These two paths you've laid out, need not be mutually exclusive. AND... paths can change, even once we head down them. If you love what you do, then it's not work. Also, small pay over time, adds up. I've been going to some schooling almost all my life. Technology changes so fast that just keeping up requires a constant educational commitment. But I love it. Yup, been a geekster since 1972, and while I would never let my boss know, I'd do this for free, and I HAVE at times. ;-) So, pick a path the let's you love what you do, and if you don't yet know what that is, pick the best temporary path that is most able to help you find it. Good luck.

Wow these are some well thought out responses. Thank you all.

I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life or even what I would enjoy doing. I just know that I want to get out of poverty and not be so stressed over money.

I chose the second path, but I've been filled with doubts lately since it is going to take some time. A part of me feels like the first path would be better for my mental health (making money sooner) but would I be happier in the long run? I doubt it.

After reading the responses, maybe I should think of doing both paths. I didn't think I could handle both due to my severe depression, but maybe it is what I need? I have a lot to think about and to discuss.

Good question but it has more than one part to it. I would take the job that pays less if I needed the money now and not later. If I had time to wait, I would take the job that would pay more. I also would take the job that would make me happy. Proven fact that we should always take a job that we would do for free if we had to. That doesn't always happen, but it's food for thought. Hugs GB

As a youngster I did both! I worked and took night classes and basically never slept! Do what you have to do for the short term but always keep pushing for the long term :) I know....I'm no help!