I have a question for all you working programmers out there. I need some career couseling advise.

I am currently working on my Computer Science degree. I have 105 units done. I can finish in 2 years going to school part time, 9 units a semester (if I go ful time it will still take 1.5 yrs due to prerequisites.)

My work situation is: I used to be the dept . manager where I work. I built the whole electronic prepress dept myselt. The new plant manager came to me a little over a year ago and said that he was going to have so much work and responsibility for me that I would have to quit school. I politly told him to that I would never even consider it (7 yrs of school (part time) down the drain? are you kidding). Since then He took the dept away from me and stuck me in a corner with no interaction with anyone, no authority and no jobs which use or extend on my school and publicly humiliates me whenever possible. On the plus side this give me more time for school.

My question: Should I stick it out for the two years with nothing on my Resume to help a development career or should I get a job coding Java now and take fewer classes thus extending my time to graduation?

I understand that this is a very personal decision and that I will live with the consequences of what I choose to do. However any insights anyone has would be greatly appreciate.

[3.1416]

No matter what you decide regarding school I would start looking for another job immediately, as your manager sounds like a total jerk. Ideally you would be able to find a development position that lets you continue your current class schedule, if not my personal preference would be to go for real-world experience even if it takes an extra semester or two to get your degree. But do get the degree, if nothing else you need it on your resume.

Just my opinion...

[AirSluf]

I agree with 3.1416 totally.

Your resume will thank you as well either way. Employers can understand a full time push to finish an education or your decision to move to a new job, a lot better than they can understand reduction in responsibility and job breadth. Unless the jerk goes away, you are dead end and unhappy.

Finishing school, whether full or part time, will do more for your long term earning potential, than diving full time now. It doesn't take a colledge education to simply be a good coder, but it is rare for someone who is only a good coder to be successful at the rest of the development business.

Good luck!