Should I get a degree? Current NSF with about 30k savings having a dilemma on whether to get a degree or work after ORD. Any advice?

There are many factors to consider before deciding to get a degree.

First, it depends on what your interests lies. You should research on the school and the course you are interested in and find out more from open house and understand if it is something you can commit to for the next 3-4 years of university.

Second, you can consider to take either full-time or part-time degree. A full-time program will allow you to meet more schoolmates, network more and have student life, while a part-time program will give you the flexibility to work and study at the same time to ensure your savings do not that that big of a hit.

If your financial situation is okay and do not need to rely that much on savings to survive, I think it will be good to have a degree to both further your knowledge on the industry you are interested in. A degree pay generally will be higher than diploma pay, or you could even work for awhile and some companies actually sponser their employees for their part-time degree course for them.

Hello, might want to ask yourself these 2 questions.

1. Which degree are you looking to get? Will other alternative professional qualifications suffice in an employer's pov?

Some industry might have a stronger preference for qualifications (PMETs) but at the same time, there are certain professional qualifications (e.g. Google Data Analytics or AWS cloud practioners, ACCA for accountants, and the list goes on) that companies are looking out for, especially in specialised tracks.

2. What are other opportunity costs/ benefits with enrolling in university

One trade off with getting a degree is perhaps the time spent studying on theory could be used otherwise to gain practical experiences or climbing up the corporate ladder for those structured jobs

Also, another important consideration, might be the value of the potential networks you meet during your degree studies. Often, there may be seniors, mentors and even career offices at university that will help guide you to finding a more aligned job next time (and perhaps with a higher pay)

If you are financially ok, (perhaps without having to make ends meet/ under any constraints), maybe an investment in urself for a higher pay check moving on for ur next 30-40 years of employment would be worth ... but always get in touch with those in your industry to better appreciate the pay progression better!