So, long story short: I'm getting very bored at work and have been for some time. Unfortunately, all the jobs I've seen advertised that I want (and FI and I don't really care if we have to relocate, so long as it's to a place that's nice to live in) require a large amount of experience, and obviously I can't get experience unless I get one of these jobs. The old catch 22 of job hunting.
I went to speak with a career advisor, who suggested that I go back to college and retrain as either a software developer or a website designer. The essential idea behind this isn't terrible. They're areas I'm interested in, but I don't know whether it's feasible. I barely remember high school math, which is a prerequisite for a lot of courses, but I'm sure I could go to night school around here.
I'm not entertaining the idea of actually going back to college as such. I can't stand the thought of taking on a ridiculous amount of debt for an American degree. I have, however, found some really good options through Australian universities that can be completed entirely online. The cost for this is much lower, because higher education is highly subsidized in Australia. The problem is, I'm not sure whether I still class as an Australian resident, which complicates things, but even paying full price at an Australian university is much less expensive than studying here. The universities in Australia that offer these online courses are actually really reputable. I'm not at all interested in any of those IT trade schools I see repeatedly advertised on the TV.
The main problem with this idea (aside from the me not remembering math, aside from the real basics) is that it's going to take years. Conceivably, I think I can do it in two, simply because I'm not willing to take a part time job and a massive pay cut to get this done. I would be willing to do a short unpaid internship if I don't need to relocate for it, and it will provide an adequate amount of experience to allow me to apply for the jobs I want now without feeling as though it's a waste of time (and so far, it has been).
I don't really want to broach the issue with family and friends until I come closer to making a decision, so, why not complete internet strangers? Seriously though, you guys give great advice. Has anyone else gone back to college and worked it around a serious full-time job? When FI starts to make more money, I'll feel better about it, but he's only been at his current job for a month and a half, and I doubt he'll start making commission until November.
I don't know why I'm so worried about this. I know people who have done master's degrees around their full time jobs, but taking one class a semester (including the two summer sessions) mean they take twice as long to complete the degree as everyone else. I don't want to be treading water until I'm 35. And honestly, I don't want to have to give up my hobbies, but I think they'll have to shafted. This is really the hardest part for me. That said, something has to give.
Thank you so much for your help.
TLDR: Suggested career change involving acquiring new bachelor's degree. On the fence about whether to invest in this or not.