Can you "think outside the box" as they used to say? Are there options such as a reduced work schedule? Will they still pay tuition if you are taking FMLA leave or working part-time?

I seem to recall your saying that your coworkers don't know you have MS, so maybe those aren't options.

Working full-time and going to school is daunting for someone WITHOUT a chronic illness. I can't imagine doing either one, much less both.

I'm not going to chastise, for sure. I could argue both sides of this one.

I'd hate to think of you working and struggling through school just to get a degree in time to have to stop working because of MS. MS never works on our time schedule, does it?.

Very timely for me to read this post!

My plan is that I'm going to continue in schoool at a manageable pace for as long as I can. With my PhD I will be able to continue securing less physical positions, more opportunities and better money. My thought is even if I eventually only work one day a week I will probably make more money than the average disability income.

It is a gamble but I figure I will have plenty of time to relax when MS finally takes my ability to work and no way do I want to look back in 5 years and still be slogging along without having attempted it.

If you want to go to school go for it.
If not, think of pros versus cons. If it's worth the gamble, go for it.
If not, carpe diem.

I simply cant fatham how you do it Wiz!!! Even if I were young like you, I dont think I could keep up with your schedule.

I am retired, which was actually good timing for me since my MS really started acting up and worsening in my mid fifties. By my mid sixties, there was no question of ever working again.

My advise.... wait until you are forced to retire to get your MBA. Take a course or two towards your masters, if it wont be a major stress, but a full course now, in your possible MS tranformation, would defeat your purpose. IMHO.

In the end, you will do what God has given you the strength and will to do. Good wishes Dear..

Okay...you asked...

Wiz, you have the energy of a diesel freight train engine...and strong motivation to get as much out of life as possible. For this I totally respect you.

Now...you know the spoons theory. I personally feel that our Lifesource has only so much Chi, or energy, to be used in one life. Some of us get even more energy from living a fulfilling life. Some of us burn the candle at both ends and end up leaving this beautiful planet way too early...

it all depends on what you wish to get out of what you are doing with your life. You also have to take into account what impact MS is taking on your life energy stores. We all know that the stress on our bodies from MS can indeed be formidable. Is it wise to get as much living in as we can, while we are still able to? Or is it wiser to scale back, living at a slower pace, trying our best to live a high quality life?

You need to go and get quiet...do some deep breathing...then see yourself in 5 years in your mind. How do you want your life to look? How will it look if you keep at the pace you are currently going?

I personally feel that your intuition is knocking at your door, trying to get your attention...otherwise you wouldn't be asking these important questions.

And please, don't let fear be a factor. Peace, calm, and centered while you ponder is the way to make the right decision. You seem to love your job. Are you enjoying the schoolwork as much as your job? Or do you like the school work more than your job? Is there another way to learn about life without the long term goal of a degree? Or is this an achievement that has been a dream for awhile? I went back to school at the age of 38 to get my BA. It was a life-long dream, and I am so glad I did it, even though it was tough with working part time and running a household with 4 kids...I wouldn't trade that experience for anything!

So, dear friend, ponder in peace and quiet...you will do what is right for you. I cherish your place in my life, for you got me to a great doctor...let us know what you decide...