You know what you have to do, go back to school and get your graduate degree but how could you ever imagine leaving work and your family to head off to university for four years? You can't. Luckily you don't have to anymore. You can take get an online graduate degree through a distance learning program. As long as you have the willingness to learn, the ability to learn independently and a modem on your computer you are ready to go and get it.

You can learn and work on your online masters degree at home after the kids are gone to bed. Instead of watching another rerun on television you go online to learn and study. As far as costs go taking an online graduate program qualifies you for a series of low-cost loans and tax deductions. You may even be able to get your employer to pay part of your costs because they will also benefit from your improved skills and knowledge.

Best of all you can learn anywhere you have an Internet connection. At home, at the office after work, or at the local library at lunchtime.

You pick the space and the time and go online to learn. Some people create a home office or study area and as long as you are comfortable it will work for you. Develop a regular routine that allows you to get your study done and your assignments e-mailed in on time and you will be well on your way to your online masters degree.

In addition to the joy of learning an online masters degree makes you more valuable to your employer. The Unites States Census reported that on average a person with a master's degree is about $9,000 per year higher than those with only a bachelor's degree. So that's why all those younger guys are getting more money than you.

Soon you can demand and get that kind of money, so get to work and study hard. Your future and your salary may depend on it.