Ok, so we agree that getting a degree should be your first goal. A flow is a backup plan. Maybe I misunderstood your post. Yes, a degree takes a significant amount of time, both in credit hours and in dedication.

Taking 1 or two classes at a time, you can focus more, and most get better grades because of this. Some online courses are compressed, so the timeline is shorter. Doesn't mean you learn less, or that you can "blow off" classes like you did at a university and still be fine.

And while this may not be the case today, who knows if a degree will be required at all legacies in 3-5 years? Maybe not. But if YOU were on the HR panel, deciding on whom you elected to hire - would you lend more credence to the guy who flew planes for 5 years and waited for the goose to lay a golden egg, or the applicant who flew planes for 5 years while at the same time working towards his degree? One which he may not have achieved yet, but he strived for in the face of adversity, while supporting a family, etc?

At the end of the day, not many jobs require a degree because the applicants are any smarter or more capable than those without a degree - rather, it shows dedication, drive, and a will to get ahead. All traits that any employer would want.

You're right saying that someone starting out with zero credit today, and only taking 3-6 classes per year will not end up with a degree in a timely fashion. But at the same time, one needs to weigh a seniority number against the time lost by "getting a degree first, then applying". In a perfect world, everyone would have a degree by the time they are 22. But bear in mind many of the folks on APC are over 30, 40, 50, and haven't finished their degrees. BIG difference between a 40-yr old starting in this industry and a 21-yr old. I would definitely agree with your "get the degree first" with the young kids. Alas, not all of us are so young.

BTW, I am proud of you completing your degree first. You are like the son I never had! (Said in my best former-president voice).