Graduate school or real world, that is the question.

Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of further education, or to take arms against a decimated economy.

I would continue parodying Billy, but he’s boring and this is detracting from my point. As a senior, I must decide between being a student for another two years or joining the workforce, a choice complicated by the following fact: seven months to graduate and I’ve got Spring Fever.

Well, no. Spring fever wouldn’t be the politically correct term. Mostly because it isn’t spring. The McRib is back, Starbucks is serving holiday specials, and this morning my engine block was colder than the Rockies.

I await your endorsement, Miller-Coors brewing company. Or subpoena, or whatever.

Anyway, it’s not Fall Fever either, more like the start-the-rest-of-my-life fever. I’ve been a student for 17 years, it’s all I’ve ever known, and yeah, it’s been fun.

But having money, power, respect and a red Corvette might be more fun. Decisions, decisions.

But seriously, folks. This is a big decision. College has been a blast. Next to zero responsibility, great friends and little if any accountability, where else can I wear my Snuggie for the entire work week?

Then again, I think there’s a lot to be said for “earning a living.” That’s an interesting phrase, not “getting” or “having” or “receiving,” but “earning”. It’s a right, a privilege granted to those who work hard for it. And it comes with self-respect and pride. Anyone who’s been in the “real world” can tell you that nothing worth having is easy to attain; and regardless of your economic class, it takes quite a bit of courage and strength put your feet on the ground every morning and face the world.

It takes even more to chase a dream.

I’m still undecided, but the realization that this choice has everything to do with pursuing dreams and nothing to do with red sports cars or Snuggies brings a lot of clarity.

You didn’t ask for my advice, but here it is: When the time comes, make your dream the priority. No one can ever fault you for trying to do what you love. Even if you fail.

And if your friends or loved ones do take issue with your choice of “the road less traveled,” smile. They’ll never know how breathtaking the view was, or that it made all the difference.