Should I prioritize getting a Bachelors degree or getting job certifications?

I have a two-year degree in what is essentially digital photography (my childhood dream) that I got immediately after high school. I have since decided that this isn’t a good fit for me as a career, and have been struggling to find my first job. In 2019, I went back to my local community college to take some professional development classes to try and build my resume. These classes so far have been training in MS Word, Excel, and Access, communication skills, and customer service skills. I’ve had to step away for a bit for personal reasons, but I plan to start working towards the Professional Administrative Certificate of Excellence (PACE Certification) in the next few weeks. But. I’ve recently learned that the college money that my parents set aside for me is still available - they paid for my community college degree out of pocket (which completely blows my mind). It’s a nest egg big enough that I can essentially get a bachelors degree for “free” without taking out any student loans. This is an amazing opportunity that I am lucky to have, and I want to make sure that I use this money wisely. My parents have been super generous by letting me live at home until I can get my feet under me…but I’m now in my early 30s. My dad plans to retire next year. We’re currently trying to navigate what that looks like, but I want to be financially independent as quickly as possible so I don’t become a leech. I don’t know if I am necessarily trying to choose my entire career right now. I’ve always been told that education was the key to a good life and career, and I don’t want to waste this money. I am currently looking for work and doing all the things associated with that - I am constantly applying for jobs, I volunteer, I’ve taken several job/career assessments, I’m getting into networking, etc. I’m trying to cast as wide of a net as possible to find this first job - I’m open to almost anything. So - what would be the best strategy for my situation? Should I go for the bachelors degree? Or should I focus on getting certified in various job fields/disciplines and get my bachelors after I find employment? What is the quickest route to a job that will allow me to finally move out of my parents’ house (and, preferably, to buy my own home)?

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