<prompt> Human: Long story short, I was part of a massive layoff at a tech company back in May. At the time of the layoff, I had 6,000 in my savings, received a 16,000 severance package and about 12,000 invested in my 401k. The savings arent a lot, but I only started saving in 2014 when I left a paycheck-to-paycheck type job and doubled my salary at the job after that. In July 2014 I started using YNAB to really keep track of my expenses - I used to be in a really bad place before 2014, living paycheck-to-paycheck, unable to even pay off 2,000 in credit card debt, ZERO savings, and a low credit score I have managed to bring it up to the mid 700s in the last year.After the layoff, I decided to finish school and earn my bachelors degree I had been going to school on and off while working and only completed my associates degree in 2014. So, of course now that brings in some student loans.I have been mostly fine since the layoffs, now six months ago, and have spent those months taking classes and working contract and consulting gigs but now Im reaching that uncomfortable zone of I should really be earning an income now to take care of expenses.Here is my current situation: Checking Credit Union: 3,700 Savings Chase: 12,300 401k from two jobs ago: 12,450 Student Loans: 14,000 in direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans for one year with about 3 interest rate; I will be in school for two years max., probably. Tuition is 2,100 per term, 350 per credit, and I have 38 credits remaining Credit Card Debt Bank of America: 839 Monthly bills: Usually about 500That breaks down into Car insurance: 193 Phone Verizon: 100 Internet Comcast: 90 ElectricityGas: 40 Water: 30 Netflix, Dropbox, Spotify: 27.97Each month I also usually end up spending: Groceries: 200 Transportation: 100-200 those trains are expensive! Restaurants: Sometimes up to 200, but I have been going out less and lessAlso, I had COBRA coverage after the layoff, which was about 500mo, but just recently applied for Medicaid and waiting to hear back.Since I have been largely unemployed since May, Ive been taking contract work here and there, which is usually about 5,000-6,000 per month per project, but obviously its not consistent and sometimes I go without work didnt really work at all in September. I started applying for full-time jobs to not rely so much on student loans and I dont want to start tapping into my savings if I dont have to. With my experience and profession, I could land a job anywhere 70,000-100,000year, but Ive also been picky with the job search.I should note Ive been a little lucky as my long-term partner makes a hell of a lot more than I ever did and has been covering the rent and supportive of my choice to finish school, but I do also want to be financially independent myself, and want to be able to support my hobbies music when I want. My mom thinks I should just focus on school and not get a full-time job, but I dont want to become less relevant in my industry and have employers raise an eyebrow at the large gap in my resume.Is it wise to be more choosey with a job at this time? Or since Im turning 30 in a few months and want to have 1 kid maybe between 30-35, am I really behind and should get hustling on securing my financial future? Was taking out student loans a mistake? What should I do? Let me know if you need more details!Edit: Formatting  <response>: Id vote for getting the school done with and postpone the full time job. Its the easiest explanation to future employers. Youll be fine on the student loan front just take out only what you need. 