It doesn't matter how many hours you work or how hard you work, it matters how much you get paid. If all you're getting after working for 2 years is minimum wage start looking for a new job that pays better. Also, I agree with 97 S14, you don't have to pay cash for your Z, you can finance it. Just don't get screwed on the interest rate. About the 4 year plan, it's not a problem. Anyone who takes longer than 4 years to finish a Bachelor's degree does so because they didn't want to finish in 4 years. It's not really that tough to work full time and go to to school full time, and it's very beneficial.