Full time review, even it means resigning from current job

Hi Guys,
I need your advice, i've studied and preparing for java programmer certification since last January 2002, while on a overseas project (Saudi Arabia) although my task here is only support...and i'm tired of this crap since i have a Degree in Computer Engineering.. for my review i've just finished the book all in one java certification and decided to take a JQplus exam, and i just awfully scored 31%!, now i'm beggining to consider resigning when i go back to my country so that i can review full-time since i can only review less than a hour each day.
I want to ask if it worth it, between loosing my current job and reviewing full-time, also i'm planning to take a master's degree, i was thinking if i can attain this two thing, i would find a much better job...
Please advice...
Thanks,
Roy

I want to ask if it worth it, between losing my current job and reviewing full-time. Also i'm planning to take a master's degree, i was thinking if i can attain these two things, i would find a much better job...
The way the economy is right now, if I had a job, I would keep it until I found a better job. But if you are going to quit working to get a Master's degree anyway, studying full time for the SCJP2 certification would surely be worth the time in my opinion.

First of all don't panic!!!
I agree with Marilyn if you have a job keep it

I believe having work experience has more weight that having a certification per say, but that's my opinion

Having a certificate will help you land a better job in the future, and it may help you get a pay raise in you current job?
Why don't you make flash cards to help you review during lunch and breaks? You might be able to sneak an extra 30-60min a day. Also if you take some form of transit to work the flash cards are a nice way to review each day.
Anyway just some ideas to think about

About your master's that's another question, a master degree will help you start a job at a higher salary range, but that's not always a guarantee, as for job security who know? I think if you become specialized in one area too much it's make finding a job a lot much harder and limits you choice of jobs to pick from.
If you have enough healthy brain cells to get you a Master degree then I would say go for it

I can only speak for myself, but I found the All-In-One Java Prep book (I have the Barry Boone/William Stanek 2nd edition) kinda horrible. Sorry guys but the there were far two many mistakes and I didnt find that it covered the material very thoroughly.
My advice is pick up RHE Complete Java 2 Certification Guide. It seems to be one of, if not THE favourite.
Give it a read. I found it much more enjoyable and informative. (a rare but good combination)
Hope that helps

My two cents..
These are the questions i would ask myself.
1) Do I need the money from your over seas role?
2) Do I think there is chance of advancement in your current role?
3) Will my experience in my current role contribute to your chosen career path in the industry?
4) Am i satisified over all with your current role
5) Am i prepared to become an umemployed full time student? How many years am i prepared to spend on studying full time
6) Is the IT job market soft in my home locale?
7) How is a master degree viewed my the IT industry back home? Would a master degree help me at all in getting an interview/role/desired salary in the current market

In my view, a master degree only shows one's persistence and consistency, apart from that, not much.. i almost wish i hadn't started my master's at all, for the recruitment agencies here don't seem to respond too well to it.
One would have to carefully weigh the pros and cons to reach a decision like this..

Applying for a job is a lot like applying for a loan: you have a much better chance of getting one if you show that you don't need one.
So, my advice would be to keep your current job until you have a firm offer for another one in hand.
Junilu