I was layed off in May.  As part of my layoff benefits, I can receive up to $9000.00 in tuition assistance and will be paid until October of this year.  I have decided to change careers and become a Medical Lab Technician.  The starting pay in this field is a little more than what I was making after 16 years.

In order to graduate by December 2010.  I will need to attend full time.  As a singe parent of a 6 year old daughter, I will only be able to work part time.  I plan to have my car and credit cards paid off by October and hope to have a part time job.  However, the part time job will not be enough to cover my living expenses and mortgage payment.  Also, the last two semesters I will need to intern at least 3 to 4 days a week reducing my part time hours.

I have about $17,000.00 in my 401K.  My monthly mortgage payment is $580.00/mo.  I am planning to use my 401 K to cover my mortgage expense until at least March of 2011.  (I'll need about $10,000.00)  Is this the right or best solution to my problem?