Why Go Back To School?

The motivation for going back to school or furthering your education varies from person to person. Some people are looking to advance within their career and others simply want a career change altogether. Don’t forget to take into consideration that your salary is likely to increase with a secondary degree, making the prospect of additional education very appealing. 

With the increase of non-traditional students, i.e. adults returning to school, education has become more attainable and flexible than days gone by. If you find that you can be more marketable by advancing your four year business degree to a master’s degree, an online business masters program will allow you to maintain your current responsibilities whilst still advancing your degree. 

Spend Wisely

The cost of further education is nothing to take lightly. Considering the expense, you should think long and hard about whether this is a step that you are not only willing to take but that you have the time and dedication to get the most out of it. In addition to the education you will earn, returning to school can also prove helpful in other ways. You will have the opportunity to network with others in a similar career field and you will have the experience and knowledge of the career development center that can help by giving you additional advice. 

Going back to school will be beneficial if you know what you’re doing. There are occasions where additional education will not prove useful because of the accumulated debt from paying for the classes will be more than you can afford to pay with your current career. If you find yourself in that unique situation, you may want to consider either not going back to school or changing careers altogether. Typically, further education usually means a more generous salary package. 

Don’t waste money by taking classes needlessly. If you already have a degree or have been in college previously, make sure to meet with an academic advisor to see if any previously earned credits can be applied to your current course of study. It would not be cost effective to take classes that you don’t need. 

Fears

Don’t let fear stand in your way of education. There are a myriad of both pros and cons for going back to school. Be sure to think about your particular situation and if the benefits can outweigh the costs. As an adult, the two most prevalent concerns are time and money. With all of the responsibilities of your daily life already, you may be concerned about whether you have the time to dedicate to college. With the influx of distance and online learning, your education can be as mobile as you are. As far as costs are concerned, make sure you take into consideration the added monetary benefits of having that additional education. Most positions offer more generous compensation for higher levels of education. You can consider your return to school as an investment in both yourself and your career. 

There are also other things that play on the minds of older adults going back to school, like worrying if they will fit in or if they will seem out of place among a classroom of potentially younger students. What you also have to consider, instead of thinking that the younger students may look down upon you for being older and out of place, they can also look up to you for your life experience and the wisdom you have to offer. Not only that, think of the positive influence you can have on the children in your own family by having the courage to pursue something that will benefit you. 

There will always be reasons to do something as well as reasons not to. You have to consider your own situation and what would truly be in your best interest. Do not let unfounded fears keep you from pursuing what you want.