It probably feels easy to talk yourself out of going back to college and earning a degree, with the demands of your work and family responsibilities seeming to press in from every corner. Yet, if you wait until you have more time on your hands you may never end up taking the plunge. Here are some of the things to focus on if you want to convince yourself that now’s the right time to pursue a college degree.
Advancing and Securing Your Career
Whether you want to get promoted at your current job, move on to greener pastures, or make a career switch into a more lucrative field, getting a college degree can give you an edge in a competitive market. In some areas, like finance, obtaining an advanced MBA degree can boost your earnings potential by 50% or more compared to peers without a master’s.
In a weak employment market, having a degree can provide you with job security. Many employers favor applicants who hold degrees over those who never finished college, and unemployment is typically lower for college grads than for those who don’t hold degrees. Furthermore, the skills you learn while obtaining a degree, such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, can qualify you for a greater number of roles outside of your specific career field. This can make it easier to find a job even when the hiring market is tight.
Growing Personally
Although career advancement is often the biggest impetus for people to return to school, the opportunities for personal growth presented by acquiring a college degree can be just as motivating. In university courses, you’ll be exposed to new thoughts and ideas that can expand your perspective and keep your cognitive skills sharp.
If you lack confidence, discipline, or have difficulty following through on commitments, then pushing your way through to earning a degree demonstrates that you can overcome those challenges. You may also find that you have a better sense of direction and purpose after exposing yourself to new people and ideas, leaving you more fulfilled after earning your degree.
Learning at Your Own Pace
When you were younger, you might have left college early or skipped going to university altogether because you were burnt out from the demands of studying. After all, you’d been almost entirely focused on your education straight through since kindergarten, and it’s not surprising that you might have needed a break.
Fortunately, when you return to college as an adult you can set your own pace for learning. You can take as many or as few classes as fits your schedule, and if you attend an online university, you’ll have even more flexibility when it comes to where and when you take your courses.
Despite everything you have going on in your life, it can still make sense to return to college and earn a degree. Whether you’re looking for better career prospects or the opportunity for self-improvement, you can attend an online university and study at your own pace to achieve your goals.
