Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
The job market is different now than it used to be decades ago. More people are making strategic changes and career moves, as well as moving on more frequently. And, where you could once get a high-paying job as a skilled laborer with just experience, many of the same jobs now require a college degree. This makes finding and landing opportunities a little trickier. That said, it’s always an option to further your education to increase your qualifications. Here are some top reasons to consider heading back to school.
Increase Your Earning Potential
Whether you have worked your way up or have some college credits under your belt, unfortunately, you’re still at a disadvantage when it comes to your earning potential. With some companies that put an emphasis on education, having a Bachelor’s degree can boost your starting figure by as much as $20,000.
And, if you head back to school for your Master’s degree, you can bump up your income even further. Remember, you can always add to your skills or develop new ones for your job and future. For example, if you want to build your skills in accounting, schools like the University of Alabama Birmingham offer courses you can do online while you keep your current job. This adult education focus has made it easier for professionals and moms to return to school.
Improve Your Discipline
Discipline doesn’t come naturally to some people. Therefore, it’s necessary to practice and learn new skills in this area. Returning to school would help to shake things up a bit and get you out of any complacent ruts you might be in.
Time is one of the most precious commodities we have. Learning how to manage it well is a skill that helps us live happier and healthier. Adding coursework to an already busy life would force you to make changes in your schedule and life. Discipline would be a key to pulling this off. Things like spending time with the family, studying, going to work or traveling the world would happen more easily if you discipline yourself to not waste time and money.
Improve Your Knowledge
Though returning to school is a great way to climb the corporate ladder, it can also be an amazing way to build your general knowledge and confidence. Think about what passions and interests you have. Is there something you’d love to learn more about? Perhaps you love to write poetry or are interested in history. Consider expanding your mind and knowledge base by returning to college. Of course, you could also take some random classes without entering a degree program.
Improve Self-Esteem and Confidence
As we age, it’s easier to forget the accomplishments of our lives. This can leave us feeling less valuable and unfulfilled. I believe continually learning new things and building skills are ways to combat this negative thought pattern. Going back to school is one way to build up self-esteem and confidence, especially if you had to drop out or didn’t finish earlier in life. I do recommend thinking carefully about whether entering a full-time program would work for your life. You can always start small with a class and add others later.
Furthering your education isn’t an easy decision to make, especially with family and a busy professional life on your plate. Whether you’re coming straight from school, looking to change careers or improve on skills you already have, furthering your education can enhance your life overall. Do substantial research on various programs and schools to find what you’re looking for. You should be able to locate schools that fit into your budget and lifestyle.
