Most people are aware that education, credentials, and qualifications can help you to get ahead in most careers and industries. However, there are countless reasons why individuals are not able to complete their college degrees in the traditional fashion. If you are interested in heading back to school but simply don’t know when is the right time, read through this list to learn about five ways you can tell that it is time for adults to head back to school.
1. You Are Being Passed Over for Promotions
Many people have full time jobs without an undergraduate or a master’s degree. Although they do their job well and put in all the necessary effort, they are not rewarded with promotions. In some companies, promotions are earned by educational upgrades as well as with experience. If you want to earn a promotion and advance within your existing company, then heading back to school for an advanced degree might be the right step for you.
2. You Want to Earn a Higher Salary
Even if you are satisfied with your current career, you may be frustrated with your lack of income. Without the appropriate degree, you could be holding yourself back from higher salaries. If you need to support your family, set aside money for savings, or just think you deserve to make more each month, then a higher education degree could help you reach your goals.
3. You Have the Support You Need
There can be no doubt that attending school as an adult is tough. Many students work full time while they take classes, and others take care of their families during the day and study at night. In order to manage a full schedule, you will need to have the support of your loved ones. If you do, there is no reason that you cannot succeed.
4. You Can Financially Afford It
Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s degree through evening classes or pursue your master’s degree over the Internet, you can expect to pay significant tuition rates. Keep in mind that tuition assistance, grants, and loans are available, so you won’t necessarily need to pay the full amount. Do some research to determine how you can afford to earn a degree, and then decide if the benefits of better jobs and higher salaries will be worth the expense.
5. You Are Ready to Pursue a New Career
There are many careers that require you to have a specific certificate, diploma, or degree. If you are ready to transition into a new kind of career but don’t have the credentials to succeed, then heading back to school is a smart choice. Although you may spend time and money earning your degree, you will be well rewarded over time with greater earning potential, respect from your peers, and the satisfaction of having achieved something great.
Going back to school can be a great way to get ahead in any industry. If you can say yes to one or more of the five items listed above, then you are ready to take the next step and enroll today.
Rosemary Silverman blogs about higher education, including returning to school for an MBA degree. If you are interested in getting an MBA, several schools offer online degree programs, including executivemba.howard.edu.
It seems like a no brainer that you should take classes if your employer pays for it (and you have time)
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[…] by Praveen Rajarao on Aug 31, 2012 | Leave a Comment Recently on Daily Morning Coffee, blogger Rosemary Silverman wrote a very insightful post that gave readers reasons for knowing when […]