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Is There Time to Go Back to School?
Weighing the payoffs and hardships
Going back to school is a big decision, but one that can ultimately pay off in terms of future income and career opportunities. Many working adults – especially parents and managers – would love to finish their degree, get a certificate, or even earn an advanced degree, but are convinced that they just don't have the time. They would like to put themselves in a position to earn a promotion, or become an authority in their field, but there just aren't enough hours in the day... are there?
The reality is that, while going back to school isn't always going to be easy, it doesn't have to mean neglecting your job or family, or even being an "all or nothing" proposition. Here are some few tips for setting the right goals and balancing your education with the rest of your life:
Make a realistic plan. A lot of degrees can be completed in two or three years, but that doesn't mean your best option is to move through the programs quickly as possible. For one thing, you should be concentrating on learning the material, rather than just finishing courses; and for another, most working adults don't have the flexibility to be full-time students, anyway.
Before you enroll in any program, get together with a professor or academic adviser. It's not at all unusual for men and women to be going back to school these days, and they have probably worked with dozens of others like you who have had to balance school with other commitments, and can give you a sense of the best way to realistically move forward and make progress. You might also consider a time management class before enrollment.
Strike a deal with your boss, and your family. Assuming that your degree would help you become better at your job, you probably won't face stiff resistance on a more flexible working schedule from any supervisors. However, since it's easier to cut time out of your personal life then it is to spend fewer hours at the office, a lot of men and women sacrifice personal time with their families to go to school. That's okay, to a certain point, but make sure you discuss the trade-offs with your family first and get them on board with what you're trying to accomplish.
Become a better student. A lot of people, when going back to school, are much better students than they were in their younger years. Why? Because school feels less like an obligation, and more like a privilege. Don't let yourself fall into old habits; read a few books on studying, or hang out with high grade point average students to find out their tricks. By learning to overcome distraction, procrastination, and the other problems that often held many of us back when we were younger, you can probably make it easier to earn higher grades with a lot less time spent buried in books. Time management for students is invaluable.
Continually remind yourself of what you're trying to achieve. The first part of any great achievement – and don't shortchange yourself, going back to school is an incredible achievement – is finding the motivation to keep pushing forward. Do whatever you have to in order to keep yourself motivated every day, whether it's writing yourself notes, posting up pictures that remind you of a better future, or just getting your friends and colleagues to encourage you. Going back to school is a little bit of a different experience for every man or woman, but the one thing that's almost guaranteed is that there will come a time when you'll feel like giving up. These small motivators will help you to find the mental strength you need to get over those tough times.
Going back to school can help you, and your career, in a lot of different ways. Having more formal education makes you more knowledgeable, stands out on your resume, and makes you feel more confident in your abilities. It's not always an easy thing to make time for, but if you follow these tips and make a realistic plan, you could do it.
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