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You may be thinking to yourself, “I’m a mother; that’s a full time career; I missed my window to go to
school; I’m too old, and that’s that.” Or perhaps you are continuing to work and raise your children at
the same time, but you feel like you’re not getting anywhere – this can certainly be an equally frustrating
experience. But does that mean that you’re shut out of the golden gates of education forever? Of course
not! Now more than ever before, people are finding it easier to go back to school in a variety of different
ways. Here are a few reasons why you should consider signing up for classes when it’s time for everyone
else to go back to school.
Online is the way to go for many. Especially if you’re a stay at home mom, you should consider
earning your degree online. Many schools are now offering you the chance to earn your degree without
ever having to set foot on an actual campus. Of course you need to make sure that the institution you’re
attending is accredited and has a track record of success. But just because you spend most of your time
at home doesn’t you can’t further your education! Just look for the magic words “click here” on the
university’s home page and go to town!
Distance learning can help you improve! Additionally, many students report greater success and
higher grades when they studied online versus entering an actual classroom. If you are a Facebook or
Twitter user, you can still have the social experience that college provides, as well as using the chat room
and message boards that most online programs will require you to use. That means you won’t have to
sacrifice making friends by staying at home … they’ll just be virtual!
Changing jobs. In today’s world, many people change their jobs midstream. If you didn’t attend college
after high school, or if you completed your bachelor’s degree but don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere or
making the kind of money you’d like, then going back to school is a way to improve your life by pursuing
the kind of career you want. Plus you stand the chance to earn more money than you’re making now,
which is a real bonus.
Longer hours, longer years. Many people don’t retire at the age of sixty-four anymore … for some
people, they never retire at all! You shouldn’t necessarily count on retirement, so you should find a career
that you can enjoy into your golden years. That may mean going back to school to figure it out.
Old dogs can learn new tricks! And sometimes even easier than the pups! Since you are probably
older than the average college freshman, you’ve earned life experience that they haven’t even begun to
consider. This is to your advantage! Especially if you already have a job or run your household, then you
understand the value of time management, saving, and focus and concentration than the ordinary first
year student.
I agree with Lucy in that some people are more prepared to decide on a career when they are older. And we are all very proud of Lucy and the soon to be Dr. Lucy.
Wohoo! Way to go Carmen! How exciting for you!
I’m excited and nervous for when I go back to school. I already have a bachelors degree so I’d be in for a masters. I’m slightly terrified of school–it is very difficult for me. I guess it can’t be any harder than a Ph.D. though, right. If you count me being by my husband’s side through all his work and through his dissertation, hey I’ve practically earned one. I may have even read a couple of his text books.
I’m 5 days and about 6 hours away from finishing up my MBA. Then it’s Dr. Lucy from there…. education would have been wasted on the younger me. An almost mid-life return is one of the best choices I ever made.
I always think about online classes. I just have to get my act together
I am seriously considering taking some online classes. After being out of the work force for so long raising kids, I need to get something to put on my resume!
I think it’s so awesome that we live in an era where we have the option to take classes online!
i’m waiting til the house is empty of kids and then it’s back to school for me. My neighbor got her Masters when she was 50 years old! Awesome!
I am all for going back to school. I did that and it is wonderful. I didn’t have to leave my house and it was so easy to take classes online. I had plenty of time to still spend time with my daughter and family. Everyone should consider it and I always say ” You are never too old or young to go to school”. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent points! Now, if only I knew what I wanted to be when I grow up!
I have often though about going back to school but always have a hard time figuring out what I would like to go for. My interests always keep changing BUT that doesn’t mean I won’t ever go back. I just want to make sure that when I do it is for my true passion and not a passing phase.
I’ll be back to school this summer or this fall to take 6 computer programming classes. I’m so excited – although I’ll be a tired, nervous wreck by the time it starts. Thanks for the encouragement.
I am in my 4th semester right now after going back at 38. Best decision ever!
Ive gotta get off my butt and go back to school soon!
I plan on retiring to Costa Rica so I will need to learn Spanish. Back to school for me.