Congratulations—you have decided to continue your education and work towards a brighter future. You know that by earning your degree—a certificate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate—you’ll be better positioned to move ahead in your career. And according to the U.S. government, the more education that you have, the better chance you have of earning a higher salary and of staying employed. For example, people with a bachelor’s degree earn 60% more per year people with only a high school diploma. People with master’s degrees earn twice as much per year than high school graduates.*
But you have concerns about how you’re going to fit your school responsibilities into your busy life. You probably have a full-time job, perhaps even children or family to look after. You don’t have a spare second during the day. You think to yourself, “I must be crazy to try to go back to school!”
Well, thousands of hard-working people are just as crazy as you, and they are doing it! Every year, millions of working adults earn their college degrees either online or on campus. In fact, in the U.S. there are over 17 million people enrolled in an institute of higher education! Sure, some are attending plush Ivy League schools, but the vast majority are working people like you, with jobs and family responsibilities.
How to Manage Your Time The millions of working people enrolled in college aren’t superhuman, they just know how to budget their time. Here are a few tips to help you work towards your goal of a college degree.
• Talk to your family. Get everyone together and explain how important education is. Show them the U.S. government statistics demonstrating that people generally earn more with each higher degree attained. If you and your family are on the same page, they will rally ‘round and help to reach your goal.
• Talk to your employer. Many employers will assist their employees to earn their degrees. If your employer won’t help with tuition, at least they will know that you are taking your game to the next level.
• Visit the financial aid office at school. Most accredited schools that you will find right here on Education-For-Careers.com offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many offer veterans benefits for active duty or retired military. If you are eligible, receiving financial aid can take the pressure off your financial concerns.
• Budget your time. If you are attending class on campus, fill out your yearly calendar in advance. Be ready to sacrifice nights on the town and those weekend getaways to the lake—but remember that it will be worth it! Coordinate your schedule with family and work.
If you are enrolled online (as are millions of working adults!), you must set aside a block of time every week for schoolwork. It could be after dinner during the week, or on Sunday afternoon. Yes, you may have to miss the big game, but remember that you are working towards a brighter future. Your family needs to know that even though you are at home, during your study time you must NOT be disturbed (unless someone is bleeding or unconscious!).
It’s not magic. You can do it if you plan carefully. Contact the schools on Education-For-Careers.com that interest you, submit your applications to the ones you have chosen, and contact the financial aid offices. Make your personal schedule, enlist your family’s support, and get ready to earn your degree!
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab7.htm)
