Photo by Pixabay

Returning to college as an adult can have a positive impact on your career trajectory, allowing you to gain new knowledge and insights applicable to your current role or a new position you’re striving for. An advanced degree can also be an asset when you’re looking to advance into a management role or make your way higher on the career ladder.

Of course, as an adult learner, you may be juggling work, family and other responsibilities. Fortunately, online education can allow you to study at your own pace and at your own place. Consider the following points from The Student Caring Project.

Advancing Your Career

Many adults return to school as an avenue for advancing their careers or to meet an employer’s professional development standards. This can be a benefit in many ways, particularly if you work in an industry that is continually changing and evolving.

It can also be a way to learn knowledge that will augment your existing skills. For example, if you work in public relations, a communications program that includes crisis or persuasive communications could be an asset. If you work in human resources, a program on gender and equity in the workplace could be a benefit. If you’re unsure what path to pursue, but know you want to continue learning, business and management courses provide a wide range of offerings that can help you advance and excel in numerous professions.

Learning New Skills and Knowledge

Some people decide to go back to school for the sheer pleasure of learning. For example, maybe you’ve always been a history buff or you’re interested in learning about ancient civilizations and how their evolution shaped modern-day society. Perhaps you have always wanted to explore your artistic or creative side or you’re interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of our geo-political system.

Learning for the sake of knowledge expansion can help enrich your life, expand your worldview, help you meet new people, and potentially open up different opportunities you weren’t even aware of. It can also help you network, which can be a benefit from a business cultivation perspective. Ask your employer if they offer support like a flexible work schedule or tuition reimbursement while you’re in school — many companies support this type of personal enrichment and professional development!

Changing Jobs

If you’re interested in going down a new career path, an advanced degree may be required in the new field of interest. Many professionals look for ways to have a healthy work-life balance when they have kids, and if being a parent has given you new insights into how our educational system works, the idea of becoming a teacher may be appealing. In addition to proactively shaping and guiding the next generation, depending on what type of educational setting you’re in, you may be able to have a schedule that matches that of your kids, including holidays and breaks. A master’s degree in education is worth considering, particularly an online program that allows you to better accommodate school, your job, and your family at the same time.

Managing Home, Work and Education

According to Stunning Motivation, time management is essential, especially when it comes to going back to school as an adult. Even when you have the flexibility of an online, work-at-your-own speed program, you’ll need to carve time into every week to dedicate to your degree. Consider studying while your kids study or set aside non-negotiable time every weekend.

According to Parent Wonder, you’re modeling great habits, so get your family’s buy-in and support for your endeavor. Also, prioritize self-care, like sleep, exercise, and time for meditation and relaxation to keep you focused. Hire out help where necessary for tasks like housekeeping. Meal prep healthy options with the help of your family, and delegate tasks you used to do — whether that’s lawn care, grocery shopping, or driving carpool.

Continuing your education can be personally and professionally fulfilling, mentally stimulating, and an asset to your career. Remind yourself when the going gets tough that there is an end date, you will be better for the process, and your family will see you as a hard-working role model.

Be sure to visit MightyMoms.net

The Student Caring Project seeks to educate students by understanding their strengths and challenges and by then helping them to make the most of their college educations. Through podcasts, a blog, a newsletter, and an upcoming book, Project leaders Dr. Daniel de Roulet and Prof. David C. Pecoraro offer discussions, tips, and supporting materials. Find out more today! david@studentcaring.com