Transition and Future Choices – Is School Next?

As I consider options for myself moving forward, one thing that continues to catch my attention is the possibility that I might return to school to complete a Masters Degree. I know that for many of my readers continuing education is something that comes up a lot, as you consider what to do next. So, when Lauren Bailey contacted me and suggested she could share some considerations when making this transition, I jumped at the opportunity to offer my readers this information.

Top 3 Considerations when Making the Decision to Go Back to School

The decision to go back to college is never an easy one. However, figuring out whether to go back to school as a mother is another matter entirely. Parents have responsibilities that come before anything else, and many don’t have the freedom to simply take up college courses whenever they please. Deciding whether to return to college, though, can be a simple matter, as long as you have your priorities aligned with the realities of your daily life. As overwhelming as it can be, the most important thing is to focus first on the most essential considerations. If you’re thinking about going back to school, try examining these three areas, first, to figure out how to proceed:

1. Educational Goals

The first thing that needs to be considered is your ultimate educational goal. Are you going back to school to continue or start a particular career path? If so, are you sure that you know which degrees will get you there? Unfortunately, there are no longer many career paths that have direct routes to employment in a particular area. It’s best to make sure that your education will be intellectually fulfilling, first, before trying to match up particular degrees with your dream job. There are some lines of work, though, that do require very specific degrees. Things like nursing, or anything else in the medical field, for example, will require very direct educational paths to be considered for employment. Try to make sure that you have a realistic vision about where you want to go and how your degree can help you get there.

2. Financial Freedom

The second consideration that comes with going back to school is whether or not you can afford it. Before ever making the decision to go back to college, it’s so important to make sure that getting that degree isn’t going to break the bank. Taking time to budget and fully understand the financial consequences will save tons of potential pain. Fortunately, though, even if your financial situation looks less than desirable (which is probably why you want to go back to school, in the first place, right?), there are plenty of ways to supplement a college education, especially as a back-to-school mom. The Obama administration pushed for federal scholarships to help moms go back to school, and that aid is now available to anyone who qualifies. Make sure to apply for financial aid through your choice institutions and also look for outside scholarships. Taking the time to look for and apply to scholarships can be hugely beneficial.

3. Time Availability

The final consideration when going back to school is whether or not you have time. Moms, whether stay-home or working, rarely have personal time on their hands. Figuring out how to fit in hours of coursework, tests, and commuting to and from class can be overwhelming. Moms who are strapped for time can also consider online courses, which allow for completely flexible schedules and the ability to learn from anywhere across the globe.

Lauren Bailey is a freelance blogger who loves writing about education, new technology, lifestyle, and health. As an education writer, she works to research and provide information for BestCollegesOnline.com and welcomes comments and questions via email at blauren99@gmail.com.

Please share your comments here, too. I am always interested to hear from you about your next steps.