How Returning to School: The COVID-19 pandemic saw millions of adults across the globe displaced from their traditional office buildings and working from their homes instead. While some businesses have reinstated office work, others have allowed team members to remain remote or have implemented a hybrid work schedule.
With such freedoms, many adults have taken advantage of the new-found flexibility that remote employment offers by enrolling in a school program — either to change career paths or simply better their current employment situation. In fact, “a quarter of U.S. adults said they’re considering a career shift due to the pandemic,” and 4.4 million workers quit their jobs every month in 2021.
Suppose you’ve been evaluating what you’re getting from your current position, or you find far more time at your disposal now that you no longer commute. In that case, it might be time to consider stepping back into education yourself.
Night classes are one option, as is virtual learning (or eLearning) through an online school where adults can complete high school, obtain credits and take steps toward higher education. Going back to school as an adult has an array of benefits, some of which are outlined below:
Your Choices Will Be Purposeful
When teens choose courses, they often have their ideal college or university in mind. Their decisions might be swayed based on what their parents want, where their friends are going, or a desire to live in a particular town or city.
As a mature student, you’ll know yourself much better. Your choices will be based on career-driven goals and interests instead of external factors or distractions.
You’re Doing Something for You
As adults, we often get distracted with activities of everyday life, like helping children, doing household chores and running errands. Carving out time for yourself is incredibly important.
Learning a new skill or improving your education is a great way to focus on yourself while improving your career trajectory and knowledge base.
You May Find Yourself More Financially Sound
Returning to school as a mature adult — whether to secure that final credit to get your high school diploma or to complete a course to gain entry to a college or university — may mean you secure a more lucrative position at the end your qualification.
Yes, education does cost money; however, the return on investment might make enrolling as a mature student worth the cost. Statistics show that adults with a bachelor’s degree typically earn more than adults with only a high school diploma.
You Can Grow Your Hobby into a Business
As an adult, you’ve most likely discovered hobbies that you thoroughly enjoy. Enrolling in a course could see you take this interest and drive it toward a fledgling business. For example, if you are interested in drama and plays, you could sign up for an acting course to hone your skills to land commercial or artistic gigs and refine your playwriting abilities.
Returning to school as an adult can feel daunting. But with such great benefits and the confidence from life experience, taking the leap and signing up today could see you reach even the most ambitious goals.
