Resourceful-Mom

Continuing Your Education

Thinking about continuing your education?  Well, there are several ways to go about accomplishing your goal but before you call a recruiter, you’ll want to have a plan. In my experience, it’s quite possible to be registered and sitting in class before you’ve worked out a lot of the details that can potentially cause unnecessary stress.  So, here are a few question for you to think about:

• Looking at your current schedule, is now a good time for you to return to school? If not, when might be a better time?
• Would morning or evening classes better fit your lifestyle?
• Have you had an opportunity to look into all of your financing options (ie Tuition Reimbursement, scholarships, grants, special programs for single mothers, out of pocket, etc)?  Which option is best for you?
• Do you have the self discipline necessary to take online classes or do you know, from experience, that you would have a better survival rate in a classroom environment?
• Have you thought about starting with just one class or do you think you can reasonably handle a full load?
• Have you solicited the help of family and friends to assist you with the kids while you pursue your education?
• What field of study are you interested in? Does this industry require a degree, diploma or a certification?
• What college or universities are you interested in attending?  Do you have your sights set on a private or community college? Or, a continuing education course?
• Is it possible to take both online and on-site classes?

As you know, continuing your education is a very positive but challenging step.  Your options and opportunities are limitless.  Thinking through how you’d like for both you and your kids to reflect on this experience can prove to be very beneficial in the long run.