Should You Go Back To College?

Returning to college once you’ve left full-time education is something many undertake. But is it right for you? There are many reasons to consider doing so, including expanding your qualifications in a current field, refreshing knowledge after a career break, or taking a completely different direction in your working life. 

The following looks at the pros and cons of going back to college. 

Returning to College: The good, the bad, and the ugly 

• Reasons why you might return to college
• Returning to college: the pros
• Returning to college: the cons

Reasons why you might return to college

There are multiple benefits of returning to education. Perhaps you want to finish your degree or a life event has changed your perspective. For many people, heading back to school happens later in life, perhaps after having children. Others take on part-time courses that coincide with current working responsibilities. 

There is no right or wrong time to hit the classroom once again. Online learning is also a viable option, meaning those with families or other commitments can fit learning around such obligations. 

Returning to college: the pros

There are plenty of advantages to be had through gaining further qualifications. 

• It’s beneficial to your career: Degrees are commonplace now, making it almost obligatory to have one. If you’ve been passed over for promotion in the past or have your eye on climbing the career ladder, then an official qualification (or working towards one) is likely to improve your chances.
• It increases your earning potential: Better qualifications usually go hand in hand with higher earnings. As you take on more responsibility, so your take-home pay is likely to reflect this.
• It gives you flexibility: No one says that you have to take a course in the career field you’re currently in. Perhaps you fancy a complete change that only further training can bring about. 
• It’s fun! Learning new things, enhancing your capabilities, and increasing your knowledge are wholly enjoyable. A return to learning is likely to give you a whole new outlook on life, plus pique enthusiasm and drive to get where you want to be in your career.

Returning to college: the cons

OK… So, while there are no real ‘cons’ regarding going back to school, there are a few practical considerations.

• It might be challenging to fit learning around your employment and family life. Organization and creating boundaries are key to overcoming this.
• For mature students returning to a physical study location, you’ll likely be the oldest person in the classroom. This might seem a little intimidating. But, in reality, most find that they’re wholly welcomed and have no issues with fitting in.
• While you might need to reduce your working hours or give up work completely to study, the bills certainly don’t go away. This usually means dipping into savings, relying on a partner’s income, or taking advantage of any workplace schemes to upskill their workers. Be sure to explore all the options available if funding is a worry, as in the long-term you’re likely to be better off financially by returning to college. 

Upped Your Earning Potential? Invest it Wisely with Capita

If you take the plunge and return to college, then there’s a strong possibility you’ll have also increased your current or potential net income. This, in turn, requires a life plan to ensure that you can A) enjoy the fruits of your labors as you work, and B) have the funding for a wholly comfortable and enjoyable retirement.

This is where a strategic investment plan comes into play—something that global experts, Capita, can help you achieve. In addition, should you need financial advice to fund your mature student college years, Capita can also offer the expertise in how to do this. 

Take the first step today. Head to https://www.capitafinancialnetwork.com to find out more and get in touch for a no-obligation chat.