College isn’t just for teenagers and young adults finding their way in life. Higher education can be an excellent way for anyone, of virtually any age, to improve the number of opportunities they have access to in their professional lives, and to achieve their goals. Of course, some people find the concept of returning to college to be more daunting than others. For instance, for parents, the idea of going back to college can be particularly problematic, because you need to deal with everything from balancing home and student life to the stress of leaving your child or children behind for a longer period each day. If you’re wondering whether now could be the right time to consider going back to college as a parent, answer the following questions first.
How Will You Pay for It?
College can be an excellent investment into the future of your career and new opportunities for your family, but it can also be very expensive. If you’re thinking of going back to college, you’re going to need to make sure you can afford the cost of your education first. There are a number of options available for parents today, from grants and scholarships, to student loans. Solutions like Earnest Student loans allow you to access the money you need and pay it back with terms that suit you. Don’t forget to consider the extra costs associated with life in addition to college. Are you going to need to work part-time to support yourself in college, or do you have another source of income?
How Flexible is the College?
These days, it’s becoming easier to make the decision to go back to college, even if one has their own children to look after. This is because many college environments are being more flexible with educational options. You can even take certain courses online, and after COVID many colleges may offer the majority of studies via Zoom. When deciding whether now is the right time to go back to college for your needs, consider exactly the policy regarding online study and zoom classes, and whether your college will allow you to adjust your schedule if you have any issues with the kids. It’s also worth mentioning your home situation, so professors know what to expect when assigning you deadlines for homework.
How Much Support Do You Have?
Finally, getting plenty of support is important if you’re going to be going back to college as a parent. You need support not just from your teachers (who should be able to understand your circumstances) but other people too. You might need some extra support from your employer if you need to swap your hours around to manage things like parenthood and college at the same time. Learning how to be a good mom or dad while working on personal growth is an adjustment and you should expect some growing pains! Remember to show yourself some grace while you work out the kinks. You can also look into getting extra help from your friends and family for things like looking after the kids and picking them up from school. A good support network will ensure you can make the most out of your studying experience, without having to worry as much. You’ll have people to back you up whether you need a babysitter, or you’re just looking for help with studying.
And just remember, you really can do it! It may require some sacrifices but long term you’ll be so very happy you put in that extra effort!
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