Have you reached a point where your job has become a chore? Is the only reason you go to work to pay the bills and care for your children? Or maybe it’s possible that your job no longer meets your financial needs, but you can’t seem to find a new position with a promising future? According to CNBC, roughly 52 percent of Americans are not happy in their current jobs…. So if the feeling is mutual, trust me when I say you’re not alone.
The good news is you don’t have to feel “trapped”. If you’ve reached a point in your career that you’re truly dissatisfied (financially, emotionally, etc) you can change the course and try again. Go back to school, choose a promising career path, and find a job that not only pays the bills, but that satisfies you in every way possible. Worried about going back? There are remedies for that too.
Acknowledge the Obstacles and Stresses and Challenge Them with Facts and Logic
Fear is often what keeps people from accomplishing things outside of their comfort zone. The best way to handle fear is to counteract the emotion with facts or logic. So what are you afraid of? Most adults have fears or reservations about going back to school for the following reasons:
- Balancing home, work, and school – It is true that managing a full plate can be very challenging in the beginning. However, by setting up a plan of action now, you can debunk your fear. Start by assessing your responsibilities and finding help. Maybe your mom can help out with the children on school nights. Another solution to balancing school life would be to start with a part time schedule to make sure the pressure isn’t too much.
- Fitting in socially – Yes, it will probably be a bit intimidating to be in school with students straight out of high school. However, it’s not going to be as bad as you think. You’re not the only adult that’s decided to return to school. Consider attending a school where there is a large population of adult students. Additionally, you can look into accelerated programs, online programs or both. Accelerated online degree programs in PA and other states offer degrees in Education, Nursing, and Business.
- Learning New Concepts – Learning anything new presents challenges, but when you’ve been out of the game for a while the challenges seem to multiply. Not only must you get back into the swing of learning itself, but you will have to adjust to the differences of education then and now. A great way to overcome this fear is by researching the learning trends of today. By having an understanding of what it will be like in a classroom setting, you will feel less anxious about the concepts and techniques that will be taught.
Once you’ve outlined your fears, challenged those fears with facts and logic, you’ll find that you’re more prepared for any challenges you might face along the way. Keep in mind that going back to school is not something to fear, but something to be proud of. You’re essentially investing in your future, chasing your dreams, and learning to be a better you than you were the day before. So if work’s got you stressed out, or you’ve found yourself at a dead end, consider the possibilities of going back to school to obtain a degree in a field you can look forward to each day.
