How Having a Degree Can Make You Happier in Your Job

When it comes to your career, there’s nothing worse than being in a job or company you hate. After all, work is somewhere we spend a huge amount of our week and if it doesn’t feel right, it can significantly impact our physical and mental health. According to a study, 51% of Americans claimed they are currently employed in jobs they detest, and this may be down to the fact that they haven’t put the necessary steps in place to get where they wish to be.

A degree can lead you into a field you have always wanted to work in, which, in turn, leads to greater job satisfaction in the long run. Taking that brave step to advance your education will open up new possibilities that you may never have thought about before and, ultimately, make you happier in your job.

• Follow your passion

Spending time doing something you love has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. If you’re currently employed in a position that isn’t playing to your interests, and you come home feeling drained and stressed at the end of every day, it’s time to walk away. Life is too short to have a constant lack of enthusiasm. Being in a negative mindset will eventually lead to depleted energy levels and affect your performance.

Deciding to further your studies may mean that you have to take some time out of employment; however, pushing yourself to achieve this new challenge will give you a new lease of life. It would be worthwhile to take the time to research how your interests could be integrated into certain jobs and which qualifications you will require, before exploring online courses at institutions such as Marian University.

• Getting a work/life balance

As you will have worked hard to get your degree, you’ll have a better scope of job prospects, which means you may be able to secure positions that offer a greater amount of flexibility. Many people struggle to maintain a work-life balance which can go on to impact their mental health. However, graduate jobs typically offer exciting employee benefits which may include the likes of extra vacation time, ‘Pizza Friday’s’ and potential flexible working options (such as setting your own hours or working from home). Having this form of control over your career will allow you to live a more enjoyable lifestyle and prevent you from suffering from the likes of anxiety and depression.

• Higher pay

While securing a large paycheck may not be the main priority for getting a degree, it’s certainly an aspect not to be sniffed at. It’s an age-old saying that ‘money can’t buy happiness,’ but life is certainly a lot easier when you have extra cash in your pocket. Studies have shown that those who have graduated from higher-level education with a bachelor’s or master’s qualification will earn far more in life than those with basic high-school grades. With this in mind, it is well worth investing in your education to ensure a more stable future.