Back To School?

Dear Reva,
I am a woman in my 40s and I wish to go back to school, however, I have a few hurdles. Firstly, I work full time and my family needs my income to survive. Secondly, I don’t have the money to pay out of pocket for classes, even if I go part-time. Lastly, I am into my 40s, is it really worth going back to school at my age?
Signed,
Forty & uneducated

Dear Forty,
Of course, furthering your education is difficult. Anything “worth it” in life is. There are so many unanswered questions here…..So this response will be full of them. Ask yourself these and see what you can modify in your life to make education possible…..And YES! I definitely think going back to school in your 40s, or at any age, is worth it. Many people begin new careers then and most are very happy they reentered school.

First question, and a very important one….How will furthering my education help me at this time in my life? Here are some possible answers:
1. Financially (once done)
2. Goal achieved
3. Lift self- esteem / confidence
4. Always wanted to try college
5. Will be doing (career wise) what you want to do

If you want even one of these things, listed, go back to school. Try it, or you’ ll never know what you are missing. You will always wonder “what if ????”

As for needing your present income, is it possible to start classes at night? Then work in the daytime (or vise versa). Also, financially, make some cuts, like keep the old car for another year or two, give up cable and home phone, only use a cell phone, don’t eat out at restaurants. Things like that will really help. You’ll be amazed how much you can cut down on unnecessary expenses to help yourself financially.

In addition go to the college you plan to attend and schedule an appointment with the financial assistant, usually in the bursar’s office. She/He can help you with your loan paper work, tell you what’s available for you, types of loans for which you qualify, and make recommendations based on your financial situation. Furthermore, you can get a loan, usually a subsidized, so you don’t pay for it until you are finished with college (unless you take a semester or two off or quit, then of course, you have to begin payments). Plus you can get one while taking a total of 6 credit hours (considered part-time) at most colleges.

There are also many grants to find online these days. Do a search. Google everything pertaining to you,such as female, minority, or any specific handicap. Especially search for whatever it is you want to become. I know there are many places fully paying for nurses because we have such a shortage.

Lastly, I want to leave you with a thought I heard long ago pertaining to going back to college. Think about where you’ll be in another year. (Probably the same situation, financially, emotionally, etc) What about in two years? Unless you win the lottery, probably the same…..Now think about that time if you were on track to earning a degree. When you have something in the “works” it always makes people feel better as they are on their way to obtaining a goal. Now think ahead 5 years. If you sit and do nothing, you’ll still be in the same shape. If you don’t, you’ll have a diploma, hopefully better finances, doing what you love to do, and so much more. An education no one can take from you and it always pays better. Good luck.
~Reva

Back To School?

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