Prepare for Going Back to School as an Adult
Today, many working mothers and fathers are taking advantage of continuing education to propel their careers. But preparation goes beyond registering for classes. Emotionally and mentally, there are a number of factors that can block your success as a student. And with family as a priority, the lines can be blurred.
Here are some tips to help you define whether or not you need to go back to school-and prepare to do so while juggling existing career and family priorities.
Instructions
1. Assess whether you need to go back to school. Why haven't you made the transition already into adult education? It's important to realize this to help you establish if you need to go back to school. Some people just want a new challenge and think that getting their Masters degree will provide that for them. While getting a degree will be a challenge, it may not necessarily give you the results you want. In some fields, getting an advanced degree cannot guarantee that you get a raise. Talk to a friend or a school counselor to see if it's necessary to go back to school with respect to your industry and your career goals. If you determine that it's a good option for you, it's time to go forward with the school selection process.
2. Choose a school that fits. You don't necessarily have to take online classes-maybe you want to be on campus to take courses. Shop around and be sure to talk to a career counselor at each school so you know exactly what courses to take. Plus, make sure you know how long the process will take you. Sometimes a simple thesis paper doesn't take just a semester, so plan your time and money accordingly. See if you can line up financial aid if need be-most schools are willing to help, as are existing employers!
3. Create a vision for student life. Going back to school as a working parent is a gigantic change and can be extremely frightening for many. Even if you know that getting a degree will help you, you may be terrified of competing with younger students, facing academic challenges or struggling to maintain your family life.
The good news is that you can establish how you want life to go as a student, working parent and professional. Create a vision of what you want your life to be like during, and after, you get your degree. This vision will help you create the life you want and give you the motivation necessary to keep going should things get rough. This is a great time to share your goals with your spouse and family. They may need to pitch in around the house, for example, while you're at school. Make them aware of your expectations and set the rules for family life while you're in class. Think about what you want it to be like on a daily basis (e.g. will you hire a babysitter while you're in class to occupy the children?) and take steps to achieve that.
4. Recruit support. No man or woman is an island-so if you're enrolling in school it's a good idea to make use of your support system or quickly assemble one. There will be times when your children need you and you have to study for an exam at the same time. What will you do? If you simply ask for assistance from people like your spouse, mother or a friend, you'll probably find that the people in your life will help. Let your family know that they are a priority and your distraction with schoolwork is only temporary (and prioritize your time well so you can be there when things pop up-because they will).
Talk to your partner or family members about pulling more weight with housework, for example, so you don't have to handle that, too. Explain that you're going through a transition and need time to devote to school so things will be better in the future. Make your expectations known and let people know that you will need their help while you go for your degree.
5. Get familiar with the campus. Whether you're taking a course online or physically attending classes, get to know how the system works. Do you know log in to the school's system? Do you know where your classes are located, as well as other offices such as financial aid and admissions? Preparing before the first day can help you adjust to school, especially if it's been a while since you were a student!
Tags: back school, degree will, know that, need back, will help