So, how do you make a decision of whether to go or not to go? Keep a few considerations in mind before you decide that you want to return to school for sure. The points discussed below should help you with this:
Finance: Do you have the finances required to go to school? School can be expensive; but also remember that a higher education can work as an investment for your career and the job you have always wanted to have. It can allow you greater freedom in your job search, eventually leading you to the kind of life you have always wanted. Education statistics will show you how median salaries can differ for different levels of education and some one with a bachelor's level degree has more earning potential than a high school dropout, for example. In this light then, it makes sense to go for higher education.
Time: You need to evaluate whether the current time is right for you to pursue an educational degree or not. There are time-bound issues such as being poised for a promotion or some other form of career advancement that may get stalled in your pursuit of an education. Once this is decided, check out if your current responsibilities will allow you adequate time to study, research, and prepare for assignments and exams and other course requirements. Take into account special requirements such as childcare or looking after an elderly parent.
Support: Do you have adequate support in place if you have children, help with other responsibilities such as managing the household, including shopping for groceries and other essentials like ensuring timely bill payments and repairs around the house? It can get very uncomfortable if you have been too busy to fix the heating system at your home and suddenly discover that winter's on you. On the other hand, support does not always mean help with chores and running errands: at times you just need someone to encourage you to continue working at times when you desperately want to quit.
Value: Finally, and most importantly, check whether the course of study you plan to undertake will add value to your professional profile or not. Conduct a small research if needed, to ascertain how exactly it could benefit you and your career advancement prospects. Finally, tie it all in with how the new degree might help you in a job search, and if you feel the benefits outweigh the investments, go right ahead and take the plunge.
