It doesn’t matter if you are attending school for the first or second time. Deciding if and what school is the best fit will always be arduous. Many factors go into planning for your future, so it is only fair that it takes time to make that decision. If you are looking to return to school for any reason, East Ohio College has 5 questions you should ask yourself to determine if it is time to go back.
Is What I am Doing Now What I Want To Be Doing In The Future?
The first of the 5 questions you should ask yourself is if the job you are doing now is what you want to do in the future. You will want to take a moment to consider your current job’s pros and cons. We recommend writing a pros and cons list down on a piece of paper or whiteboard so that you can easily make changes. If you find it really hard to come up with things you dislike about your job, going back to college may not be for you. If your answer is no, that is the first step.
Why Do I Want A Career Change?
The second question you should ask yourself is why you want a career change. When trying to determine the reasons, it is crucial that you remain impartial. Do not let any feelings about your boss or coworkers sway this decision. If they are the reason that you feel you should change careers, it may be that you need a different workplace and not a career.
However, suppose you find yourself feeling restricted by a lack of upward movement and find your job feeling like a tedious task rather than a career or anything similar. In that case, you may benefit from continuing your education. With your furthered education and new training, you may be able to begin working in a career field that you can enjoy.
Is More Schooling What I Need To Advance, Or Is It Something Else?
The third question you should ask yourself is if the lack of schooling is holding you back or something else. There could be many things that prevent you from getting a promotion or furthering yourself in that career field outside your education level.
Perhaps you only require more certifications, which does not necessarily mean you need to complete more schooling, but it does mean you may need to undergo some additional training. However, you can study for some of these exams on your own. Another case may be that there is a low turnover rate, meaning there may be no openings for a long time. In this case, changing workplaces may again be what you need.
However, if you are unable to find some extenuating circumstance preventing you from moving upward, returning to school may allow you flexibility. A good way to know for certain would be to try to talk to someone who has been where you are. A mentor can provide you with invaluable advice and help guide you through your next steps.
Why Am I Going Back To School?
The fourth question you should ask yourself is why you are returning to school. This is also one of the most important questions to answer. If you find yourself unable to find a specific reason, continuing your education likely isn’t a good fit. However, suppose you are able to come up with a solid reason or several. In that case, you will have the motivation and drive to complete school.
Am I Ready To Go Back To School?
The fifth and final question you should ask yourself is if you are ready to return to school. While the fourth question we called one of the most significant, this question is the most crucial to answer. If you are not personally ready, it will make completing school a lot more complicated. That is why we recommend answering the 3 Do’s.
Do I Have The Resources?
This encompasses the financial aspect of school. Unfortunately, school can be an expensive endeavor. Thankfully, there are federal student aid programs as well as grants/scholarships*. Make sure that you have the money to complete your education.
Do I Have The Support Network?
This encompasses the social network aspect of school. School can be incredibly stressful. Having a network of friends and family that fully support your journey can make it a lot less stressful and help you manage your stress. With a strong support network, you will have the motivation to complete your schooling.
Do I Have The Time?
This encompasses the time commitment of school. School can become a massive time commitment with classes, tests, and homework. You have to be sure that you have the time to complete everything. To get the most out of your education, you have to be able to put enough time into it.
Continue Your Education Journey At East Ohio College!
Do you want to further your education? If so, contact East Ohio College’s admissions office by Requesting Information online or calling 330-385-1070 today!
*For those who qualify. See catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.