Going Back to School While Raising a Family
It's entirely possible to go back to school while raising a family. There are a number of pros and cons to doing so, but in the end, it will benefit your family as a whole, due to the fact that a college degree often comes along with higher income and more job opportunities.
Before you make the leap from juggling a full-time job and a family to handling all of that and additional coursework, you'll have to consider the following points.
You'll Have Less Family Time
Any time spent working on your coursework, whether it's in the classroom or taking online classes at home, is time away from your family. You'll need to be able to focus on the material and listen to lectures (if taking classes online), despite your kids being nearby. It may be challenging to find the time to get your homework done without a strong support system in place but keep in mind that this is only temporary.
Going Back to School While Raising a Family Can Impact Your Family's Budget
If you're the type of adult who works multiple jobs in order to ensure that there's food on the table and new clothes on your kids’ backs, then you might have to cut back a bit in order to make time for school. Thankfully, there are loans, scholarships and grants that can help pay for school and make up the difference.
You'll Likely End Up with a Better Job
For most adults who are considering going back to school while raising a family, their primary objective is to get a better job. Whether you want to move forward at your current workplace or go in a completely different direction altogether, it's important to choose a degree or certificate program that will help you qualify for a better job. Although you might have to spend some time away from your family as you take your classes, once you're done with school, you can get some of that time back.
Your Family Will Have Extra Financial Security
In the end, once you finish your college program successfully, you'll be able to get a new job that comes with better financial security. Sometimes, it takes a few sacrifices, such as time and money, in order to earn a college degree that gets both of those things back on track. However, having that financial safety net can be priceless.
If you're looking for the best program to earn some college credits while balancing work and family life, check out the Dean College School of Continuing Studies. Designed for adults who want to go back to school part-time, the School of Continuing Studies has a number of programs, ranging from certificates to bachelor's degrees. Even better, some of the courses are offered online or in hybrid formats. Ready to take the first step? Request more information, today.