Returning to College: Should You? What Should You Consider?

Are you considering returning to or entering into college for the first time after a considerable amount of time has passed since you were last in a classroom? If you are, the first thing you should do is give yourself some praise! This is an important decision not only for you, but also the people who touch your life. Ask yourself these questions before taking that step:

Why do you feel like now is the right time?

There are a lot of factor to consider when making the decision about going to college. This is true for new students and those returning after taking a break. This is true no matter what age you are or what stage in your career you're at. The decision needs to be solely yours, though, and not prompted or pressured by anyone in your life. If it is, you're making the wrong choice.

Will it impact your current employment situation?

Are you making this choice to further your career or to start a new one. Answering this question will have a great impact on your current employment situation. Is your employer supportive of this decision? If a career change is necessary, do you have a back up plan in place? These are all things you need to consider.

Can you afford to work part time, rather than full-time?

Financial reason constantly hold people back from achieving this goal. Take a look at your budget with honest eyes or have someone work with you on this. Are you able to reduce your hours if you're already working full-time? Are you able to to balance your full-time work and go to school part time? Are you in a situation where someone can offer support while you work part time? If you can answer these questions honestly, you'll save yourself a lot of headaches later. Some people enter into these financial obligations blindly and get themselves in a lot of trouble.

How will this change your schedule? Will a lot of changes have to take place?

Are you already balancing a lot with work and family? Does your job already use up all your energy? (this could be why you've decided to make these changes in your life) Consider how many hours you'll be in class, commuting and how long it'll take you to study and do homework. Also consider if you plan on being part of any groups, extra curricular activities or electives. You might find that you need to drop other activities or ask someone to help you with family obligations in order to balance your new schedule.

Do your friends, family and peers support this decision?

Without support from the people around you, going through with this decision could be very difficult. Talk with people, individually if possible, about your decisions to go to school, your plans to put this goal into action and any changes you anticipate. If people see a positive person who is confident that this will work and who is honest about what to expect, then they'll be more supportive.

How will this change impact your family?

If you're a mother, then your children may already be used to you being there for them whenever they need you. They may need to get used to someone else helping out or doing things, pitching in or changing schedules. If you're a father and are already gone a considerable amount of time during the week, your family might need to get used to you being gone some extra time. At any rate, there will be a shift in how the family does things and it'll be a transition everyone will have to make adjustments with. Transitions and changes aren't easy for anyone and the key is being able to help your family adapt. You may need to seek outside resources to help your family with this challenge.

Do you need to seek additional help from anyone or anyplace?

There are numerous support systems and resources in place for families or individuals who are making the decision to go back to school. These resources can be found through the Adult Education center at your local high school, the public library, the local colleges and the Department of Human Services. Don't be afraid to ask questions and, if the person you're speaking with can't help you, ask them to refer you to someone who can. The web is also another valuable resource to tap into for additional help and resources.