In This Blog, We'll Talk About:
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Enhanced Career Opportunities: Learn how continuing your education can significantly advance your career and boost your earning potential by equipping you with the necessary skills for higher-level positions or new industries.
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Common Challenges: Understand the unique challenges faced by adult learners, including effective time management while juggling work and family responsibilities, financial hurdles associated with educational costs, and the anxieties of returning back to a classroom environment.
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Strategies for Success: Explore effective strategies to overcome these challenges, such as utilizing flexible schedules, embracing technology and support networks, and engaging in comprehensive financial planning with resources like the ones Peach State Federal Credit Union provides its members.
The saying that 'you’re never too old to learn something new ' is a perfectly accurate statement for adults who want to take courses to elevate their professional game. Whether you want to excel in your current role, make a career change, or refine existing skills, there are so many good reasons to consider continuing education as an adult.
The Benefits of Continuing Education
There are several professional benefits that come from continuing your education. Here are some of the most popular reasons why people choose to go back to school.
Increased Earning Potential
Many people choose to further their education to earn more money and increase their earning potential. Completing a degree, obtaining a career designation, or becoming certified can open doors for higher-paying opportunities within your company or at a new one.
Tip for Increasing Your Potential: When choosing to obtain a degree or become certified or specialized in an area, you should also take into account your potential earnings. Some degrees may take longer to achieve and may have a lower starting salary. Depending on your chosen field, be sure to factor all the costs involved with getting a degree versus becoming certified as you may find one to be more financially beneficial than the other.
Career Advancement
Learning new skills from taking classes and earning a certificate or degree is a great way to take your career to the next level. Whether you want to be promoted to a higher-level position in your company or advance your career by making a move to new industry, furthering your education is a great way to refine or gain new skills.
Career Advancement Tip: Consider creating a career development plan that describes your career goals and the path you plan to take to achieve them. It will provide you with a roadmap of your future, help you identify skill gaps, and inspire motivation to work hard and push yourself professionally.
Personal Fulfillment
If earning or completing a degree is a life goal of yours, continuing education to follow through with this dream can be extremely rewarding. Not only will you complete one of your personal 'Bucket List' items, but your accomplishment might inspire your friends and family to do so as well.
Personal Fulfillment Tip: Be sure to select a degree of that aligns with your values and the things you enjoy doing. While some degrees can lead to higher earning jobs and other material gains, choosing a field where you'd be most fulfilled is priceless.
Challenges Adult Learners Face
Choosing to go back to school as an adult is admirable. While the benefits are definitely worth the effort, there are certain challenges adult learners face.
Time Management
Time management is a common problem for any student, especially adults who also hold a full-time job and have a family or other commitments. All of these can impact the ability to manage your time between attending classes, completing assignments, and meeting your other commitments.
Financial Constraints
Choosing to continue or further your education can be expensive, especially when you include the cost of books, student fees, and commuting expenses. When combined with other financial obligations like rent, monthly bills, and groceries, the costs can quickly rise, causing many adults to put off their secondary education goals.
Educational and Social Fears
Sometimes, lack of self-confidence or feeling uncomfortable among younger students are the reasons adults put their dreams of continuing education on hold. Another apprehension adults face is technology. Some adults are not as familiar as others with using technology, email, or certain academic programs. The fear and anxiety behind not knowing how to use them, or being a bit slower to catch on can cause paralyzing anxieties about going back to school.
Overcoming Educational Challenges
Just because there are some challenges with continuing education doesn’t mean taking classes isn't for you. You can turn these challenges into opportunities and reap the rewards of your new degree or certificate with these tips.
Time Management Strategies
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Create a Flexible Schedule: Allows you to work and take classes around your other obligations. Consider designating time during the day or evening for school. This could mean taking classes at night and working on schoolwork during your break at work.
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Utilize Time Management Apps: These tools can help you prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and even track your progress. If you're not comfortable with using an app or prefer using pen and paper, consider using a daily or weekly planner to keep up with your to do list.
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Avoid Over-scheduling: Be sure to give yourself time to relax and recharge as burnout can hinder your academic performance. Consider scheduling a 'free' day off from classes and homework so you can rest, have fun, and enjoy a break!
Financial Planning and Assistance
Planning ahead for your financial educational needs is a savvy money move. Be sure to file for Financial Aid assistance via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what type of financial assistance you may be eligible for. If you're able to, consider saving up and paying for educational costs out-of-pocket. This can reduce or lower your need to borrow, and help keep post education costs to a minimum. Also check with your employer to see if they offer programs such as tuition reimbursement, scholarships, or other assistance to cover educational expenses.
Embracing Technology
A great way to overcome educational challenges faced by adult students is to embrace technology. Consider taking online classes that allow schoolwork to be done at anytime of day and at your own pace. This can help make managing the workload more effective and provides flexibility to balance your other obligations.
Financial Resources from Peach State
Peach State is here to help with all your financial needs, including helping working adults find affordable and flexible ways to pay for continuing education costs.
Loan Options for Adult Learners
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Personal Loans offer affordability in one lump sum to cover tuition, books ,and other educational needs. You'll receive fast answers because decisions are made locally, and can take advantage of our competitive rates and flexible repayment options.
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Home Equity Loans provide reliability for covering post secondary education costs with low fixed rates, no pre-payment penalties, possible tax deductions (consult with your tax advisor for details), and a lump sum to pay for your education needs.
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A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) offers flexible solutions for covering post secondary expenses with access to a line of credit – meaning you can use the funds as you see fit. HELOCs are a great alternative for filling in the gaps that financial aid leaves, plus you'll get the benefits of no pre-payment penalties, low rates, possible tax deductions (consult with your tax advisor for details), and affordable monthly payments to fit any budget.
At Peach State, we understand that aspiring adults like you, want to elevate your professional game and secure a stable future for yourself and your family. No matter where you are on your educational journey - whether just getting started or finishing up - we can help you reach the finish line and achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more!
