For those last few years in high school all they would drill in you is the importance of college. It was college this, tests that, advanced classes here, and extracurricular there. The only problem was that the information was going right through the heads of those who basically just wanted to go party with friends, hang out with their sweethearts, and flash a big middle finger to society.
I know this because I was a part of that group; so were my friends, and their friends.
Of course, the day after graduation the reality suddenly sinks in. Your lack of planning now gives you the option of going straight into working a job (generally part-time and soul-crushing) or hoping you can get your finances together and at least attend college on a community level.
Most of the people I know opted for community college due to the costs (and mostly because no one really knew what they wanted to do).
Then the inevitability happens …
The first few courses go great because it’s exciting and gives you a nice challenge compared to high school. By the end of the first semester those old (and new) habits begin to creep in. Each day you feel less inclined to do the hard work in place of all the distractions and fun that can be had now that you’re on your own and surrounded by others that want to party.
Low and behold, your grades start dipping and along with them goes your scholarship(s). You take on a part-time job (reluctantly) or step it up with a second job to cover the expenses (further adding to the stress that would eventually be your downfall).
A final straw breaks the camels’ back, which generally comes about when you’ve missed enough of the classes that you call it a day and figure you’re better off focusing on your job since bills are beginning to be very real and your safety net (of the parents) isn’t there any longer.
Some time goes by and, on occasion, you entertain the idea of going back to school. You always have these thoughts with the best intentions and may even take a few of the preliminary steps to get things in motion again but, again, that lack of drive creeps in and puts an end to that.
The big issues the longer you’re away from completing your degree boil down to:
· Not having the money to go back (paying for classes)
· Not having enough time (since you’re working so much)
· Not having the motivation (because subconsciously you’ve given up)
Here’s the secret: money is almost never an issue.
The real culprit is the mindset you’ve developed that has got you in your current predicament.
· A few hundred bucks for some community college courses aren’t a big hit to your wallet when you know how to budget and give yourself an appropriate timeline.
· The debt most of us accumulated was due to poor money management and the distractions that come from being young and indecisive (and experienced, for many).
· Time can be a real issue but only if you don’t have a command over how you’re using it (even if you’re pushing a second job).
There are countless stories of individuals that are in the same situations we’re in where they have created a fire and passion for going back and they didn’t allow things like time and money be a limiting factor in their goals.
Question: What do these type of people have in common that allows them to overcome these challenges so they can finish what they’ve started?
I spent some time looking into this question. I asked friends and family, and read what others have said online and most of the feedback and advice basically boiled down to these set of actions:
A. Since debt is a major factor that prevents you from returning to college, you have to get smart, create a budget, and understand your financial follies. Once you find that financial wisdom, set savings goals, and take actions to fix your credit, you can set a schedule for your return.
B. Time needs to be seen as a commodity since there are just 24 hours in the day and only a small portion of them can be used toward productive activities. When in a real time constraint, such as not having the option to drop hours from work, the choice in night or weekend classes need to be entertained. Alternative measures such as finding higher paying work or picking up side gigs also free up enough time that can be filled with classes. Online courses are another option. By taking classes online, you can earn the same degrees as on-campus students, but can do so on your own time. These programs are completely customizable, giving you the opportunity to fit educational upgrades into your busy schedules. These programs are generally designed for working professionals, which ensures that there will never be a problem with working while you go to school. Once you have completed your initial degree, you can even earn your master’s degree online, giving you the chance to increase your earning potential even further.
C. Motivation is different a second time around because you are older and wiser. The wealth of information contained on the Internet can aid you with any possible subject so it’s never “you against the World” when it comes to education. The motivation can come from lifestyle changes you make or external forces by joining other motivated individuals (online or offline).
All-in-all, affording to go back to college after you’ve missed the mark the first time around is now very much doable with the expanded knowledge and life lessons you’ve picked up. The key is proper financial education and choices, understanding time management, and finding what truly drives you to take on and complete the big goals.
Like you, I didn’t know where I was headed the first time I gave college a try; I too got into that rut from being away from it too long but I put in that effort to return and return I did. You too can finish what you’ve started. You can afford it. Believe that.
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