3 Questions to Ask Yourself

As you begin to explore your options of taking that next step and re-entering your educational journey, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Can I Handle This?

The time commitment is likely substantial and you’re going to face academic challenges that you haven’t faced in a while. You’ll also have to find the right work/life balance for you and your family.

2. Can I Afford It?

Completing your education is an investment you make in yourself. Still, you'll want to make sure this is something you can afford. A good place to start is by exploring all scholarships and financial aid that may be available to you.

3. Is This the Right Time?

Why now? Think about the circumstances in your career, your family, your life, etc. and decide whether or not this is the right time for you to take on that new challenge and complete your degree.

Pursuing Your Passion

What is it that's driving you to make this change and pursue your degree? What are you passionate about? What energizes you?

Think about where you find fulfillment and joy, then explore how you can reach that during and, ultimately, after a degree completion program. If the thought of reaching your goals doesn't outweigh the challenge of going back to school in your mind, this may not be the right time.

Often, people will finish their degree in order to get a scheduled raise, get promoted, or some other very deliberate benefit in their company or industry. Or, maybe they’re doing it for personal fulfillment by pursuing a lifelong dream.

However, this is not always the case. Many others don’t know what they want to study or what path they want to pursue. All they know is that they want to get their degree.

And that’s okay.

If this sounds like you, there are all types of online assessments you can take to figure out what new direction you could take your career in, including:

Maybe all you know is that you don’t find fulfillment in the career you have now and you’re looking to discover your passion. That’s totally normal—and a great reason to finish your degree.