Going Back to School at 30? How to Keep Working While You Learn

Working full time and going to school full time is a lot for anyone to handle. Juggling school work with your job responsibilities and family responsibilities is a skill on its own. Going back to school at 30 might not seem like the easiest task to complete, but the feeling of accomplishment and success makes everything worth it. 

You’ve decided that going back to school is what you want to do, but you’re not sure if you can add college courses into your already-busy schedule. We’re here to tell you that you can and this guide below is going to tell you how. 

Continue reading to learn more!

Create a Healthy Balance

When you decide to add something into your busy schedule it can uncover anxiety and an overwhelming feeling. These feelings are normal, but with the right amount of balance, you can accomplish all of your goals without stressing yourself out. 

You’ll need to find a healthy balance between your work, school, and family/social life. The best way to do this is to find where you can cut back in certain areas. If you can cut a few hours at work but still remain full time, then do so. 

Be sure to dedicate specific times for school work and specific times for family and friends as well. 

Use Grants, Scholarships, or Loans

Taking college courses sometimes means cutting your work hours. If this is true for you, and you find yourself stressed out about losing money, then you can use your grants, scholarships, or loans to help you during this time.

When you’re rewarded grants or scholarships, this money will cover a portion of your tuition, the full amount of tuition, or the full amount plus money leftover in your pocket. If you do have money left over, then you can use it to help cover bills and you do not have to pay this money back. 

If you have money in your pocket from student loans, then you can use this money to help pay bills as well, but you’ll be required to pay it back after graduating. 

Make Time When You Can

It’s important to make time whenever you can to study. You can do this during your lunch breaks or even on the drive to or from work or school. Make recordings of yourself reading your notes or flashcards. 

You can listen to the recordings while driving. You can also consider waking up early to get in an hour or so of study time before starting your day. Make the time whenever you can find it without it affecting your daily routine. 

Consider Your Different Options

When starting college courses, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. You can take courses in person, receive an online certification for a specific program like drug counseling, or do a mix of online and in-person courses. 

Online courses will save you time since you won’t have to commute, and you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to completing lessons and assignments. 

Going Back to School at 30 Is Challenging but Worth It!

Going back to school at 30 comes with more challenges than it would if you finished college at a younger age. The feeling of accomplishment that you’ll receive once done, however, is almost heightened when you’re able to do so at an older age with more obstacles to face.

Keep this guide in mind when you need that extra boost, and remember, you can do it!

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