At one time or another, most people wonder if continuing their education is worth the time and money. It may be that an opportunity has presented itself, or maybe you want to switch careers. Perhaps the lack of a degree is what’s standing in your way from making more money. Whatever the reason is, here are five reasons to continue your education.
1. Higher Earning Potential
Generally speaking, someone who holds a college degree will make about twice as much as someone without one – even for the same position. While continuing your education is an investment, the payoff, in the end, is generally worth it. Continuing your education to get a degree can lead to a higher salary at a new position, but it can also earn you a raise in your current one. Many times, a degree might be required for a promotion that you are seeking that will come with a higher salary.
2. Look Better to Prospective Employers
If you are looking for a new job, there’s a lot of competition out there. One way to stand apart from the crowd is by having a degree. Employers are much more likely to hire someone with a degree. According to NCES, young adults who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree held an employment rate of 74-91% during 2018. Although it may seem like a daunting task to go back to school there are many programs that offer degrees online these days so you can learn and work at the same time. Everything from an online business degree to a nursing certification can now be done online.
3. Gain Confidence
Many people who don’t have a college degree actually don’t feel as qualified for positions as people with degrees. This feeling can make its way into interviews, giving off the impression that you aren’t as qualified for the job – even if you are. People who go back to school and get the education they need to be successful earn a boost in confidence. They have put in the hard work and they know that they are skilled workers.
4. Improve Your Future
People without a college degree are three times more likely to experience poverty than those that have degrees, according to CBPP. A college degree can effectively help you secure your future. While there’s no guarantee that you will never experience poverty – even with a degree – the chances are significantly less when you continue your education.
5. Learn Valuable Skills
There are many skills that need to be developed when you are continuing your education. You have to be disciplined and goal-oriented. Not only that but learning to juggle multiple responsibilities is also something that can help you succeed in future careers. Many higher-paying jobs have larger workloads or people to be responsible for. Continuing your education will teach you some really valuable skills that you will continue to carry with you.
No matter where you are in your current job – or even if you’re looking for a new one – continuing your education will help you get further. Not only will you gain skills that will allow you to make a better income, but you will develop traits along the way that employers are looking for.
