The other day I was speaking to someone who had just been laid off after 26 years as a software engineer for IBM. To offer my condolences, I said "I'm so sorry. It must be hard to look for a job after all of these years."
Much to my surprise, he replied, "Sorry? I'm not sorry at all. I waited 26 years for an excuse to change my career. I'm going back to school to pursue a degree in graphic design. A lot of my colleagues are drowning in self-pity because they think they are "too old" to go back to school or start a new career, but not me. This lay off was the swift kick I needed to do something I'm passionate about."
I was inspired. Life gave him lemons and he made lemonade. His story made me wonder how many older adults facing lay offs, looking for a second career or just hoping to enrich the later part of their lives could benefit from going back to school. After a few conversations, I realized there are many adults that could benefit, but a few myths are preventing many from actually doing it:
1. Myth #1 - I'll have to go to school with a bunch of 18 year olds: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 3 million students over the age of 35 and nearly 10 million students over the age of 22 were enrolled in higher education last year. So NO, you won't be the only person over the age of 18.
2. Myth #2 - I won't fit in on a college campus: Maybe you can't see yourself on campus now, but you might surprise yourself. My father in-law, a cowboy from Montana, went back to school after being laid off at age 56. Much to his and our surprise, he loved it. He road his bike to campus everyday, traded his cowboy boots for snow clogs, and fit right in with the college kids. As soon as all the kids figured out that he actually did his homework, he was the most popular guy in class.
3. Myth #3 - College won't fit into my schedule: Nowadays, degree programs are designed to fit every schedule. You can attend class at night, on the weekends, one day a week or ....if you decide to pursue a degree online, you can attend class whenever you feel like it.
4. Myth #4 - I can't afford to go back to school: There are dozens of ways to cover the cost of college tuition. You can apply for financial aid, scholarships or student loans, or consider community college and other more affordable college options. Plus, it's an investment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a college graduate will earn, on average, almost twice as much as a high school graduate over the course of a lifetime.
I hope I've convinced you that you are never too old to go back to school. Go for it!
Author Elizabeth Kudner is the co-founder of myUsearch.com, the Honest College Matchmaker, a free online service that helps students find their college match.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Kudner
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar