Great accomplishments seldom come without hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. There is no question as to the value of a good education, but for anyone thinking about pursuing a college degree in his or her spare time, there are some considerations to take into account. I do not wish to minimize the benefits of this rewarding experience, or to discourage anyone from embarking on this pursuit; however, before you begin, it may be helpful to be aware of some of the issues you will likely face that your admissions representative may neglect to mention.
As a part-time student with a full time job, I have found that the one factor that will affect all other aspects of your life is time. It is estimated that for every hour of class time you will spend three hours studying or doing homework. Time for socializing, hobbies, and other interests, such as your favorite TV shows, will have to take a backseat to school work. To avoid becoming overwhelmed with your workload, time management skills are a must. Setting your priorities, and scheduling ample time to study for each subject, will enable you to stay ahead on your reading, thus eliminating undue stress. Get your work done first. Only then can you truly enjoy your free time. .
In addition to time, money could also be in short supply. Aside from financing your tuition, there may be other expenses, such as books, supplies, professional certifications, transportation, and childcare. Since you may not be available to work any overtime, it is important to tighten your budget accordingly. Avoid the temptation to rely on credit cards. Remember, you will have to pay back those student loans. .
You should also take into consideration how this expense of time and money will affect other members of your family. They too may face additional demands and sacrifices. Between evening classes and weekends spent studying, you will have less quality time to spend with your loved ones, and you will most likely be depending on them to pick up your slack around the house.