If you’re working full-time and still broke, if you have consistent issues with landing in toxic work environments, or if you’re just bored, going back to school may be the best thing you can do.

You’re Working 40+ Hours A Week and You’re Still Broke

If you’re working full-time, you’re still broke, and you have an unfinished college degree, it may be time to fix that. We understand that going back to school to finish your college degree may feel intimidating, but it may be the best thing you can do for yourself. In fact, the average earning gap between someone with just a high school diploma and a graduate degree is about $17,500. 

College graduates make almost twice as much as high school grads, and are also more likely to have 401(k) retirement plans, and their jobs are less likely to be affected by economic downturns. In 2015, it was found that just two-thirds of those who had high school diplomas were employed. This is down from 73 percent in 2008. College graduates, on the other hand, tanked by only 1 percent from 84 percent to 83 percent during the Great Recession of 2008.

Also, since companies tend to recruit more aggressively and widely for highly skilled jobs, college graduates are also more likely to relocate for a job. Even though many middle-income jobs don’t require a college degree, a lot of them do require certain courses or training.

If you never graduated high school, then don’t allow that to hold you back from considering college as an option. 97 percent of colleges and employers accept the GED test, so you can earn your high school equivalency diploma and go on to apply to a variety of different college programs.  

The Robots Are Taking Your Job

It has been predicted that many industries will experience automation within the next decade. These include transportation, customer service, packaging, finance, agriculture, and some aspects of healthcare. So, if you work in any of the above fields, now is the perfect time for you to get ahead by going back to school. AI and robotics degrees are becoming more popular than ever. Hence, if you want to pursue something like that, now is the time to do so.

For example, in healthcare, some robots are already being used for diagnostics and surgery. In Japan, robot caregivers are already being used to help patients walk and get out of bed. You have probably also used self-checkouts at some retail stores. They are fast replacing cashier jobs at those outlets. This is expected to continue and then some. Robotics has already replaced many factory and packaging jobs and are predicted to continue to do so.

You Don’t Care For Your Boss Or Enjoy The Work Culture

If you have had consistent issues with being in toxic work environments, it may be time for a switch that involves going back to school. Unfortunately, some fields don’t provide very much room for moving up. If this happens to be the case with your field, now is the time to try going back to school. Yes, income is important. However, what is even more important is that you are content with your career.

You’re Bored Of Your Industry

Boredom often leads to destructive and addictive behaviors. One option is to branch out and learn something new. It also may mean that you have outgrown your job. If either is the case with you, then going back to school may be a good option for you. Unfortunately, not every career allows for you to put your skills and talents to work, and you most likely need an outlet that does. Getting training or a degree in a different field can help tremendously with this.

You’re Curious About The World

If you are one of those people who is curious about many things, then you probably have a difficult time sticking with just one thing. That probably includes jobs, too. Going back to school is a good way to stay updated and wise about the world.

Before you decide to go back to school for sure, there are a few things you should be aware of. The first is the impact it will have on you financially. In many cases, it is doable through scholarships and loans. However, do be careful about how much you take out of the latter. As a result, it is also essential to be clear that it is part of your long-term goals and to explore your actual passions first.

For additional guidance on your career change, check out the book You Can Change Your Career by Robyn D. Shulman today!