Back To School for Adults- 5 Must Know Reasons, Tricks and Tips

Considering the current state of the economy in Zambia, the plunder that the Corona virus has wrought and the state of things, going back to school and completing your education is more important than ever.

While the job market is tough for everyone involved in looking for employment, if you complete school and go to college, you will likely get a job or find what you can do on your own with your education.

Further, having a college qualification entails that employers will easily consider you for a job. In this article, I discuss 5 important reasons why you should go back to school and what to do if your grade 12 results are incomplete.

They say education is an equalizer. You truly can change the course of your life by going back to school and obtaining proper education. However, if you need a bit more convincing, here are five more compelling reasons why you should go back to school now:

Make More Money

People who consider going back to school and acquiring college education are likely to make money enough to survive the harsh economic condition posed by the Corona pandemic. It’s clear that everyone had felt the impact of the scourge especially in poor countries like Zambia.

However, being in possession of a college qualification puts you in possession to find employment and gain a decent salary.

According to SalaryExplorer, “The median salary is (in Zambia) 6,360 ZMK per month, which means that half (50%) of the population are earning less than 6,360 ZMK while the other half are earning more than 6,360 ZMK. The median represents the middle salary value.’

By going back to school and completing your college or university education, you might be able to give yourself a boost in salary.

My argument for furthering education to earn a higher salary is supported by SalaryExplorer.  SalaryExplorer explains that workers with a certificate or diploma earn on average 17% more than their peers who only reached the high school level.

Employees who earned a Bachelor’s Degree earn 24% more than those who only managed to attain a cerificate or diploma.

Professionals who attained a Master’s Degree are awarded salaries that are 29% more than those with a Bachelor’s Degree.

Finally, PhD holders earn 23% more than Master’s Degree holders on average while doing the same job.

From the data given above, you need to consider going back to school because you can see how a higher educational qualification can boost your pay.

Yes, going back to school requires a time investment now, but you’ll reap the rewards for the duration of your career in terms of salary and career advancement opportunities.

Going Back to School Makes You Lead by Example

Going back to school not only benefits your family from a financial standpoint, but it also helps you set a positive example for your children.

When your children see you working hard to earn your degree, you’re showing them that earning a college degree is worth the effort. This increases their perceived value of a college education.

There is a plethora of research indicating that parents who are educated act as role models to their own children. I remember studying with mature students who had children in university. It does not matter when you go back to school. What’s important is to start your studies.

Get into the Career Field of Your Dreams

Maybe the job you have now was intended to be a stepping-stone a few years ago. However, if you’re still in the position, it’s no longer a stepping-stone – it’s your career.

Going back to school can get you into the career field that you’ve always dreamt of being part of.

Combined with your current job experience, a degree or professional certification can also start you off in a new job with a higher salary, considering that you have workforce experience.

Remember: You aren’t a new college grad without real world job experience; you bring a lot of value to the table!

Gain A Competitive Edge

It’s no secret that the job market is rather glum now due to Covid -19. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that it will improve soon since we don’t see Covid-19 going away soon. If you ever do find yourself seeking new employment, listing a college degree as one of your credentials will give you a competitive edge over other applicants.

Employers can get more for their money by hiring college graduates. So, if it comes down to choosing between two applicants, one with a college degree and the other without, nine times out of ten, a college graduate will be given the job.

Flexibility

Earning a college education is more flexible than ever. In some instances, you don’t even have to leave your home to attend classes. Online learning is becoming a mainstream alternative to in-person schooling and fit nicely into the schedules of working professionals.

When choosing an online school, ensure that the school is accredited. If you feel hesitant to attend a 100% online school, choose a local college that offers online course options.

If you’re concerned about paying for schooling, talk to your employer to see if they can allow you to study and work or find a scholarship and get into full-time study.

Conclusion

Many people feel that they cannot go to college because they do not have good results or have not completed school. If you have not completed school, you can either go back to school as a GCE candidate. Most if not all secondary schools in Zambia enroll GCE candidates.

If you do not have time to attend GCE classes or there is no opportunity due to Covid-19, you can consider learning online.

Additionally, there are skills and technical colleges which do not require you to have completed your grade 12.