6 answers
Izzy
Student
Freeland, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
365 views
Is the Schooling Really Worth It?
Is going through all the schooling and spending all the money worth it for the career you think you want or should you explore many options before doing the whole process? If yes, what is the best way about going about exploring more options?
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6 answers
Elizabeth (Betsy) Kvedar, CPTD®
Learning Consultant
66
Answers
Shelburne, New York
Updated
Elizabeth (Betsy)’s Answer
Hey Izzy,
I know it's tough, but believe me, it's worth it. There were times when I was in your shoes, feeling exhausted and stressed, struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I remember those days vividly. I put in a lot of sweat and tears to get through college, and there were moments when it felt like too much to handle. But let me tell you, the experience I gained from college was priceless.
Not only did I learn a lot, but I also got to meet a diverse group of people and was exposed to a variety of subjects. It pushed me to expand my horizons and think in ways I'd never imagined. Plus, having a college degree gave me a leg up when I was starting out in my career, setting me apart from those who didn't have one.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your guidance counselor and student support services. They're there to help you navigate through these tough times and can provide options for managing stress.
Hang in there, Izzy. You've got this!
I know it's tough, but believe me, it's worth it. There were times when I was in your shoes, feeling exhausted and stressed, struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I remember those days vividly. I put in a lot of sweat and tears to get through college, and there were moments when it felt like too much to handle. But let me tell you, the experience I gained from college was priceless.
Not only did I learn a lot, but I also got to meet a diverse group of people and was exposed to a variety of subjects. It pushed me to expand my horizons and think in ways I'd never imagined. Plus, having a college degree gave me a leg up when I was starting out in my career, setting me apart from those who didn't have one.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your guidance counselor and student support services. They're there to help you navigate through these tough times and can provide options for managing stress.
Hang in there, Izzy. You've got this!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Izzy,
Is the Schooling Worth It?
The question of whether schooling is worth it for the career you think you want is a complex one with no definitive answer. It depends on various factors such as personal goals, career aspirations, financial considerations, and individual learning styles. While some individuals may find that pursuing higher education is essential for their desired career path, others may discover alternative routes to achieving their goals. Exploring multiple options before committing to a specific educational path can be beneficial in making an informed decision.
Factors to Consider
Career Goals: It is crucial to have a clear understanding of your long-term career goals. Research the requirements and qualifications needed for your desired profession. Some careers, such as medicine or law, typically require extensive formal education, while others may have more flexible pathways.
Financial Considerations: The cost of education is a significant factor to consider. Evaluate whether the potential return on investment justifies the expenses associated with schooling. Explore scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs, or alternative education options that may be more affordable.
Job Market Demand: Research the job market demand for your chosen career field. Determine if there is a high demand for professionals in that field and if having a degree or specific qualifications would significantly enhance your employability.
Networking Opportunities: Higher education often provides valuable networking opportunities with peers, professors, and industry professionals. These connections can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship relationships that can accelerate your career growth.
Personal Learning Style: Consider your preferred learning style and how well it aligns with traditional educational settings. Some individuals thrive in structured classroom environments, while others may prefer hands-on learning or self-directed study. Exploring alternative education options like online courses or vocational training programs may better suit your learning style.
Exploring More Options
To explore more options before committing to a specific educational path, consider the following steps:
Research: Conduct thorough research on various career paths and educational requirements. Look for information on job prospects, average salaries, and the skills needed for each profession. Online resources, career websites, and industry-specific publications can provide valuable insights.
Job Shadowing and Internships: Seek opportunities to shadow professionals in your desired field or participate in internships. This hands-on experience can give you a firsthand understanding of the daily tasks, work environment, and overall satisfaction in a particular career.
Networking: Connect with professionals in different industries through networking events, professional organizations, or online platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations with individuals working in various fields can provide valuable insights into different career paths.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in careers you are interested in and request informational interviews. These conversations allow you to ask questions about their experiences, educational background, and the pros and cons of their chosen profession.
Volunteer Work: Engaging in volunteer work related to your potential career interests can provide practical experience and help you gauge your level of interest and passion for a particular field.
Online Courses and Certifications: Explore online courses, certifications, or workshops that offer education and training in specific skill sets related to your desired careers. These options are often more flexible and affordable than traditional degree programs.
Conclusion
Determining whether schooling is worth it for your desired career path requires careful consideration of various factors such as career goals, financial considerations, job market demand, networking opportunities, and personal learning style. Exploring multiple options before committing to a specific educational path can help you make an informed decision about your future.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment projections, wage statistics, educational requirements, and job outlooks for various occupations. It is a reliable source for understanding the job market demand and educational requirements for different careers.
Harvard Business Review (HBR): HBR offers insightful articles, case studies, and research on career development, education, and professional growth. It provides valuable perspectives on the value of education in different career paths.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of online courses and certifications taught by industry professionals. It can be a valuable resource for exploring alternative education options and acquiring specific skills related to your desired career field.
Please don't forget to look at my autobiography entitled About James Constantine; it will show you how to get the nutrients from your food to enhance psychological qualities by intellectual quotient exam performance and study effectiveness will stop you will find that you can absorb more information in half the time minerals like magnesium and vitamins like niacin are needed for the biochemistry in the Krebs cycle in the neurons of the mind.
GOD BLESS BECAUSE HE CAN!
JAMES.
Is the Schooling Worth It?
The question of whether schooling is worth it for the career you think you want is a complex one with no definitive answer. It depends on various factors such as personal goals, career aspirations, financial considerations, and individual learning styles. While some individuals may find that pursuing higher education is essential for their desired career path, others may discover alternative routes to achieving their goals. Exploring multiple options before committing to a specific educational path can be beneficial in making an informed decision.
Factors to Consider
Career Goals: It is crucial to have a clear understanding of your long-term career goals. Research the requirements and qualifications needed for your desired profession. Some careers, such as medicine or law, typically require extensive formal education, while others may have more flexible pathways.
Financial Considerations: The cost of education is a significant factor to consider. Evaluate whether the potential return on investment justifies the expenses associated with schooling. Explore scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs, or alternative education options that may be more affordable.
Job Market Demand: Research the job market demand for your chosen career field. Determine if there is a high demand for professionals in that field and if having a degree or specific qualifications would significantly enhance your employability.
Networking Opportunities: Higher education often provides valuable networking opportunities with peers, professors, and industry professionals. These connections can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship relationships that can accelerate your career growth.
Personal Learning Style: Consider your preferred learning style and how well it aligns with traditional educational settings. Some individuals thrive in structured classroom environments, while others may prefer hands-on learning or self-directed study. Exploring alternative education options like online courses or vocational training programs may better suit your learning style.
Exploring More Options
To explore more options before committing to a specific educational path, consider the following steps:
Research: Conduct thorough research on various career paths and educational requirements. Look for information on job prospects, average salaries, and the skills needed for each profession. Online resources, career websites, and industry-specific publications can provide valuable insights.
Job Shadowing and Internships: Seek opportunities to shadow professionals in your desired field or participate in internships. This hands-on experience can give you a firsthand understanding of the daily tasks, work environment, and overall satisfaction in a particular career.
Networking: Connect with professionals in different industries through networking events, professional organizations, or online platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations with individuals working in various fields can provide valuable insights into different career paths.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in careers you are interested in and request informational interviews. These conversations allow you to ask questions about their experiences, educational background, and the pros and cons of their chosen profession.
Volunteer Work: Engaging in volunteer work related to your potential career interests can provide practical experience and help you gauge your level of interest and passion for a particular field.
Online Courses and Certifications: Explore online courses, certifications, or workshops that offer education and training in specific skill sets related to your desired careers. These options are often more flexible and affordable than traditional degree programs.
Conclusion
Determining whether schooling is worth it for your desired career path requires careful consideration of various factors such as career goals, financial considerations, job market demand, networking opportunities, and personal learning style. Exploring multiple options before committing to a specific educational path can help you make an informed decision about your future.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment projections, wage statistics, educational requirements, and job outlooks for various occupations. It is a reliable source for understanding the job market demand and educational requirements for different careers.
Harvard Business Review (HBR): HBR offers insightful articles, case studies, and research on career development, education, and professional growth. It provides valuable perspectives on the value of education in different career paths.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of online courses and certifications taught by industry professionals. It can be a valuable resource for exploring alternative education options and acquiring specific skills related to your desired career field.
Please don't forget to look at my autobiography entitled About James Constantine; it will show you how to get the nutrients from your food to enhance psychological qualities by intellectual quotient exam performance and study effectiveness will stop you will find that you can absorb more information in half the time minerals like magnesium and vitamins like niacin are needed for the biochemistry in the Krebs cycle in the neurons of the mind.
GOD BLESS BECAUSE HE CAN!
JAMES.
Judith-Ann Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at AndeersonCounselingTexas( ACT)
106
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Judith-Ann’s Answer
Izzy, it is a daunting question regarding the financial aspects of higher education. Many schools are opening to learn trades in less time and less money. There are schools for welding, culinary arts, coding, nursing, massage therapists, etc. The list is pretty extensive. And of course the choice for higher education is immensely extensive should you decide that route.
I would like to offer you some questions to guide your thought process: 1) what part of the country or world would you prefer to live? 2)How much salary do you need to live comfortably? 3)What is your primary motivator- is it money, power, comfort, ease, prestige? 4) What is your purpose in life? 5) What is important to you in regards to family and friends? 6)What is your favorite way to spend your time? 7) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I encourage you to spend time in self reflection and write these answers down in your journal or in your notes on your computer. Then look at your answers and let that help you decide what you should do to accomplish your life choices. There are no right or wrong answers as long as you are being truthful and realistic in your answers.
Once you decide if you need to enroll in a college or trade school, begin your research for the best school for you in regards to their programming, their location, their cost, etc. For instance if you want to live in Michigan, look for schools and job opportunities in Michigan.
Then decide how you want to fund your training. If you wish to work for a company that pays for your education, begin applying for positions in that company as many large corporations such as Amazon, Southwest Airlines, etc will pay for your classes, and you must be willing to start at entry level positions which are sometimes very tedious and labor intensive. Keeping your goal in mind will see you through these challenging times. Or you might wish to take out loans or apply for scholarships and grants. However you decide to fund your education, remember it is the most important investment you will ever make as it is in your future for yourself and your chosen family life.
Finally, take one step at a time and ask for help from family or counselors or teachers. Talk to the people you trust. Be honest with yourself. And BREATHE and enjoy the process. May your journey be fulfilling for you, Izzy!
I would like to offer you some questions to guide your thought process: 1) what part of the country or world would you prefer to live? 2)How much salary do you need to live comfortably? 3)What is your primary motivator- is it money, power, comfort, ease, prestige? 4) What is your purpose in life? 5) What is important to you in regards to family and friends? 6)What is your favorite way to spend your time? 7) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I encourage you to spend time in self reflection and write these answers down in your journal or in your notes on your computer. Then look at your answers and let that help you decide what you should do to accomplish your life choices. There are no right or wrong answers as long as you are being truthful and realistic in your answers.
Once you decide if you need to enroll in a college or trade school, begin your research for the best school for you in regards to their programming, their location, their cost, etc. For instance if you want to live in Michigan, look for schools and job opportunities in Michigan.
Then decide how you want to fund your training. If you wish to work for a company that pays for your education, begin applying for positions in that company as many large corporations such as Amazon, Southwest Airlines, etc will pay for your classes, and you must be willing to start at entry level positions which are sometimes very tedious and labor intensive. Keeping your goal in mind will see you through these challenging times. Or you might wish to take out loans or apply for scholarships and grants. However you decide to fund your education, remember it is the most important investment you will ever make as it is in your future for yourself and your chosen family life.
Finally, take one step at a time and ask for help from family or counselors or teachers. Talk to the people you trust. Be honest with yourself. And BREATHE and enjoy the process. May your journey be fulfilling for you, Izzy!
James Mintz
16
Answers
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Izzy,
You can do it! That being said… sometimes if you’re really talented or know you’re truly interested in something it’s worth focusing to really excel in that passion. For example, a great trombone player could want to learn all about music and think it was cool to play a bunch of instruments… and they could go do so…. But in spending all that time elsewhere they might miss some opportunities to excel on the trombone. They could invest that same their best effort into being the best at Trombone and become an expert player people look for just for that. On the flip side, the person who knew a little about a lot of instruments would still have sought after expertise (perhaps they would become the conductor or some other admin) but it would be in a different way than the other individual.
Hope this helps…. Put your best foot forward and the outcome might not be perfect, but you can’t go wrong.
You can do it! That being said… sometimes if you’re really talented or know you’re truly interested in something it’s worth focusing to really excel in that passion. For example, a great trombone player could want to learn all about music and think it was cool to play a bunch of instruments… and they could go do so…. But in spending all that time elsewhere they might miss some opportunities to excel on the trombone. They could invest that same their best effort into being the best at Trombone and become an expert player people look for just for that. On the flip side, the person who knew a little about a lot of instruments would still have sought after expertise (perhaps they would become the conductor or some other admin) but it would be in a different way than the other individual.
Hope this helps…. Put your best foot forward and the outcome might not be perfect, but you can’t go wrong.
Thank you for the advice.
Izzy
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
298
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Izzy,
It depends on one's values, beliefs and priorities. For instance, in my value system, schooling/education has an important place. It's worth giving enough money, time and efforts to go through the path of studying.
You can use the internet to find various study options, scholarships and career paths. Try to match those opportunities with your personal circumstances, academic preferences, and long-term goals.
All the best in your future academic achievements!
It depends on one's values, beliefs and priorities. For instance, in my value system, schooling/education has an important place. It's worth giving enough money, time and efforts to go through the path of studying.
You can use the internet to find various study options, scholarships and career paths. Try to match those opportunities with your personal circumstances, academic preferences, and long-term goals.
All the best in your future academic achievements!
Mickael Rosenberg
Software Engineer
265
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Izzy,
It's hard to answer. Because it really depends on your vision about your career and life.
As a parent that has a child going into some expensive university and having attended a quite expansive school in my home country, I will tell you it's worth it. But, it's worth it only if you make it worth it.
Here is what school will bring to you:
- how to think possibly differently than you currently are, having different perspectives.
- get some contact in the industry that you will have harder time to have on your own.
- learning subjects that you may not even had a slightly idea they exist.
- give you a degree which only serves as opening doors to companies.
In the Computer Science industry I am working in, I know no companies that hire people with less than a Bachelor Degree. While I am certain that there are companies that hire people with less degrees to no degree at all, having a degree simply help make you a more ideal candidate than others.
While I totally get the financial part of your question, and understand how tough it can be, think about the difference that it will make on the very long term. If you can afford it, please don't give up! You can do it!
It's hard to answer. Because it really depends on your vision about your career and life.
As a parent that has a child going into some expensive university and having attended a quite expansive school in my home country, I will tell you it's worth it. But, it's worth it only if you make it worth it.
Here is what school will bring to you:
- how to think possibly differently than you currently are, having different perspectives.
- get some contact in the industry that you will have harder time to have on your own.
- learning subjects that you may not even had a slightly idea they exist.
- give you a degree which only serves as opening doors to companies.
In the Computer Science industry I am working in, I know no companies that hire people with less than a Bachelor Degree. While I am certain that there are companies that hire people with less degrees to no degree at all, having a degree simply help make you a more ideal candidate than others.
While I totally get the financial part of your question, and understand how tough it can be, think about the difference that it will make on the very long term. If you can afford it, please don't give up! You can do it!