You have decided on — or are considering — returning to school in your thirties. This is an admirable venture that you are undoubtedly excited about. As we age, it is important that we continue to learn new things so we can grow in our careers and personal lives. If you are returning to school after a long hiatus, then you should know that things have changed a bit over the years. You may need to make some adjustments. However, if you are willing to learn, then you can succeed. 

If you are still on the fence, then we are here to help. Today, we will give you some good reasons to return to school, some considerations you will need to make along the way, and help you to decide if returning in person or learning online is the better way to go.

Decide Why You Want To Go to School

Before you get into the planning stages of your return to school, you will need to think about why you plan to go back and if you have the time and resources necessary to be successful. Keep in mind that there is a lot that goes into college, from admissions essays to complicated midterm exams, and you will need to make sure that you have enough time to be dedicated. If you don’t, then it may be worth waiting on making the investment.

If you do decide that you are ready to learn again, then you should take the plunge. After all, going back to school as an adult can be very fruitful. For instance, if you are hoping to get a promotion at work or switch to a completely different career, then going to school can give you the tools you need to take the leap. Just make sure that you do your research to ensure that you are taking the proper classes for your desired job.

Some people want to work for themselves and start their own business, and if this is the case for you, then college may be the answer. There are many rewards that you can reap from starting your own company. In addition to the money, you will also learn essential soft skills that you don’t get in school, like creativity and problem-solving abilities. Plus, you will have the pride of knowing that you started something from scratch. If you do go to school first, then consider a degree in business, finance, or marketing.

Keep in Mind That Some Things Have Changed

If you haven’t been in a classroom since high school, then you should mentally prepare yourself and know that things have most likely changed somewhat over the years. For starters, college has become a lot more expensive, so you will need to decide if the money and effort are worth the return on your investment. If you do the math and you learn that four years in college will cost you $40,000, then you will need to look at how many years you have left in your career and how much money you may earn to decide if you will break even or earn more due to your further education. If the outlook appears bright, then consider going back to school.

Technology has also evolved greatly over the last 20 years. While it used to be the norm to use pens and notepads to take notes during lectures, most people these days use laptops. Even if you can still use a notepad in class, many of your instructors may have you turn in your work online or use computer programs on a regular basis. If you are not tech savvy, then you may be at a disadvantage — but it likely won’t be a deal breaker and you can learn along the way. Many people in their thirties have already grown used to technology in their daily lives.

Finally, you will want to look at the possibility that you may experience learning shock, which is the frustration, anxiety, or confusion that some people face when they are exposed to unfamiliar or unexpected teaching methods. Make no mistake. Teachers are likely working a bit differently in this new decade, so you may find yourself in an uneasy position. Just remember that it is okay to be nervous about returning. 

If you want to mediate the effects of learning shock, then prepare ahead of time by learning coping methods to deal with stress, like yoga or breathing exercises. You can also ask to sit in during a class to see how it works and sign up if you feel comfortable.

Consider Online School

While you can go to college anywhere in the world, if you have a family, responsibilities, and a current job, then you may be unable to leave just to go back to school. If you are in that situation, then you may want to consider not going to college in person and, instead, taking online classes.

Going to school online is a great idea if you have a busy schedule. Doing so allows you to take your classes on your time and use your nights and weekends to earn your degree. Even better, going online could also be less expensive since you won’t have to pay for room and board, food, or the cost of commuting to and from a physical location.

While you will likely earn the same degree regardless of how you attend, going to school online does have some downsides. Among them is the fact that you may not get the same individualized attention that you would get when the teacher is right there in front of you. Also, while they may be available, some classes, like science and biology, may be harder to grasp in a digital context. Weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for you.

In the end, it is your decision whether or not you take the leap and return to school in your thirties. If you can pull it off, then the opportunity can be very rewarding. Consider the advice and tips listed here, and you can succeed in this new chapter of your life.