Do you dream of bettering your life with a college degree, but worry you can’t earn one? Perhaps you have a hectic work schedule, or maybe you care for kids, pets, or aging parents who require a significant chunk of your time. Maybe you just don’t know if you can afford housing, a meal plan, and other expenses typically associated with college. Regardless of your concerns, you can thrive as a student in an online learning program — here’s why.
Many people worry they won’t succeed in college, but you can squash your fears by taking online classes. If you value flexibility, travel regularly, want job security, or survive on a budget, you’re the perfect candidate for an online learning program. Keep reading to learn more about how your personality traits and lifestyle can help you thrive in an online degree program.
See Why An Online Education is Perfect for Your Needs
You Value Flexibility
Some people appreciate a rigid schedule, but many flourish in a flexible environment instead. In fact, research shows that employees feel happier and accomplish more during the workday when they have a flexible schedule. Online learning has similar benefits because it lets students take care of other responsibilities. What will you accomplish if you aren’t stuck in a classroom all day?
You Travel Often (Or Want To)
The average number of vacations workers enjoy each year declined for 15 consecutive years up until around 2014. Thankfully, numbers are improving steadily, with annual vacation time increasing over the last three to five years. When you travel, you get to take a break from the responsibilities of your everyday life, which can help you recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Enrolling in courses that require on-campus sessions can cut into your vacation time or make it impossible to get away. It’s also difficult to attend classes on campus if you travel regularly for the military or work. Enrolling in an online learning program lets you continue traveling, either for business or leisure, while paving the way for a successful career.
You Want Job Security
An unexpected job loss can have a huge impact on your life, especially if you live paycheck to paycheck. You may struggle to reenter the workforce after you get fired or laid off because employers often demand formal training. It doesn’t always matter if you have years of hands-on experience in your field, either, especially if you don’t have a degree to prove your value.
Attending school online can help you recover and bounce back faster because you become more valuable to employers. Your reward is more competitiveness and better job security when you enter the workforce.
Having a degree may also help you earn more money in your field. On average, college graduates earn 56 percent more money per year than adults who only have a GED or high school diploma. You can pursue an online degree in your current field or choose a stable field with a high growth rate, such as healthcare. Either way, improving your education sets you up for success.
You’re on a Budget
Do you panic when you think about how much a college education costs? You can eliminate many common college expenses by taking classes online. You still have to pay for the courses themselves, and you will need textbooks, too — but you won’t have to worry about meal plans, dorm expenses, or transportation to and from the campus. You may even save precious funds on printer ink and copy paper by submitting assignments digitally in online courses.
Many adults want to attend college to better themselves; unfortunately, few have the time or resources to dedicate to brick and mortar university programs. An online degree program eases some of the most common issues linked to traditional college courses, including time constraints. This means you can improve your life without making drastic changes in your routine.
