If you have been working hard to create a new life for yourself, and have gone back into education later in life, you may consider going beyond the degree. When we spend a lot of time going for qualifications to start a new career for ourselves, we may consider doing a Masters degree. But for those parents, and people who are a bit older than the typical student who is seriously considering taking this step, what do you need to consider?
Are You Able to Put in the Time and Effort?
Masters degrees are great because they are, predominantly, remote. But there will be times when you have to go to the university for lectures. Depending on the nature of the course, it may be once every few months or could be every couple of weeks, so you may have to stay overnight. While there’s plenty of short term student accommodation available, there is still the demand for you to work at home. You have to consider the balance in relation to your life and your children. Many parents can struggle to get the balance right because children get ill, and additional parental duties can put a strain on us. If you are considering doing a Masters, it’s generally recommended that you wait until the children are a bit older, usually around 8 or 9. Because by this point, you’ve got a routine in place, which allows you a little bit more freedom to put in the effort.
Will a Masters Help You Get a Better Career?
Masters degrees are highly regarded by employers, but it’s important to note that they won’t guarantee you a job. However, the statistics show that graduates and postgraduates were more likely to go into employment than those who didn’t graduate. But choosing a Masters is more common in people who have a very specific career choice, with a specific skill set. If you are looking to work in a managerial role or a professional career, a Masters can get you in the right direction.
Is it Worth It?
It’s not just about career prospects, but it can be a very expensive option. It’s vital for you to weigh up your reasons for doing this. While doing a Masters is generally cheaper than an undergraduate degree, you may find yourself paying for something that could have easily been achieved by experience. It is certainly a way for you to earn more if you get into the right career, but you have to consider how long it will take you to pay it back.
If you decide to go for a Masters, especially as a busy parent, it is vital to have the end goal in sight and to plan for it. You need to be passionate about the subject, but also make sure that you identify what employers value, especially in certain roles. A Masters degree sounds like a very enticing prospect, but this is why you need to have your career trajectory firmly in place. Many people believe that getting a Masters is a perfect stepping stone to their ideal career, however, this is not always the case. You have to consider the bigger picture.
Nb. Collaborative post.
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