Career planning
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Reduce your course load to two classes per semester to spend more time with young children, accepting a later graduation date.
Children are small only for a short time, and these years are fleeting.
one person who lived it
View a college degree as a tool to remove HR barriers rather than a magic key to wealth.
Not having a degree keeps doors closed because HR often won't accept resumes without one.
one person who lived it
Choose a field of study that you genuinely enjoy, but verify its financial viability first.
Interest does not automatically grow with exposure to the work; turning hobbies into jobs can kill interest. Financial security is preferable to being thrilled by a job but homeless.
- Enjoying studying something doesn't mean you'll enjoy any specific job in that field.
one person who lived it
Set a routine of attending school to get out of the house and improve social skills.
It helps with people skills and getting out of the house.
one person who lived it
Stay in-state for college to reduce costs.
It is much cheaper than going out of state.
one person who lived it
Wake up earlier to study instead of staying up late.
Productivity is higher after rest in the early morning compared to late night without sleep.
one person who lived it
Take time off to retake entrance exams if needed, viewing it as a chance to correct mistakes and enter your preferred program rather than a waste of time.
It allows you to get into your dream college which may lead to better career outcomes.
- Trying multiple times doesn't guarantee the outcome will be exactly as expected; results may be better but not perfect.
one person who lived it
Use the self-talk phrase 'just a little bit longer' when facing difficult times.
This mindset helped one person quit smoking.
one person who lived it
Highlight relevant work experience by translating skills from previous fields to new roles to gain an advantage over younger peers.
Translating skills puts you further ahead of a typical 22-year-old.
one person who lived it
22 more on this
Study intensely and achieve good grades to create distance between your past mistakes and your current identity.
It separates who you are now from what led to previous trouble.
one person who lived it
Get involved in student organizations to build friendships and professional networks.
Being involved led one person to find lifelong friends, meet their spouse, and find their future job.
one person who lived it
Invest in yourself now, as there is no better time than the present.
one person who lived it
Consider pursuing a master's degree if you enjoy your field of study and money or time are not constraints.
Higher paying opportunities often require a master's degree.
one person who lived it
Be aware that nursing may not pay enough unless you love the work, as job security is often the primary draw.
Most people who enter for job security find the money isn't close to enough unless they absolutely love the work.
one person who lived it
Frame gaps in education as stories of resilience and hard work during job interviews.
It serves as a strong positive demonstration of these traits.
one person who lived it
Thank professors who encouraged you and share your success story with them.
They appreciate hearing about your progress.
one person who lived it
Enroll in the minimum number of classes required to qualify for loans and grants while continuing to work.
It stretches your financial resources, though it may take longer to graduate.
one person who lived it
When things get tough, remember your past accomplishments to regain confidence.
Recalling what you have achieved helps you realize you can get through the current difficulty and be alright.
one person who lived it
Wait until you are motivated as an adult to return to school, ensuring the program fits your researched interests.
One person described it as the best decision they ever made; others who were forced into school by parents often ended up unemployed or underemployed.
one person who lived it
Apply to university programs even if the application feels half-hearted, to avoid future disappointment.
One person applied half-heartedly but received an offer from their top choice.
one person who lived it
Reframe your timeline by recognizing you will be older regardless; choose to earn a degree rather than have nothing.
one person who lived it
Start despite fearing academic inability, as you may surprise yourself with your capabilities.
Beliefs about what you cannot do are often wrong; one person finished their first term with A's after being pleasantly surprised by their ability.
one person who lived it
Attend community college for smaller class sizes and lower costs.
One late-20s/early-30s student reported learning a lot in this setting.
one person who lived it
Recognize that military service may not fix underlying laziness or immaturity.
Some former military people were observed to remain lazy and become insufferable.
- This observation applies to some individuals known to the source, not all veterans.
one person who lived it
Consider a business informatics degree if you want a hybrid mix of business and computer science skills focused on data.
It allows you to break down complex information for others without needing to be an expert in every technical detail.
one person who lived it
Research actual job positions and financial viability before committing to a major based on interest.
Ensure the field can support your financial goals.
one person who lived it
Work out whether potential career income outweighs the cost of returning to college before committing.
- Do not go back just for an expensive sense of accomplishment if the costs outweigh the benefits.
one person who lived it
Recognize that nursing is similar to intense customer service, dealing with patient attitudes and demands alongside bodily fluids.
It involves constant demands and unpleasant things like bodily fluids, making it worse than retail for some.
one person who lived it
Consider trade schools or technical certifications for careers like electrician, plumber, or carpenter instead of four-year degrees.
One person reported making more money than friends with degrees by taking the electrician/automation route.
one person who lived it
Do not assume that self-discipline in physical activities will automatically translate to academic discipline.
Physical discipline may be part of your identity but does not necessarily influence other habits.
one person who lived it
Use a bullet journal for organization if you struggle with being scatterbrained.
It provides necessary structure for those who feel disorganized without it.
one person who lived it