Career vs. College

Article Written By: beng

The temptation to skip college and enter the workforce directly may be too much to resist for the generation brought up on frequent doses of recession and economic hardships. Because when you have to pick between piled-up education debts that require years to pay off and taking home a paycheck (however small), the choice seems pretty obvious, doesn t it?

But the situation is not as simplistic as it may look on paper. The days when a high school diploma was enough to land a job are long over. Even the most basic office work these days may necessitate some post-secondary training, unless you want to be stuck in a minimum wage job.

So how does one choose between the two paths? Career or higher education—which route is better for you? Education or experience—what could help lead you to the doorstep of success? College or employment—which of these two options could help you secure a better future for yourself and your family?

Finding the right answer to these questions can require deep analysis of your own life s situation and personal goals. It also involves weighing the pros and cons.

While the former involves introspection, we can definitely provide some tips on the benefits and drawbacks of choosing college over career and vice versa.

If you go to college:

You can get trained in specific skills that could qualify you for certain jobs.

You will most likely earn more than someone who has a high school diploma.

You will have access to more jobs than a high school grad.

Your chances of rising up the ranks could be higher.

You are more likely to have a stable career.

Also:

You can participate in interesting intellectual debates with your classmates and professors.

You can develop important life skills such as independent thinking and decision-making.

You will gain exposure to multiple cultures and world views.

You can take part in co-curricular activities.

Your self-confidence can increase.

Your quality of life can improve.

But if you decide to skip it and enter the workforce instead:

You will start earning a living sooner.

You will get a head start in the competitive job market.

You will be prepared for real-world challenges faster.

You will not have any educational loans to pay off.

You will get trained on the job and pick up critical practical skills.

However, also consider that:

Your employment options will be limited.

You may have to work for minimum wages or low pay.

You may move from job to job, never having a stable career.

You may struggle to rise up the corporate ranks without a degree.

You will be more vulnerable to lay-offs during the times of recession.

College or Career - Why Not both?

It is possible to have the best of both worlds, the benefits of education and the advantages of experience, thanks to distance education.

As distance education becomes more widely available and accepted, many people are choosing degree programs for their higher education goals. Since online programs can provide the flexibility that allows students to work full time, such programs can be an ideal option for those who would like to learn and earn at the same time.

You can study at your own pace and continue to gain real-world experience from your job, at the same time. And when things are going so good, why stop at an undergrad program? You might even aim for a graduate degree program that could help you achieve the career advancement you have been working toward.

About the Author

Independence University (IU) has been delivering career-focused distance learning programs for over 30 years offering graduate degree programs in a variety of educational fields. Independence University is a branch of the Stevens-Henager College, Ogden/West Haven main campus.

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