Anyone who chooses to go back to school having been out for a while has made a significant decision capable of changing their lives for the better. Choosing to go back to school at the age of 30, particularly, can be quite equally challenging and rewarding at the same time.
Not only are most individuals at this stage just starting to settle into their lives, pursuing a career, and developing a routine, they are also often on the verge of starting a family. However, the desire to further one’s education or pursue a different career path may arise, leading them to consider going back to school. Below we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the unique challenges that may arise as a result of this decision, along with benefits and considerations that are specific to this age group going back to school.
What’s Unique About Going Back to School at 30?
A 30-year-old going back to school will be subjected to some stressors that anyone of any age going back to school after a long time will face. Additionally, they will also have to face some challenges unique to their age group. Examples of the larger include:
Pausing an Ongoing Career
The fact that a 30 year old is choosing to go back to school doesn’t mean they don’t already have a career. It may simply mean that they would like to advance their careers or even switch to a new one.
Either way, most will have to pause their current pathway to focus on the rigors of being back to school. This can be quite challenging for many.
Family Responsibilities
Additionally, 30-year-olds may already have more responsibilities than younger students. This may include marriage, children, homeownership, or even all three at the same time.
Balancing school with all of these other aspects can increase the level of difficulty and make school more challenging than it is for those who are much younger.
Adding to Financial Constraints
It is not uncommon to find that at the age of 30, people are still paying for their undergraduate student loans. Now having to go back to school and take on additional financial burden can be a huge stress factor.
General Challenges
Apart from the challenges unique to their age groups, individuals going back to school at 30 will also face challenges common to everyone going back to school. These include the following:
Financial concerns: Returning to school can be a significant financial investment for students of all ages. Even discarding the presence of existing student loans, having to take time off from work to pursue a degree can lead to financial deficit, which in turn makes the decision to go back to school a lot more challenging.
Adapting to a new learning environment: It’s been several years since many 30-year-olds have been in a classroom setting, and returning to school can feel overwhelming. Adapting to a new learning environment, new technology, and new teaching methods can be a challenge.
Feeling out of place: Going back to school as a 30-year-old usually implies being surrounded by younger students who are fresh out of high school or college. This can make it challenging to feel like one fits in with the rest of the student body.
Time management: Juggling coursework, work, and family responsibilities can be a significant challenge for 30-year-olds returning to school. Time management becomes even more critical to ensure that all of these responsibilities are being met without sacrificing academic success.
These challenges can be daunting, but they are not insurmountable. With the right strategies and support, 30-year-olds can successfully navigate these obstacles and achieve their academic goals.
Leveraging Advantages as a 30-Year Old Going Back to School
Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom for a 30 year old returning to school. In fact, there are some particular advantages that a 30 year old returning to school can leverage in their favor to gain advantage over the rest of the field. These include the following:
Prior Work Experience
Many 30-year-olds already possess years of work experience. This can be an incredibly significant advantage when returning to school. Not only have they developed important skills, such as time management and organization that are valuable in a classroom setting, but they also already have strong communication skills which should make it easier to fit in with both the students and the faculty.
Technological Savvy
Additionally, while getting used to new technology can be a major source of stress for anyone returning to school, most 30-year-olds are often more tech-savvy than older generations.
Having grown up with technology as a significant part of their lives, they can find it a lot easier to become familiar with online tools and resources, which can make distance learning and accessing course materials more manageable.
A Fresh Perspective
Being out of school for a few years means that 30-year-olds have gained life experience, which can bring a fresh perspective to their studies. All of the things they have seen and learned in the real-world can translate into being more focused and motivated.
They also tend to have a much better sense of their goals and priorities than students who are younger and just starting out.
Greater Independence
Additionally, 30-year-olds going back to school would be no stranger to being independent. Compared to a high school student just enjoying the freedom of being alone for the first time, 30 year olds would have often established their independence, which can make the transition back to school easier.
They would also more likely have a more stable financial situation, and are less likely to be distracted by social activities or peer pressure.
Family Support
Lastly, many 30-year-olds would have started families of their own. If not, they most likely would have a more permanent support system in place that can help them manage their school work and personal responsibilities.
Partners, spouses, and even close family friends can help them with childcare or household chores, making it easier to focus on their studies.
Getting the Most Out of Returning to School at 30
By leveraging the strongsuits above, 30-year-olds can overcome the challenges of returning to school and achieve their academic and career goals. Additionally, the following tips should also make that goal a lot easier to attain.
Be clear on your goals: Before going back to school, it is always a good idea to take some time to reflect on your goals and what you hope to achieve through further education. In the end, this helps to stay focused and motivated, especially when faced with challenges.
Create a realistic plan: Even the best plans falter under stress. This is why unrealistic plans don’t even stand a chance. Going back to school as you juggle work and family responsibilities can be challenging. It is important to create a realistic plan that takes into account your current commitments and schedule. This might involve taking evening or online classes or seeking out part-time study options.
Take advantage of resources: Colleges and universities often make a range of resources available to help students succeed. Examples of these are academic support services, career counseling, and financial aid. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these resources if you would like to maximize your chances of success.
Stay organized: Lastly, with so many demands on your time, staying organized can be the difference between staying afloat and staying overwhelmed. This might involve using a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments and deadlines, breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, or creating a study schedule to help you stay on track.
Academic Paths/Programs for 30 year Olds Going Back to School
There are various academic paths that may be more suitable for 30 year olds who are returning to school. The best part for you will ultimately depend on your career goals, interests, and skills. Still, here are some options to get started with:
Professional Master’s Programs: Professional master’s programs are designed to provide practical skills and knowledge in a specific field. They are often shorter than traditional master’s programs, and may be completed in as little as one year. This is why professional master’s programs can be a good fit for 30 year olds, especially those who are looking to gain new skills or change careers.
Continuing Education Programs: Many colleges and universities offer continuing education programs that are designed for working adults who want to enhance their skills and knowledge. These programs may be offered in the evenings or on weekends, making them a good fit for 30 year olds who are balancing work and family responsibilities.
Online Programs: Online programs are becoming increasingly popular among adult learners. Not only do they offer the flexibility to complete coursework on your own schedule, they can also be especially important for 30 year olds who are working or have young children.
Vocational Programs: Vocational programs like the ones you’ll find in technical or trade schools can be a good fit for 30 year olds who are interested in pursuing careers in fields such as healthcare, culinary arts, or automotive technology.
Hybrid Programs: Hybrid programs are programs that allow students to combine online coursework with on-campus coursework. This can provide the flexibility of online learning with the opportunity to network with classmates and professors in person.
Ultimately, it is worth mentioning again that the best program for you as a 30 year old returning to school will depend on your own individual needs and goals. It is important to research different options and consider factors such as program length, cost, and career outcomes.
Going Back to School at 30 - What next?
After completing a degree or certification program, there are many potential paths that a 30-year-old returning to school can take. Here are some tips and advice on what to do next:
Leverage your experience: One of the advantages of returning to school at 30 is that you likely have some work experience already. Use this experience to your advantage when seeking jobs in your desired industry. Highlight your skills and how they can transfer to the new field.
Network: Build relationships with professors, classmates, and alumni in your program. Attend networking events and job fairs. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and connect with professionals in your desired field.
Consider internships or apprenticeships: These opportunities can help you gain practical experience in your new field and make connections that can lead to future job opportunities.
Research industries with growth potential: When deciding which industry to enter, research which ones are projected to grow in the future. This will increase your chances of finding a job in your field after graduation.
Maximize your degree/certification: Consider continuing your education with a higher degree or certification in your field to increase your marketability and earning potential.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Follow industry publications, attend conferences, and join professional associations to stay informed of the latest trends and developments in your field.
Remember, going back to school at 30 is an investment in your future, and the skills and knowledge you gain can open up many opportunities. By taking advantage of your experience, networking, and staying up-to-date with industry trends, you can maximize your chances of success in your new field.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Going back to school at 30 is usually a wise decision for those who want to advance their career, learn new skills, or pursue a passion. Naturally, it also comes with its own fair share of challenges, including balancing work, family, and school, adapting to the learning environment, and managing finances. Despite these challenges, there are also undeniable factors that you can leverage as a 30 year old returning to school such as having more energy, enthusiasm, and technological savvy than older students.
Don’t hesitate to create a support system, seek out resources, and set realistic goals, and stay motivated. Do this, and your decision to go back to school may just end up being the best you ever made.
