Some of us get busy. We finish high school and jump right into the job market. Some of us want to make money, while the rest of us need to, for whatever reason. Personal obligations, habits and comfort often get in the way of career progression. This unfortunate fact often leads to a very large majority of people never reaching their full potential despite the natural potential of their intellect and skill set.
Fortunately, many colleges understand that students come from very different backgrounds, and that these circumstances can lead to time constraints and multiple limitations. Today many colleges offer continuing education programs. Here are some of the domain options that are available to you:
- Business
- Creative and Visual Arts
- Engineering Technology
- Health Sciences
- Languages and Communications
- Math and Statistics
The best part about all of the potential careers that can flourish from these domains is that they can be learned at your own pace, and they are all accessible to the majority of students. Studying a particular field can do more than simply supply you with a better job or promotion - it can provide you with a sense of meaning and accomplishment. Supplemental education also makes you more appealing to employers. It shows that you are capable, and adds greatly to your current skill set.
Another option for those that suffer from demanding schedules is distance education, or online learning. While the educational fields of focus differ a little, long distance learning allows students to work from any location that has an Internet connection. It can also save students money (ex. travelling or childcare expenses), encourage learning (the intimidating classroom setting is eliminated) and provide students with the opportunity to learn at the rate that is best suited to the demands of their daily lives. But online learning does demand that students be organized - they are expected to make and respect their own schedules without the enforcement of an educator.
Regardless of where your past decisions have taken you, there is always a way to change the current course of your life. Carefully weigh your options. Do you see yourself working for the next 40 years at your current job? Do you look forward to going to work everyday? Are you excited at the prospect of moving forward in your current employment? If you answered no to any of these questions, it might be because you are capable of something more. Continuing education and online learning can provide you with the theory and practical knowledge you need to succeed in your field of choice, and can make your job something that you look forward to.
