The Value of a College Degree for Your Career
Let’s chat about the benefits of earning a college degree. My friend, Kelly from the Growing Pains blog, and I often talk about an array of topics: family life, health, and of course, personal finance. Today, we’re focusing on why a college degree can be so beneficial.
Why Earn a College Degree?
An old buddy once said she’d trade her master’s degree to erase her student loans. It got me thinking – I wouldn’t give up my degree for anything! My college journey has been one of the best career investments I’ve made. Here’s why:
Better Pay
It’s pretty well-known: more education can lead to higher pay. It’s been a game-changer for me. After having my first kid, I chose to work part-time to focus more on my family. Despite this, thanks to my six years of education, I earn the same now for working a few hours a week as I did working full-time nearly a decade ago!
Connections
All my jobs have been linked to my education somehow, usually through networking. Whether it’s a classmate tipping me off about a job or a professor purposely recommending me for a position, my education has opened doors for me.
Flexibility
The more I advanced in my education, the more flexible my jobs became. I’ve found that higher positions usually come with more flexibility in hours. Nowadays, I essentially set my own schedule.
Job Security
No job is 100% secure, we all know that. However, having a degree can provide a safety net. It certainly feels reassuring to have that experience and education to rely on.
Friendships
College is an excellent way to meet people and form lasting friendships. Throughout my six years in college, I forged relationships that are still important to me today.
Affording an Education
Thinking about the financial stress of college education can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, there are ways to graduate without being buried in debt like I did. One method could be getting tuition reimbursement from your employer as it’s mutually beneficial. Strategies like this can help you significantly reduce the money you owe.
So, is getting your degree worth it? Well, my experience suggests yes. Yes, there were sacrifices and challenges, but I wouldn’t change my decision. Education was more than just learning from textbooks, it was about the friendships, opportunities, and experiences that have come to define my journey.