You’re working nine hour days and attempting to pursue higher education. Leaving you with a mental imbalance, no social life, and an over-stressed situation, you’re having thoughts of ditching your job to become a full-time student. After all, besides the money, you’re not feeling what your job has to offer your future anyway.
For a moment you may be wondering ‘who does that?’ Who quits a full-time job to become a student? Well surprisingly in the midst of a recession, many people are choosing to turn in their work badge for a student I.D.
While some graduate and PH.d programs may be considerate of your work schedule and offer flexible options, others aren’t and may even recommend that you don’t work at all. Most PH.d programs prefer you to commit yourself to a full-time student status. The idea of leaving a stable salary and impressive benefits is not ideal; however it may be the best option if you’re serious about your studies and furthering your education and eventually your career.
This is a tough situation that requires tons of thought, planning, and even more thought. Before deciding to transition into student mode, conduct a mental check. Ask yourself vital questions before making such a huge transition. Is this really the best option to achieve your goals? How will you handle those around you that try to sway you from your decision? Are you willing to make financial sacrifices if need be?
Secondly, and possibly most importantly, consider your financial planning. When deciding to leave your job to become a full-time student, some people may consider you irrational and overly-ambitious. Who leaves a full-time job in the midst of a recession? How will you make ends meet? They may even consider you ‘too old’ to not have a job; and quite frankly you may even ask yourself these same questions, especially when finances come into the equation or your shopping sprees become close to non-existent.
While it may be somewhat of a struggle, there are many options for a full-time student to stay afloat financially. If managed correctly, you may even have a tiny bit left over to treat yourself every now and then.
First, calculate all of your bills. Hopefully you have a cushion of savings that you’ve acquired from your full-time job that will assist you in the transition. In addition, if most schools prefer you to be a full-time student, they will more than likely offer grants and/or stipends. Check into those options. If all else fails, the good ole’ refund check will definitely assist you. Keep in mind, this money has to be paid back; and although an attractive option when your funds are somewhat low, use it wisely. Only take what you need to assist you; and if you don’t need it, don’t take it!
Another option for a full-time student is to take on a part-time job. It may be wise to choose a job related to your degree; but the most important thing is to choose a job that won’t be as demanding as your studies.
Finally, don’t get discouraged. Keep the end result in mind. The life of a full-time student may not be as glamorous as the life of an established career woman; however eventually it can be. That’s the purpose of furthering your education, to pursue your goals. While you may think your life will begin to look like a snippet from A Different World or your freshmen year of college, it won’t (or at least it shouldn’t). You’re an adult now. No parties or pledging, only goal-driven decisions and studying; and despite the late night cramming and the study groups with possible obnoxious peers, you can still have somewhat of a social life (especially if you’re sans a full-time job). The key is to plan before your transition and figure out how to make it work for you.
