Are you tired of working two or more jobs in order to make ends meet? Do you have too much month at the end of the money? You're not alone; almost 40 million people in the United States live at or below the poverty line.
For many people, poverty isn't a choice but a lifecycle. In order to break that cycle, you have to get ahead in some way or another but this isn't easy when you have kids to feed, bills to pay, and life to live.
You may have thought about going to school or returning to complete your degree but decided that the time, money, and effort wasn't worth it. However, that piece of paper is exactly what you need to improve your life (in more ways than just money!).
We're going to talk about why you should finish your degree and how it can ultimately benefit you and your family. Keep reading for more information!
Confidence Boost
When you go into a job interview knowing that you have a degree to back all of your first-hand experience, you will walk in confidently. Even if you are normally self-assured and at ease around people, you will have fewer jitters about the inevitable question of whether you have a degree.
That confidence will be seen by your potential employer and will leave a great first impression . Whether they realize it or not, your interviewer will automatically like and trust you because of the confidence that you exude which comes with knowing you are qualified for a job because of the degree you possess.
Additionally, you will find that you feel self-assured when you are in a group of your peers. The end result may not be like a cheesy 90's movie where the star goes from being unpopular to a social butterfly, but you will notice a difference in how you engage with your friends and acquaintances.
Higher Earning Potential
No matter where you live, your earning potential as a college graduate is going to be higher than that of someone who does not hold a diploma. The percentages vary from state to state , but higher earning potential holds true.
That being said, you might believe that being self-taught in your chosen field is best. Sure, there's a chance you may know more than someone with a degree, but they'll be the ones chosen for that entry-level job with the company that offers benefits, paid time off, and growth.
It's worth noting that employers notice degrees because they know they're not easy to obtain. It shows that you are steadfast and finish what you start - both of which are admirable qualities in any employee wishing to move up.
Changing Fields With Ease
No matter what field of study you choose, all degrees require some basic classes. These will include math, science, the arts, English, and computer literacy, along with a few others. When you have a better grasp of these subjects, you will find that a change in careers will be easier than if you have little knowledge in each of these areas.
This understanding will allow you to change your career path should the need arise. You may only be able to make a horizontal career shift (at the time) but you will be able to explore any field that interests you and choose your path from there.
Should you decide that your current field of work isn't what you want to do forever, the confidence mentioned above will help you in finding a new job. You will also find that even a degree in an unrelated field will allow you to advance quicker, given the job doesn't require a specialized degree (like a medical doctor or attorney).
But It Takes so Long to Earn a Degree
People tend to shy away from degree programs because they take a long time to complete and can cost a lot of money. While this is still true for most traditional four-year colleges, this doesn't hold completely true for online degrees.
Some of the fastest online programs will allow you to learn at your own speed. This means that you have great flexibility in how many classes you take at a time, which could mean a quicker graduation date. You can also find programs that allow you to enroll part-time so that you are able to continue with daily life until you're ready to move forward.
Cost-wise degrees are going to cost you at least some money. However, many colleges and universities offer scholarships for students that need it and can maintain a certain grade point average. It's also worth asking your employer if they have tuition assistance as many companies actually want their employees to continue their education!
What Are You Waiting For?
No matter how you look at it, earning a college degree will help you advance in life. You will find the confidence you never had, make more money, and generally be better-versed in a number of subjects. You will also be setting a fantastic example for your children, nieces, nephews, or anyone who looks to you as their role model.
Aside from all these benefits, you might even find that you have other interests and abilities. This could allow for a more fulfilling life as well as numerous possibilities for side gigs that you love (and still make you money!).
The only thing stopping you from choosing a richer life and breaking the cycle of poverty is you!
