The challenges of quitting work to go back to school

Quitting work to go back to school is a major life decision. Before you commit yourself to a plan, you should recognize the challenges that come with your decision and understand how to overcome them. The past few years have taught us all that most Americans are not entirely satisfied with their jobs. That’s why industry hopping and career shifting are quite common in the US today. If you have been wondering, “How do I quit work and go back to school?” this is an article that you must read.

Is it okay for you to quit work any time to go back to school?

Timing is everything when it comes to an important decision like this. If you stayed tuned to the job industry trends the past few weeks, layoff anxiety might be a real issue for you. It is normal to feel unstable in your job when the economy seems to be falling apart all around you. Even if you feel that your job is unstable, there are other factors you must consider before quitting. Many Americans have realized the value of upskilling themselves to qualify for better roles. Most employers refuse to even consider those without a bachelor’s degree for some of their positions. Find answers to the following questions before you decide whether it is the right time for you to quit your job:

• Are you in a toxic workplace?
• Does your job leave you feeling dissatisfied to the point it’s affecting your life outside of work?
• Are you struggling to find a good work-life balance with the demands of your job?
• Does remote work cause you to burn out faster?
• Have you found a great job but lack the skills to qualify for it?
• Does your current job offer no prospects for career advancement?

What challenges would you have to face when you go to school full-time without a job?

Like we said before, quitting work to go back to school will bring its own set of challenges. Here are a few things for you to consider:

The financial strains that will arise from not having a full-time job

Your income will change drastically when you quit your job. The school will bring along a set of additional expenses on top of that. You may have to make a lot of lifestyle changes to accommodate the new situation. You might even have to consider getting a part-time job or starting a freelancing gig to help pay the bills.

Returning to school isn’t easy when you have been out of school for a while

If you have been working for multiple years, the transition from doing a job to going back to school will be a big change to handle. Consider getting the advice of a life coach as you navigate these difficult times.

You will have to finance your education

How are you going to pay for your degree? College costs a lot. You will have to get a student loan on top of your mortgage if you don’t already have a college fund for yourself.

Do you have a future career goal all set?

You can’t just aim at the stars and hope for the best when you quit a job. Don’t go back to school without a clear goal for yourself. Do you have a specific job to qualify for, with your degree? Or are you just doing this for the fun of it?

How will this affect your family life?

If you are married or in a relationship, quitting your job will have consequences on your family too. If you were the sole breadwinner, your partner may have to get a job to support you through college. If you have an infant or a child, the long hours you spend on campus will affect the level of care they receive.