In a recession many people fear layoffs, go through savings to meet everyday expenses, or are unable to find work when laid off. Continuing education provides a path to overcome these recession problems and concerns. During a recession the cost of adult education may seem impossible to afford, nevertheless the cost may not be as great as perceived.
Seeing past the assumed price tag of continuing education is important for taking advantage of opportunities to improve career and financial situations. Continuing education increases an employee’s value to a company and for those seeking new jobs provides increased skills to make finding a new job easier. Just as in all life situations there are options and in continuing education there are many options to consider.
Continuing Education Options
The following 6 options must be pursued when considering continuing education as a means of beating recession’s impact.
Select the Right Program
When people hear continuing education, they often immediately think of college. Pursuing a bachelor, master's, or other degree is not always the answer. Consider a certificate program or a single course designed to improve employment skills. For example, completing a computer course increases your value to an existing or potential employer. Planning for continuing education is essential to success, along with selecting the right program.
Seek Employer Support
When employees goes back to school, they offer more expertise and value to their company. This is why many employers help with the cost of adult education. Some employers even offer courses on-site, because they understand the value of continuing education. Before beginning any continuing education program, check with your employer’s human resources office to find out what support is available.
Look to Your Community
Community colleges, high schools, and community organizations often offer free or low cost adult education courses. These courses generally focus on specific skills – anything from using a particular computer program to starting a small business. Hobby-related courses are often common (such as sewing or crafts), which can be turned into a side business to earn more money.
Remember Financial Aid
Financial aid goes far beyond loans. When the economy is on a downturn, many continuing education programs actually increase. This is because people want to position themselves for better jobs when the recession begins to loosen its grip. Because of this, schools bring in as many new students as possible. Many schools offer scholarships and grants to attract students or tuition assistance programs designed to support adults who have been laid off from their jobs.
Beating the Cost of Textbooks
College textbooks increase the cost of continuing education. Pursuing online approaches to purchasing college textbooks saves money on educational costs.
Earn Extra Money for Continuing Education
If a degree program is really the only option and eligible financial aid is not enough to pay for school, Cconsider earning extra money in a side job to use exclusively for continuing education. Options range from getting a part-time job at a local business, starting a home-based business, or taking on freelance work. For example babysitting, dog walking, starting a website to earn money, or even renting out a spare room.
Making Connections
There are a many options for people who perceive continuing education as too costly during a recession. Taking steps to improve your employment and financial future is important to overcome the impact of a recession. Benefits of adult education are never too late for anyone considering going back to school to improve their situation and beat a recession.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
