There are many reasons why more and more working adults are returning to school. Some adults wish to improve their job skills, while others want a career change. Other non-working adults want to start a career or increase their employment chances. Regardless of the reasons, there are certain things that you should prepare for when going back to school.
Schedule
Working adults with a family and an active social life will struggle with adjusting to school life. Be prepared to gradually transition yourself back into school mode. Be sure to gather information, explore options and set your own educational goals. Once you start school, have a set schedule to help balance your different commitments. Take advantage of your smart phone calendar and day planner. Preparing a schedule will ensure your educational success while reducing stress and lost time.
Socialization
Being an older adult surrounded by younger adults may be socially awkward. It will understandably be difficult to fit in and make friends. Your work and family commitments will most likely already take up your free time. Therefore, accept this and focus on getting to know your classmates and professors. Take advantage of class time to chat up your classmates. Take advantage …show more content…
Being a mature and responsible adult with organizational and time management skills will be greatly beneficial. Your professional behavior and maturity will most likely result in the professor being more flexible with you. However, being corrected by a professor younger than yourself about a topic you are familiar with may cause friction. Younger students’ lackadaisical and immature behavior may also be irritating. While you may be actively focused to your studies, certain students are only enrolled in school because they are unsure of what they want to do in