I have always been an advocate for education. It is so very important in order to have the kind of future you want. I once had a doctor give my teenage daughter a lecture on not getting pregnant and then it evolved into education. He said, “The difference between going on vacation in Hawaii and sitting in your living room watching a show about it on the travel channel is EDUCATION.” And it is most often true. Whether it is college, community college or a trade school having a degree or job skill will make all the difference in your earning potential and your life in general. Clearly, the more money you make the nicer home and car you and your family will have. The nicer vacations you will be able to take, the more concerts and Nascar races you can attend etc. All of that is wonderful to be able to provide for your family and make some awesome memories.
But even more than that it gives you choices whether you are male of female. If you have a marketable degree or trade skills YOU can choose where you want to accept a job position. What company, what town, what state even. YOU get to choose where you will live. YOU get to choose a lifestyle within your means. If you love surfing, snow skiing, Nascar, horses, etc. you are more likely to have the finances to pursue that hobby. If you are a woman with that earning potential you have definitely afforded yourself more choices. You are not trapped in an unhappy or abusive relationship with no way to leave. You are not dependent on your partner to meet all your needs and to take care of you. If you paint yourself into that corner where you are totally dependent on someone else you may as well still be living with your parents. And you are really in trouble if that person leaves and you have no means to take care of yourself or your children. Education means you have the choice to be independent and self sufficient if you need or want to be. If plan A doesn’t work out, it’s always good to have a plan B. This should also make your partner feel more secure because you CHOOSE to stay with them rather than being with them because you have no other place to go and no other option.
I have never met anyone who regretted going to college or a trade school. Actually, the exact opposite. Most of the time they wish they had gone further with their education. If you explore your options you will be surprised. Colleges offer multiple degrees in every field. The community colleges offer 1 or 2 year degrees in accounting, computer technology, welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrician, medical assistant and much, much more. Colleges in general offer flexible scheduling if you need to work. Online classes are available. There are multiple ways to pay. There are scholarships, grants, student loans, work and pay as you go. Use student loans as a last resort because the interest rate is high. Where there is a will, there is a way. And it is never to late. Set your goals and get started. No time like now!
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