Once you get past the initial hurdles of divorce, you have a wonderful opportunity for a fresh start. That can mean different things for different people—whether it’s new relationships, career changes, or a renewed commitment to your friends and family.
If you were primarily a stay-at-home parent during marriage, or if you’re simply preparing to rejoin the workforce after a long hiatus, it can also mean a return to school. If that’s the case, good on you! Keep these tips in mind as you plan for your upcoming education.
1) Start small and build your way up.
If you’ve been out of school for some time, you may find it overwhelming to jump right into a full-time course load. Between work, your kids, and other day-to-day responsibilities, you may instead have to carve out sections of time to finish your schoolwork. With that in mind, consider starting with one course and work your way up to a part-time course load. You might also think about online courses to give your studies more flexibility. If you go little by little, you’ll be able to gradually build up your work ethic and self-discipline until you’re ready to take on a full-time semester.
2) Look into grants and scholarships.
No matter where you’re headed in your education or your career, it always pays to do your research. Look into the many different grants and scholarships that may be available to get you through your studies. You might also consider student loans, if you think you can handle the financial burden. Explore all of your options first and then make an educated decision (no pun intended).
3) Stay in the right headspace.
When you’re coming back to school at an older age, it may be tempting to compare yourself to other students. The life experience and perspective you’ve gained from marriage, and subsequent divorce, may feel like it sets you aeons apart from the carefree younger crowd. Even so, try not to think of yourself as a “mature student.” You’re there to study and improve your life like everyone else. Plus, a positive attitude goes a long way in any social situation!
4) Think about your trajectory.
You’re not just going to school for the sake of studying. Set aside some time to think seriously about your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. Do you need a Masters degree to build on your existing education, a second BA to break into a new field of work, or a certificate to take up a new trade? In the words of Walt Disney, “If you can dream it, you can do it!”
If you’re wondering how to fit school into your visitation schedule, or if you’re concerned it will affect your alimony payments, you should consult a dependable attorney. Here at Freed Marcroft, we provide comprehensive family law services, including divorce counsel, adoption, and Post Judgment representation. Give us a call to speak with a team member who truly understands what you’re going through.
