DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve taken a break from college for the past year due to lots of things, including how weird everything was during the pandemic.
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My family and friends are asking about my plans to return since it has been some time now. I’m uncertain about my decision.
College is a significant investment of time and money, and I’m questioning if the potential rewards justify it. I’m currently in a career that offers a comfortable salary and growth opportunities. Considering this, I’m leaning toward continuing with my career rather than returning to college.
Any advice on making the decision between further education and career growth?
— Next Steps
DEAR NEXT STEPS: The way I grew up, it used to be a requirement among my peers that you had to at least get a bachelor’s degree if not also at least one graduate degree. Do note that times have changed.
While a college education can be beneficial in innumerable ways — and I am still a proponent — there is no doubt that people have built successful, lucrative and sustainable careers without that paper in hand, at least at first.
You have to do a critical assessment of your field of interest. What does it take to reach the top? What requirements exist as benchmarks for success — or even to get to an open door? Do your research carefully and thoroughly to determine what the potential is for income and growth both with and without a degree.
Also, find out if your company ever pays for continuing education. Some businesses have built-in programs for earning degrees. It may just be for master’s degrees, but find out.
Rather than succumb to peer or family pressure, learn the pros and cons of higher education in your specific field, then make a decision.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m caught in a dilemma between two friends having a financial disagreement. I’ve decided to stay neutral since it’s not my money.
However, both friends have invited me to events scheduled at the same time. I’d like to attend one of them, but I’m concerned about social media. Attending one might inadvertently convey favoritism.
Any advice on how to handle this without causing any misunderstandings?
— Caught in the Middle
DEAR CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE: Is there any chance you can stop by both events? If that is possible, you will save yourself a lot of heartache as that will prove, through social media, that you spread the love to all.
If that is not possible, make your choice of where you plan to go and inform both of them. Yes, one will be upset, but it’s far better to preempt any argument or misunderstanding by informing your friends of your plans.
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You can remind them that you love them both and remain unwilling to get in the middle of their drama. At the same time, you have chosen to attend one of the events in question and just wanted to let everybody know.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
