12 Reasons to Return to School in 2012

by Lori Johnston

The calendar is turning over to a new year, but it's already time to start applying for college courses and programs that begin in the summer or fall. If you're still mulling over the idea of going back to school, one or more of these reasons could show you how adding college on your to-do list could be your best decision in 2012.

Be a role model for your kids. If your children are in school, you can serve as one of their best examples about the importance of education. Adult learners who have earned their college degree consistently say that the sacrifices were worth it because their children were proud of them and shown that graduating from high school and college is possible. Consider leading by example your extra credit.
Position yourself for economic recovery. Times have been tough for a few years, but employment growth is slowly happening in some regions and job sectors. It's a sluggish recovery, but taking time in 2012 to start a college degree program could position you well as businesses begin to hire again.
Do something for yourself. If the kids are out of the house - either in school or off to college themselves - there's no better time for you to do something for yourself. You may have to give up some free time and get off Pinterest and Facebook a bit, but just imagine what all your social media friends will say when you have your degree!
Online learning makes it too easy to pass up. Now you can get the degree you've always wanted, at your own pace. Maybe you have been holding back because the school you wanted to attend was not in your town. With online learning, that may no longer be a factor.
It's time for a second career. If you've been laid off during the recession or seen job prospects slowing in your existing industry, don't wait any longer to get education. Taking the steps now to learn a new profession or new skills will show potential employers you are a self-starter, too.
Certain careers need you. Fast-growing fields like health care and technology have a demand for workers, and are only poised to continue to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the fastest-growing occupations include: home health aids, biomedical engineers, network systems and data communications analysts, physician assistants, physical therapists, dental hygienists, and computer software engineers. If any of those fields interest you, you'll find employers seeking to fill positions.
New career fields have been introduced since your school years. Industries and occupations that just weren't around 20 years ago are now available. Fields such as biotechnology, cybersecurity, genetic counseling, and computer forensics are among those that are now an option for you. It's time to look at what you enjoyed doing - but possibly never figured would be a career field - and embrace it.
Meet new friends. School can be a social outlet, for you to meet people online or in person (just think of the study group on the NBC show, "Community").
There are more options in education. Every year, schools are offering more degree programs, which simply may not have been available when you first attended or considered going to college.
Keep your mind active. Put down the Sudoku puzzles and Words With Friends. Embrace lifelong learning by expanding your mind and career possibilities through online programs or college courses offered by your local community college.
Have an excuse to buy new technology. If you are salivating over an iPad, Amazon Kindle, or a new laptop computer, but don't really have a reason to buy it, use education as your excuse. Some companies even give discounts to students.
You can't let James Franco have all the fun in college. The actor and perpetual college student may get to do things you'll never do, like host the Oscars. But there's nothing stopping you from earning your degree, just like Franco hasn't let his acting career or celebrity status keep him from boosting the education section on his resume. Make this year the one where you become a college student and see how you learn now just about a specific subject area but more about yourself, too.