Monday, May 4, 2009

Are you worried about the recession?

By Darcy McCarthy, PHd

Recently, there has been a movement afoot of people re-evaluating their careers. The most frequent reason is the harsher economic times that we are beginning to face on a global scale. Layoffs, job cutbacks, and forced retirements are all giving people reason to think heavily about their options and ask questions. In response onlineeducation.org is happy to publish and offer some solutions to a few of these questions.

A favourite quote that truly embraces the time is In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists. - Eric Hoffer.

As a general rule, our readers write to find out what are the best online education universities, classes, colleges, degrees. However, as of late the questions have become much more focused on career training and whether or not now is a good time to continue complete or enhance their education. Here are the top three questions and answers:

Q. I am employed professionally and have a degree. There are rumors of cut-backs should I continue my education? A. When thinking about going back to school, you need to evaluate your current profession, where you want to be in 5-10 years and whether or not you can afford to go back to school. While there is generally a grain of truth to rumors, I would not quit my job and go back to school full-time. However, at the same time I would be thinking of recession proofing my career. Do some research on what career advancements are available if you get a graduate degree, as well as part-time education opportunities. Lets say that you are a nurse, there are a number of nursing online education areas that you can investigate.

Q. I recently became a victim of a layoff, I am considering changing my career but I dont know what to take? Take a step backwards, think what appeals to you. Look into educational facilities, both online and as well night classes or weekend classes. Do a bit of research into what prospects are out there in the world for those skills. Are they really marketable? Consider going to do some online research into salaries and requirements for those careers. A very good source of information for this is Monster.com, jobboom, as well as local employment agencies websites.

Q. I took the jump and decided to go back to school. How do I decide what type of study I should take? Should I go back full-time, part-time. First of all, remember that you have to live. Keep in mind that you do have obligations to meet. I am sure that your landlord may have some issue if you tell him that you quit your job and are going to become a student full time! If you can afford to do so, obviously, full time study will get you through the program faster. However, we all do not have that luxury. Night classes can stress your life with rushing home from work to rush out to school. Online education offers the ability to at least relax in your own home while you complete your studies. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

With the onset of recession fast becoming a reality, it is wise to remember that layoffs and job loss will happen. Employers are seeking the best person, with the best education for the dollar. They now have the ability to pick and choose so if nothing else, remember that a commitment to bettering yourself through education does at very least indicate an ability to commit to a prospective employer. - 23802

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment