Things to Consider if You Are Having Second Thoughts About College
Most people feel that the only way to success and happiness is by getting a college education. One of the reasons why so many people are having second thoughts about college is due to inadequate courses. Even some educators feel that the courses offered do not prepare people for the fields that they would be entering or even life in general.
Too often courses are studied that have little or nor relationship to what the student will be doing after he or she graduated. Many educators feel that more emphasis should be placed on how to learn rather than on learning facts that will never be used. The problem is that many teachers are unprepared for this challenge. Also what makes the matter even more complex is that the average teacher is more and more unable to give students the personal attention that they need. The classes are usually too large.
Another problem is that instead of more teachers and better facilities being available the situation is reversing. The cost of operating colleges continues to rise, however most people’s income does not. Which is why the cost of attending college continues to increase. There are of course some colleges that do not have financial difficulties, but these schools are usually even harder to get into, because of this. Also the main focus of college is no longer just to get an education. A large majority of students attend college just to enjoy the college life of partying, drinking, and other wasteful activities. Most of them do not even know wheat they want to major in, which is both a waste of time and money.
What about job opportunities?
This is usually the main reason people attend college, to prepare themselves for better employment. Unfourtunely it is just as hard to find a job after college as it is before college. Placement counselors at several colleges report a sharp drop in hiring of graduates by companies. Even those who have higher degrees are having trouble. A lot of companies are cutting back on their MBA hiring for the first time in years. Companies also feel that if a person is over-qualified for a job they may become bored with the position so they choose not to hire them. There are also an increasing number of jobs that do not require a college education in order to get paid well. Sometime just by acquiring a trade you can be used in many places. Some even get on the job training, which enables them to advance quickly within a company.
If you are not sure what you want to do after you graduate high school, why not take a year or two off to think about it. It does not make sense to spend money on college if you are not even sure what field you plan on majoring in. Try getting a part time job in a field that may be of interest to you. Of course when you are just starting out you may not make that much money, but it will give you the opportunity to see if this is the career for you. Either way you will get some work experience.
The overall value of education is widely recognized. Therefore, while college may have benefits, clearly it is not a panacea. Nor is it the only option. Of course there is no form of schooling including college or any other supplementary education that provides a guarantee of success. Is it worth the cost? Many parents think that it is. In school, children get a broad education in many fields of knowledge. No matter what you end up deciding to do, make sure you discuss your options with your parents or guardians. It has been proven that those who discuss this matter with their family, end up making a better decision. If you are unsure it may prove very helpful to get someone’s opinion. Especially someone who knows you, and who loves you. Make sure to weigh your choices wisely, before you make any decision.
