Steve Farzam, COO @ Shore Hotel On It's Never Too Late for School

Once people reach a certain age, they may often feel like it’s too late for them to go back to school to complete their degree or further their education. Many colleges and training programs, however, are now offering programs that are geared towards working adults. Despite this, though, many people still have fears about returning to school.

The top three fears most adults have about returning to school are related to the fear of not fitting in with younger students, the cost of going back to school, and the time commitment spent going to classes and completing school work on top of their work schedule.

Not fitting in
A growing number of college classrooms are inhabited by middle-aged adults. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2001, almost 3 million adults aged 35 years or older were enrolled in college. More than 40 percent of students enrolled in college were 25 years or older per the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, many classes today are taught online, so you may not even need to interact with your classmates in person.

High costs
Yes, education is expensive, but it will be costly at any point in your life, no matter your age. School is an investment and should be viewed from a long-term perspective; the money that you invest in yourself will have a much larger payout. It’s also important to be aware of employer benefits. Depending on the industry you work in and the company you work with, employers will sometimes offer a Tuition Assistance program that can help offset some of the costs of going back to school. Additionally, there are many scholarships available to apply towards your tuition. For example, Shore Hotel offers a yearly scholarship, the Shore Hotel Sustainability Scholarship Award.

Time Management
The thought of trying to maintain school work in addition to a regular workload and social lives can be overwhelming for some people. It is not impossible though. Yes, some leisure time may be sacrificed, but it’s not forever. If you set your goals and commit to them, you can achieve them. As mentioned previously, there are now many online programs that are perfect for working adults. Many of the programs offered are flexible, so you can work around your schedule, completing course requirements at home or from your office.

I decided to go back to school because it was my lifelong dream to pursue my Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and gain more knowledge of the legal system. Doing so allowed me to be more compliant with the laws of business and ensure I am providing a good work environment. Of course, I had some doubts and fears about going back to school. I was unsure how my time management would pan out, the effect my schooling and work life would have on my family, and how it would impact my social life. I had excellent peer support though, which was a huge help in achieving this goal. I utilized Microsoft Outlook and heavily relied on my calendar to carve out a reasonable amount of time to ensure I was creating a good work-life balance. I made sure I was consistently communicating with my professors and spaced out my homework in between classes and exams.

If you have not completed your degree or wish you had learned a vital skill or two to help further your career path, it is not too late for you.

Steve Farzam is the COO of the Shore Hotel. To learn more about Steve, visit his website stevefarzam.com.