Education is a life-long experience. Employers seek applicants with updated skills who can adapt to new technology, new management styles, and a new way of doing business. You have many options to increase your skills through education and training, including workshops sponsored by your employer, short-term courses offered in your community, and programs at colleges or universities that lead to a degree, certificate, or other credentials.

What is your main reason for attaining a higher education?

Whatever your reason for seeking a higher education, know it and own it. Be proud of your new venture. Revisit your list of reasons often to motivate yourself through times of self-doubt. Going back to school — especially if you are working full time, part time, or raising a family — requires you to balance all your roles. You are the key to making this balancing act work. Develop a sense of well-being through good habits, good health, a positive self-image, and a feeling of control. Know what you have control of and realize many things are out of your control. Below are some tips to help you stay balanced as you work toward attaining your goals.

• Be realistic — Perfection is neither attainable nor required for success. Strive for excellence instead.

• Don't expect too much of yourself — You do not have to be the best in every or any aspect of your life.

• Set short-term goals — They are less overwhelming than long-term goals.

• Don't compare yourself with others — You and your life are unique. No one has the same set of circumstances in their life as you do.

• Expect to have an adjustment period — It's normal.

• Pay attention to signs that you are wearing down — Act on them quickly. When you feel overwhelmed, take time out to reevaluate, regroup, and reenergize, then get back in the game.

• Ask for and accept help and support — You need not travel this road alone.

• Keep your sense of humor — Laughter is therapeutic and energizing.

• Don't push too hard — Burnout, illness, and losing interest may be the result.

• Don't apologize for what you don't get done — Praise yourself for your accomplishments, one at a time.

• Believe in yourself — You can do it!

Home  |  Career Management  |  Self-Assessment  |  Career Exploration
Education & Training  |  Job Search  |  Products & Services  |  Events
Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
 

© 2008 North Carolina Career Resource Network