I will be absolutely honest and confess here that I don’t know if getting my undergraduate (B.A.) degree has actually increased my earning power and potential or not. I live in a college city with a rather tight job market and for the work I do, having that degree might help a bit, but I still don’t make a comfortable living wage without doing freelance work in addition to more conventional type work. BUT, I do think that finishing my college degree as a single parent was important for my family’s stability and my own self esteem.
I am somewhat of an anomaly in that while education is extremely important to me, I don’t think that traditional higher education (college) is absolutely imperative for a happy, productive and successful life. I do think that single parents often need to embrace higher education, however, as a means to getting the skills, confidence, and credentials to care for a family on our own.
There is no getting around the fact that it can be a tough row to hoe! Juggling family life, work, and school—in addition to any other responsibilities and activities can be amazingly difficult, but whether you are taking some continuing education courses, going back to college or entering a trade training program—it really can be a road to a better life and set an example of self sufficiency for our children. It is important not to let the logistics sway you away from giving it a try, or let others tell you that it is just too much to manage. So many single parents DO manage it, and expand their resources and self worth in the process. I think it helps to keep one’s mind on the big picture and not try to force or rush things—higher education is never a waste, we just have to figure out how to make it a priority with all of the other things we have to manage as single parents.
Also: Single Parents and College: Finances
Single Moms Going Back to School–Part One