This year’s job market has been bleak, to say the least. Layoffs hit the highest level in 14 years; job openings are barely budging; and quits figures are plummeting. It’s no wonder people feel stuck and discouraged—especially as many candidates have been on the job hunt for a year.
But some mid-career professionals are working with the cards they’ve been dealt by going back to school. Many are turning to data analytics, cybersecurity, AI-focused courses, health care, MBA programs, or trade certifications for an “immediate impact on their careers,” Metaintro CEO Lacey Kaelani told Fortune.
But while grad school can certainly offer the opportunity to level-up your career once you’ve completed a program, it comes with financial and personal sacrifices, like time. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one year of grad school, on average, costs about $43,000 in tuition. That’s nearly 70% of the average salary in the U.S.
It’s a stop gap, hoping for better times in the future. I did it when I had a physical disability no one could explain, so I couldn’t get disability coverage much less any treatment. I ate some loans instead of living on the street or with abusive family. It sucked, but that’s the US for you - if you’re not making someone money, you’re welcome to just go die.
Just when I thought I had read thee most dystopian shit. Here you go staving off homelessness with an unforgivable loan to an educational institution masquerading as a homeless shelter/bank. A shocking and appalling, yet all to common tale. Im hoping you have a positive outcome.
Thank you so much! This was over two decades ago. Everything turned out pretty a great. The abusive parent is dead, I have a wonderful partner, and we’re parents to a big family of furry children. I do still have a six figure student loan, but it’s pretty close to magically going away. Feels good!
P.s. I can’t believe I can say “over two decades ago” and for that time to be when I was an adult. Fuck, I got old!