Should I Do More School?

Should I do more school?

We often see the purpose of school as preparing us for a particular job. Yet good education should also prepare you with other life skills, like engaging honestly and graciously with people with whom we disagree, participating in our church and neighborhood, or even being more financially competent. School is the most straightforward way to get this kind of education, but it's not the only way nor even always the best way. We can also learn these skills through family members and friends, through experience, or by taking classes outside of school.

Before deciding whether to do more school, you should measure the cost (Luke 14:28). When we think of cost, we usually consider financial cost, especially with the growing cost of university and the odds of getting a certain job or salary. Yet other costs include time and changing relationships, and further study can change you and the direction you might go. On the other hand, there are also potential costs from not doing more schooling, such as loss of experience, relationships, independence, and skills.

Many see university as a time of being exposed to new ideas and people from different backgrounds. It is an opportunity to develop lifelong friendships and grow in independence within a fairly structured environment. Yet there are creative ways of obtaining these things outside of university too, such as participating in the life of the church, being invited to participate in family finances, or volunteering in your neighborhood. It is wise not to take on unnecessary debt, especially as this can hinder how and where you might be able to serve God in the future. If you’re not sure if university is a good fit, taking a year to try something else can be helpful. It can help you recognize what you like and better know what you might gain or lose from university.

For those wondering about graduate school, there’s a real possibility that you might not get a job in academia or in your chosen field. Knowing this, is the program still worth investing your time, energy, and money in? As for a professional degree, the likelihood of a job is much higher, so it's often seen as a better financial investment. In either case, it’s helpful to consult with people in the field and in the program to be aware of potential challenges.

It is a gift to be able to expand our understanding of ourselves and the world, as well as to learn skills and knowledge that help us better serve God and others. As you discern how best to do that, I encourage you to have conversations with those who know you and care about you.