Your Employer and Going Back to School

Going to school does not mean going out of work. Education can coexist with your job provided you make the right decisions and communicate with your employer. The following are five things to discuss with your employer when you decide you want to go back to school:

Your changing schedule.

If you are attending a campus-based program while trying to juggle your full-time job, chances are that you are attending evening classes. If you are attending a distance learning program, class is much more flexible. Let your employer know, regardless, that there will be changes to your schedule because of your education-you might not be available to work overtime several nights because of class.

Your employer's support.

Make sure your employer is on your side and supporting your educational goals. Employers are usually understanding of distance learners working on their assignments during lunch and breaks, provided they are aware of the student's educational goals.

Your education's financial expenditure.

Be open with your employer about having to pay through your degree. Many employers will offer financial assistance and potentially completely cover the costs of your degree if it pertains to your current occupation. Some part-time paying jobs even have financial assistance-for example, Starbucks offers qualifying employees $1,000/year for school.

Use work projects as school projects.

You can potentially save yourself a lot of time if you can turn in some of your work projects as school projects. Make sure your employer is aware of this. This allows you to get your homework done during the day while still attending to the demands of your career.

Assure your employer your work and school commitments are equal.

Make sure your employee knows you will value your job as much as your education and you plan on sticking around. Employers sometimes question whether an employee will remain with them or not based on advancement.