Going Back To School At 30: Pros And Cons

You’ve hit the milestone of your thirtieth birthday and life is good—but maybe not as good as it could be.

Gone is the footloose attitude that characterized your twenties, and in its place are the ever-present joys and stresses of work and family responsibilities. The future you see stretching out ahead of you has much to offer, but you wonder if it will fulfill you over the long term. If you find yourself contemplating whether or not your current level of education and professional skills will allow you to truly achieve your goals and dreams in the decades to come, you’re certainly not alone.

While the prospect of returning to school in your thirties (or beyond) can be a daunting one, it’s worth keeping in mind that more than 400,000 mature students over the age of thirty overcome the obstacles to attaining post-secondary education in Canada every single year. There’s no doubt that going back to school in the third decade of life isn’t the same as enrolling just out of high school, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be equally (if not more) rewarding. At Robertson College, we believe it is never too late to pursue a potentially life-changing credential and we’ve intentionally designed our diploma programs with flexible learning options to accommodate the needs of all learners.

Considering enrolling in a post-secondary education program in your thirties? After reading the information below, we encourage you to contact one of our highly qualified and supportive Student Advisors.

Why It’s Worth Going Back To School At 30

With age come confidence, experience, and focus—all qualities that can redefine the post-secondary experience for mature learners seeking to expand their personal and professional horizons. Whether you hope to further your advancement opportunities at your current job, start a new career entirely, or nurture your personal skills and passions, there’s no better time to do it than in your thirties.

Here are four fundamental reasons why:

Career Advancement And Increased Salary

Let’s start with the facts. In Canada, higher levels of education are associated with higher median earnings. A well-paying job has the potential to improve your and your family’s quality of life, and investing money, time, and energy in a post-secondary credential now could result in numerous professional, personal, and financial benefits over time.

If you feel that you are continually overlooked for promotions or are frustratingly aware that you lack the specific skills or qualifications necessary to take the next step forward on your chosen career path, furthering your education could be the key to breaking down professional barriers and unlocking new opportunities. Despite the added pressures that post-secondary coursework may impose in the workplace (e.g. requests for schedule changes, reduced availability/work hours), most employers value the motivation and tenacity displayed by individuals actively seeking to upgrade their professional knowledge and skills (known as upskilling).

In some cases, mature students are able to access tuition reimbursements through their employers and/or take on new responsibilities, accompanied by a salary increase, while attending post-secondary classes or immediately upon graduation. Could this be the case for you? Consider having an open conversation with your employer to share your educational ambitions and learn more.

Career Change

Switching careers may have been frowned upon in your grandparents’ generation, but today it’s increasingly common in Canada and many employers recognize the tremendous value that mature individuals with a diverse work background can bring to a new professional role. If you feel dissatisfied with your current job, undervalued, or simply ready for something new, now could be the ideal moment to pivot your career and start fresh.

Many students who choose to enroll in a post-secondary program in their thirties do so with a greater awareness of their professional interests, strengths, and goals than they may have had at a younger age. If you feel that your life experience has given you a more mature perspective on your career goals, consider taking the next step and applying for a program that has the potential to truly prepare you for your dream job.

Personal Growth

Academic growth and personal development are inextricably connected for many mature students. In addition to professional growth and financial benefits, earning a post-secondary credential often represents the attainment of a long-held goal or the realization of a personal dream.

Proving to yourself that you have what it takes to overcome obstacles and put in the hard work required to earn a diploma, degree, or other post-secondary certificate can be incredibly empowering. In addition to building tangible, on-the-job skills, the experience can expand your personal and professional network, increase your self-confidence, and improve your mental health and outlook on life overall.

Job Security

Earning a relevant post-secondary certification in your thirties can increase your value to your current/future employer and enhance your job security. Besides bolstering your qualifications and providing you with specialized skills, it demonstrates self-motivation and a willingness to learn that distinguishes you from the pack. Certain industry-recognized certifications may also provide greater job security through membership in a professional guild or union.

Challenges Of School At 30

Despite its many potential benefits, going back to school as a mature student isn’t a walk in the park and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the prospect. At Robertson College, we are well aware of the unique challenges that students in their thirties may face, which often include the following:

Balancing Work, School, Family

Full-time or part-time work. A partner and/or children. A car and mortgage. All of these, and more, are responsibilities that students in their thirties may be actively juggling. If demands on your time already make your life feel incredibly full, taking on post-secondary coursework may seem unrealistic.

While graduating from a post-secondary program as a mature student requires determination, and in all likelihood, some sacrifices along the way, it’s far from impossible. With proper planning, many mature students are able to both thrive in life and successfully earn a diploma or degree.

Speak with a Student Advisor to learn more about the realities of becoming a student in your thirties or a mom going back to school and the support and flexible learning options available through Robertson College. 

Financial Concerns

It’s natural to worry about the financial strain that returning to school in your thirties may place on you and your family members. That being said, it’s also essential to keep in mind that post-secondary education represents an investment in your future well-being and financial security.

At Robertson College, we are committed to working closely with prospective students to explore financial aid options including government grants, student loans, bank or credit union financing, flexible payment options, and more. Contact one of our knowledgeable and supportive Student Advisors to learn more.

Fear Of Being Older Than Other Students

While it’s true that the majority of students at Robertson College are younger than thirty, our programs cater to a diverse population of learners and individuals in their thirties (or older) often have the opportunity to connect with other mature students within their cohort. That being said, it’s also important to remember that networking and establishing meaningful relationships with peers and colleagues of all ages and backgrounds is vital to professional growth and experience in every industry.

Many learners in their thirties also discover that their educational priorities have shifted with age. Often, they are less interested in the social aspects of post-secondary education (such as partying) and more focused on developing professional relationships. This may be particularly true in online learning programs, which adult learners often seek out intentionally for a variety of reasons.

Tips For Success As An Adult Learner

From family obligations to study habits, many aspects of higher education are fundamentally different for adult learners than for younger students. As you contemplate a return to school in your thirties, keep the following tips in mind:

Time Management Strategies

In your late teens or early twenties, you may have felt like you had all the time in the world, but in your thirties, that’s probably not the case. Excellent time management will be vital to your success as a student and allow you to find a healthy balance between your studies and other life responsibilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Create a study schedule and stick to it.
• During designated study periods, ensure that you have a dedicated space where you can focus and be productive.
• Seek out a flexible program (e.g. part-time, online, and/or hybrid format) that will allow you to learn at your own pace and fit your studies into the framework that makes the most sense for you and your family.

Build A Support System

You may be the one going back to school, but those around you can help lighten the load as you work toward your goal. From spouses and life partners to friends and colleagues, your support network can truly be the glue that holds life together until you graduate.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need and accept help as it is offered.
• Remember that a post-secondary credential will benefit your whole family. This is a team effort!
• Consider what additional support you may need in order to succeed in your studies (e.g. childcare, reduced work hours, tutoring, grocery delivery, etc.).

Maximize Learning Resources

If it’s been a while since you were in a formal learning environment, don’t stress. There are plenty of learning resources available to students in every university or college program.

Key Takeaways:

• Seek out formal and informal opportunities for mentorship.
• Access online study guides and learning groups.
• Ask your Instructors or Student Advisors about learning resources that may benefit you as a mature student.

Choose The Right Program

Choosing the right program is fundamental to your success as a student in your thirties. Not all programs are created equally, even for the attainment of the same credential, so doing thorough research is imperative.

Key Takeaways:

• Look for a program with part-time and/or flexible learning options (e.g. online, hybrid) that you can tailor to the demands of your schedule.
• Consider the total length of the program from start to finish as well as any mandatory full-time portions, such as a practicum.
• Explore student support options (e.g. on-campus childcare, tutoring, career counselling).

Seeking streamlined, flexible courses in health, technology, community services, or business administration in Winnipeg, Calgary, or Edmonton? Explore our diploma programs at Robertson College for further information!

Find The Right Program For You

At Robertson College in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Edmonton, all of our diploma programs are designed to equip students with in-demand professional skills within approximately one year or less (program lengths range from 5-19 months). With flexible learning formats available including online and hybrid options as well as comprehensive student support, we’re a natural fit for mature students seeking a streamlined and supportive post-secondary experience.

Ready to learn more about the admission process for the program of your choice? Contact one of our Student Advisors today. We look forward to hearing from you!