More than one in five college students (22% of undergraduates) are parents, according to data obtained by the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. Around 1.1 million of the 3.8 million parents at university are fathers, and most of them (62%) of these are married.
Going back to college can be a big sacrifice for dads — whether single or married — since it can be a struggle to fulfill work, school, and parenting obligations. If you are thinking of furthering your education, what benefits can both you and your kids receive?
Moreover, how can you obtain your degree or postgraduate degree in a more time-effective manner?
A Big Salary Difference
A student graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business in 2019 can start off earning $57,133 in their first year, compared to the $84,580 earned by a graduate with an MBA.
This amounts to a $27,500 yearly difference. This sizable gap is not limited to business fields. It can also be found in a plethora of other specialties — including computer science and other technological fields.
An MBA may take ‘blood, sweat and tears,’ but the results can mean over double the earnings. This will enable you and your children to lead a more comfortable lifestyle and to have additional options in terms of education and extra-curricular activities.
A Short but Fruitful Time Investment
As stated above, just one year can make a big difference in terms of the salary you take home.
However, not all postgraduate study involves an MBA. Some dads may wish to pursue a doctorate, for instance, which on average can take nearly six years, as per federal statistics.
These are different times, though, and the possibilities of online learning have only been heightened during the current situation.
Even before the outbreak, some universities were already offering 1 year online doctoral programs in a bevy of subject areas — including management, healthcare, finance, business administration, counseling, and psychology.
This has made post-grad study a more fruitful and interesting option for parents holding down full-time or part-time jobs while raising younger kids.
The Importance of Pursuing Happiness
When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, famed Beatles singer and composer, John Lennon, answered, “Happy.”
Without a doubt, this is the wish that many dads have for their children. A study published in the journal Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences has shown that further study can lead to a more fulfilling and enriching life.
Postgraduate studies can further happiness to an even greater extent if it involves doing something you love. A 2010 study by T. Judge showed that the old adage is true: authentic engagement with your job is only possible if you love what you do.
Money alone cannot buy you happiness.
For many single fathers and those with partners, further study is a necessary stepping stone to a better salary and a more fulfilling life.
In the past, the length of degrees and the need to attend class in person meant that many dreams were placed on the back burner and many lives were half-lived.
Today, it is possible to obtain a coveted online phd in health science, in a much shorter timeframe.
This can be considered a fast track to a better livelihood and a happier, more authentic, and passion-filled life.