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Q

I can't afford the education for a new career

 
test

Dear Workplace Dilemmas

I’ve been in the same job in maintenance for 10 years and I hate it. It’s nasty; it makes me feel so worthless and I need a change.

My work background includes telemarketing, retail and some medical office experience. I know I need to go back to school to get a job that’s worthwhile but I’m concerned how I can pay for it. I went to a trade school to learn medical billing a couple of years ago but it didn’t really result in a job. I don’t want to spend money on an education again or get stuck with repaying loans I can’t afford. What do you suggest?

I Hate My Job

ADear I Hate My Job

You don’t have to remain stuck in a job that bores and frustrates you. I’m going to suggest that you talk to someone at your local community college to explore your next step. Community colleges like Community College of Philadelphia where I’m the director of Admissions are designed to help students like you get the education you need to qualify for satisfying careers that offer good pay.

You may want to begin by scheduling a visit to your community college’s counseling and advising department. Also most colleges have career services staff to help you explore which careers suit your experiences and interests. You may also want to take a career interest survey to learn about additional career options. These are also available at most community college career services offices (or you can find a few good online interest surveys right here at CareerFocus Café under “Explore Your Interests” in the Search Essentials section).

You do have options when it comes to paying for college. First, community colleges are publicly supported, so tuition is usually much less than it would be at a private trade school or a four-year college or university. But you have financial aid options too.

There are three types of financial aid available to students: grants, scholarships and loans. Grants and scholarships are money you do not have to pay back at all. Like many community colleges, we work with you to help you obtain grants and scholarships; loans are a last resort. Our overall goal is to help you succeed academically and help you graduate with little to no debt. We also offer a payment plan for students.

Like many other community colleges, at Community College of Philadelphia, we offer financial planning sessions in which we explain the steps to applying for financial aid and explain the types of financial aid available to help you pay for college.

If you decide to pursue a career that requires a four-year degree, you’ll be glad to know that nearly all community colleges are accredited. Ask the staff at your local college about their accreditation. Courses and degrees from accredited institutions are more likely to transfer to a university if you choose to obtain a bachelor's degree. In addition, most community colleges have articulation agreements with local universities that ensure the smooth transfer of applicable credits.

If you take that first step and call your local community college, I think you’ll find that there are many resources to help you find a new, more satisfying job.

Luke Kasim
Director of Admissions
Community College of Philadelphia

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I’ve been in the same job in maintenance for 10 years and I hate it. It’s nasty; it makes me feel so worthless and I need a change.

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