What’s Holding You Back? 10 Common Reasons Adults Hesitate to Go Back to School for a Career Change—and Why It’s Worth It
Making the decision to go back to school as an adult can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve been away from the classroom and engaged in a career for a while.
However, if you’re thinking about a career change but finding reasons to hesitate, you’re not alone. Countless adults face similar concerns as you do when considering big life shifts like this. But the truth is, going back to school might be one of the best decisions you can make for your future.
In the following post, we’ve outlined 10 of the most common reasons adults feel unsure about returning to school and why each concern doesn’t have to hold you back.
1. “I’m too old to go back to school.”
It’s a common fear.
Feeling like you’ve missed your chance and there’s no going back. However, when you think about it, you’re never really too old to invest in your future.
Many adults return to school in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s, and they thrive. One of the reasons for this is because your life experience and maturity can give you an advantage, helping you navigate what might be stressful challenges for some while you stay focused on your goals.
The bottom line is that education doesn’t have an expiration date, and the classroom is more diverse than ever.
2. “I don’t have the time to commit to school.”
Life is busy, especially when you’re balancing work, family, and personal commitments. But going back to school doesn’t mean sacrificing everything.
At CTS Canadian Career College, we offer flexible learning options designed for busy adults. Most classes only require a few hours a day, giving you time to deal with your usual responsibilities afterwards. Even better – with accelerated programs, it won’t take you years to complete your studies (most of our programs are completed in 52 weeks or less).
Ultimately, you can work around your schedule with flexible options that make balancing school and life easier than you think.
3. “I can’t afford to go back to school.”
The cost of education can feel like a big barrier, but there are many financial aid options designed to make it more affordable.
At CTS Canadian Career College, our team of Financial Aid advisors helps students navigate available financial aid, like high school scholarships and even in-house financing. You might be surprised by how much support is available to help you achieve your goals without overwhelming financial stress.
Financial aid options are available to make your education affordable, and we’re here to help you secure the funding you need.
4. “I’m worried I won’t succeed in my courses.”
It’s natural to feel nervous about returning to the classroom, but many adult learners find they do better the second time around.
At CTS, we provide small class sizes, hands-on learning, and personalized support from instructors who are dedicated to helping you succeed. You’ll also acquire experience through our placement programs, and our student success team is never out of reach.
Throughout your studies, you’ll receive the support you need to thrive academically, even if it’s been a while since you were last in school.
5. “I’m not sure there will be job opportunities after I graduate.”
One of the best things about career-focused programs is their alignment with current job market demands. That’s one of the reason we offer the programs we do at CTS – because your success after your studies matters to us!
Fields like healthcare, legal services, and skilled trades are booming, and the need for qualified professionals is growing.
Many of our programs also include guaranteed work placements, giving you the experience you need to step into the workforce with confidence.
Job prospects are strong, especially in fields like healthcare, law, and trades—plus, work placements can help you transition seamlessly into your new career.
6. “I don’t know what career to choose.”
Feeling uncertain about which career path to pursue? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Our admissions advisors are here to help you explore your options, assess your strengths, and choose a field that fits your interests and goals.
You’ll have guidance in choosing the right career, ensuring you find a path that aligns with your skills and passions.
7. “I’m not great with technology, and I’m worried about online learning.”
If the thought of learning online feels daunting, don’t worry. Many students start out feeling unsure but quickly adapt.
At CTS, we offer a combination of online and hybrid learning (depending on the program) with plenty of support to help you get comfortable with the technology. Instructors are available to guide you, and there are resources in place to make the transition as smooth as possible.
You’ll have the support you need to succeed in an online environment, with technology that’s accessible and easy to use.
8. “It’s been so long since I was in school—what if I don’t remember how to study?”
It’s natural to feel rusty after being away from school for a while, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly you get back into the swing of things.
Adult learners often find they’re more focused and motivated than ever before. It also helps when most of the people in your classes are in a similar situation as you – other adult learners who have taken the plunge to kickstart their new careers!
Remember that you’re not alone—many adult learners thrive after returning to school, especially with the right support in place.
9. “I have family responsibilities—how can I balance school and home life?”
Balancing family, work, and school is challenging, but it’s not impossible.
With short class durations (usually just five hours a day!) as well as remote options for many programs, you can create a schedule that works for you. Many students successfully balance their responsibilities while pursuing their education, especially with the flexibility offered by career colleges like CTS.
So, yes – you can balance family and education with flexible learning options designed for busy adults.
10. “What if I change careers and regret it?”
Starting over in a new career can feel risky, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
If you’ve been feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current job, a career change might be exactly what you need. With accelerated programs and a direct pathway to employment, many students find that career colleges offer a faster route to job satisfaction and financial stability. All our programs are also designed to help get you ready for careers that pay good wages and are currently in demand!
Taking the leap into a new career can lead to greater job satisfaction, a better work-life balance, and increased financial stability.
Final Thoughts: Your Future Starts Here
Returning to school as an adult can feel intimidating, but with the right support and guidance, it can also be the best decision you make for your future. At CTS Canadian Career College, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the process, from choosing the right program to securing financial aid and succeeding in your courses.
Ready to make a change? Explore our programs and take the first step toward a brighter future today!