I feel a bit uneasy about my decision to step back from my job to attend college full time. Not many people seem to support my choice to leave a retail management position and pursue my education. It sometimes feels like my decision is more of an inconvenience for others. At 29, I’ve been struggling with feelings of regret for not starting college sooner and I can’t help but feel a bit old. I just couldn’t handle retail any longer and was eager for a path that could lead to a better life. Now that I’m back in school, studying accounting full time, I absolutely love it! It’s a challenging workload, but I’m genuinely excited about what the future holds. Some people have said they managed to work full-time while going to school, but I honestly don’t think I could mentally juggle both. With lots of homework and studying, I’ve been trying to limit my job to around 20 hours a week. Have any of you gone through a similar experience? I could really use some encouragement right now.
I feel like I’m doing something wrong by stepping back from work to go to college full time
First of all, congratulations on going back to school! That’s a huge step and it’s fantastic to hear that you’re excited about your future. It’s completely understandable to feel a bit of pressure from others who may not fully grasp your situation or the decision you’ve made. Remember, everyone’s journey is different, and what works for one person may not be right for another.
Taking the leap to focus on your education full-time, especially in an area that interests you like accounting, is a courageous choice. You’re prioritizing your long-term well-being and career satisfaction over the immediate comfort of a steady job, and that’s commendable. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make changes that lead to a better life.
As for the support (or lack thereof) from those around you, try to focus on the positive aspects of your decision and the excitement you feel about your studies. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth—whether that’s classmates, mentors, or friends. You’re not alone in feeling pressure; many returning students have faced similar judgments.
Balancing work and school can be challenging, and it’s okay to recognize your limits. Everyone has different capacities for handling stress, and taking care of your mental health is essential. It’s admirable that you’re cutting back on work hours to focus on your studies. Trust yourself to find the right balance, and don’t forget to celebrate the milestones you accomplish along the way. You’ve got this!