Introduction

With the economic downturn, many individuals are turning to universities to retool their skills and abilities to become more attractive to employers. With roughly 15 million people unemployed, people are looking for new job strategies. According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 90 million individuals participate in some form of adult education each year, including training and basic education offered outside of traditional higher education. Yet, non-traditional students make up the fastest population of those returning to school. In fact, 40% of American college students (almost 6 million people) are 25 years of age or older. This article examines practical and proven strategies to better assist working women in their transition to higher education.

Economic Plight

Economic troubles make career planning more difficult. Since November 2009, America has lost 7.2 million jobs, with the unemployment rate topping 10%. Companies have shed 11,000 workers from their payroll. State agencies have had to lay off or furlough workers. Millions of Americans are now waiting longer for food stamps, unemployment checks, and disability payments. Margaret Simms of the Urban Institute notes, “The length of the recession clearly has put a strain on the resources that states bring to bear.” Therefore, our lives continue to unravel as things we depend on disintegrate before our eyes.

Today’s women comprise more than half of the labor force. According to the U.S. Labor Bureau, mothers with older children (6 to 17 years of age) are more likely to participate in the labor force than mothers with younger children (under 6 years of age). Furthermore, unmarried mothers have higher participation rates than married mothers.

The Right Strategy

Working mothers need practical, proven methods if they are to make a successful transition to college life. Yet, many working women find various obstacles that prevent them from reaching their dreams. Noriko Iwanaga Chapman, a Japan native, is a working professional with over 16 years’ experience in the automobile industry. As a young, single-parent Baby Boomer, Chapman understands the demands of caring for elderly parents and raising a young family.

Chapman was preparing to enter graduate school when he encountered a severe obstacle. Chapman notes, “In 2009, when being diagnosed with cancer, I was devastated by the life-threatening disease and unknown future. A year later, I have survived and gained my health back for a second chance of my life.” Overcoming the health challenge, she was able to start graduate school at Lincoln Memorial University while balancing work and family life.

Her first book, Second Chance, fully utilizes Chapman’s “can do” attitude to assist others in her community. Likewise, the right strategies can help encourage a working mother who is straddling the fence when considering returning to school. Below are some proven strategies for working mothers:

- Check out the latest college scholarship books at your library, such as

Peterson’s Scholarship.

- Remove or limit negative people from influencing your personal decisions related to your goals.

- Research non-traditional programs, such as weekend formats and online degree programs that provide maximum flexibility. Check out John Bear’s books, such as Bears Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning.

- Build a positive support group that can assist you with the demanding lifestyle of returning to school with children.

- Get a good grasp on how you will finance your education by talking with financial aid officers, applying for grants and scholarships, or borrowing the money from non-traditional sources, such as local community groups in your area.

- Join a group that shares your values and beliefs in order to build your network.

- Seek to find a mentor who has returned to school from the workforce.

- Write positive affirmations regularly to create a positive environment.

- Allow your children to share in the excitement of you returning to school.

- Be persistent and patient.

Conclusion

Many women recognize the need to retool their skills during this economic crisis, which threatens to dash the hopes of millions searching for the American Dream. With such a weak job growth outlook, many working adults are looking to sharpen their skills in order to be more competitive. Women comprise a large share of the labor force and an increasing proportion of those who are returning universities and colleges. Yet, the hectic lifestyles of most working mothers stop them from pursuing this career strategy. Going back to school can provide the mechanism to assist them in improving the quality of their lives. Therefore, taking the right steps in this transition is critical for working mothers so they can be successful.

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About the Author:
Dr. Daryl Green provides motivation, guidance, and training for leaders at critical ages and stages of their development. For more information, visit Dr. Green at www.darylgreen.org

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