10 reasons to finish your degree

Life can often get in the way, forcing you to take a break from study. Finding it within yourself to jump back in can be hard.

On the flip side, you might be halfway through your degree, and feel like there’s still such a long way ahead of you. Maybe you’re not one of those people who springs out of bed every morning super motivated and ready to take on the world. Perhaps you’re still a bit tired from your kid's latest tantrum, you simply ate a big lunch, or you just don’t feel like it right now. These are all perfectly normal feelings everyone experiences.

Before you get into too deep a slump, take some time to remind yourself why gaining a degree is an incredibly smart move.

10 reasons why you should restart or finish off your degree:

1. It gives you a better chance

While companies are starting to ditch degree requirements for certain roles, most professionals still require a bachelor degree as a minimum qualification. Having pre-existing knowledge within your profession is important, because you can't assume that everything can be learned on the job anymore, and managers rarely have time to properly mentor staff.

2. You gain the ability to shift

People with some form of education have more confidence to enter, change and adapt to new career fields. They also have larger networks, which makes it easier for them to hear about future job opportunities or land on their feet in times of need. 

3. You become your best self

Education enhances your natural talents. For example, if you're a born leader, you probably already have your communication skills down, but a Bachelors of Business will arm you with the strategies and techniques you need to succeed in a management position. 

4. You'll earn more money

As they say, 'the more you learn, the more you earn'. A university degree makes you qualified for higher paying roles. People who are financially secure also tend to have a stronger sense of self-accomplishment. 

5. Your life will be healthier

It's true that educated people have higher salaries in general, but studies show that they also tend to lead healthier lifestyles and live longer.

6. It creates a safety net

Unemployment periods between jobs and overall unemployment rates are lower if you have a degree.

7. You can lead by example

Education sets a good example for your family and children, encouraging them to also succeed in life. Placing value on your education motivates others to pursue excellence.

8. It gives you an edge

Education allows you to be more competitive in filling job requirements, as the changing employment market won’t get any easier.

9. You'll enjoy a better work-life balance

The world is changing and there are more remote working opportunities than ever before. This is great for those who want to cut down on their commute and spend more time with family and friends. However, not everyone is lucky enough to work in an industry that can accommodate this kind of flexibility. Most remote working opportunities are available to those in white-collar professions where an undergraduate qualification is necessary. Earning a degree will give you better access to these positions.

10. You will enrich your life

And finally, it may sound obvious, but it’s oh-so-true—education is the key to happiness, success, and opportunities. Learning is for life.

You can never be too educated, and here’s the secret to success—strive to conquer something new. Regardless of whether that’s one subject per study term or one short course a year, you are still enabling yourself to move forward, stay relevant and invest in you.

If life gets in the way, or circumstances change, adjust your study load. Don’t put it off all together.