Should I study if I already have a job?

If you are already working it might seem like an impractical move to pursue further study, particularly if you work full-time or have family commitments.

It might not seem like it’s worth the hassle trying to balance work and study especially when you don’t have to.

There are, however, many reasons why you should think about studying a qualification that can lead to a better job, a more fulfilling life, or a more secure future.

People stay in their jobs on average for 4 years but that can be less for certain generations, millennials for example tend to change it up every 2.75 years.

While you may be comfortable in your current role at the moment, when other colleagues leave, managers change, or the scope of your work shifts, you may feel differently.

Not only that but the type of work you enjoy, your priorities and what you want to achieve in life might change too!

Vocational qualifications or a university degree can give you flexibility to find a role that suits you (or future you) better. 

Picking the right qualification could also lead to greater opportunities within your current role.

A vocational qualification in business for example could be an awesome way to stick out from the rest of your colleagues next time a promotion opportunity presents itself.

Even if you undertake a qualification that you are interested in but does not necessarily directly relate to your current job, you might be surprised at the skills you will pick up.

Vocational qualifications, while focussing more on the practicalities of the area of study, can greatly enhance your communication and problem-solving skills. These are skill sets that any employer would want!

Technology is changing the world at a rapid pace and your job today may not be there tomorrow.

It can be hard to predict what the jobs of the future might be, however, most predictions show strong growth in industries or jobs that are human-focussed and rely on practical or technical skills.

Having a deep knowledge of how these practical skills should be used gives you an advantage over others that don’t have the practical experience.

One of the reasons stopping many from studying a vocational education is the cost. However, you may be surprised to learn that vocational education is much more affordable than a university degree.

In fact, if you have never attained a higher qualification after high school, you may be eligible for subsidised or even fee free training in a certificate 3 level qualification!

Every state does things differently, so it is important to confirm with your provider first.

Even if you have studied and completed a vocational qualification or higher before you still may be able to have your training subsidised if it is on the federal government’s priority skills list.

Finally, if you don’t qualify for the schemes above depending on your circumstances and what you are studying you may still be eligible for some kind of assistance or government loan.

You can find out more about funding for your state below:

NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | ACT

Another consideration when looking at study while working is how to balance both.

Thankfully, many providers of vocational education have kept up with the times and there are a range of online, on-demand learning resources so you can study at your own pace.

Face-to-face sessions can be planned around your schedule if you work part-time or casually. If you have a full-time, talk to your employer to see if they have study leave available.

Usually, the most difficult thing to work around is if you have a placement of some kind. These on-the-job training days help you develop the skills you need to do the work you are training to do.

Again, flexibility is the key and your provider will work with you and the placement host to create a schedule that works for you.

Have more questions about training or about the courses we offer? Get in touch with one of our training team!