In today’s world there is an unspoken expectation that everyone will go to university. Unfortunately, for some this is not the best option, so they end up stuck in a place they do not want to be. To stop this from happening to you, read over these six cons of moving on to further education, and decide whether they outweigh the advantages for you. Remember to add your own cons to the list, or in the comments section.

Unnecessary
Moving on to further education just isn’t necessary. It is a common myth that people should keep learning until they graduate, but there are many millionaires e.g. Alan Sugar, Theo Paphitis, and possibly billionaires, with no degree to their name. Yet they are worth hundreds of millions of pounds, translating into at least a billion dollars. You don’t need a degree to earn enough to live a comfortable lifestyle, so don’t force yourself into further education just because people expect you to go that route.

Expensive
As of 2009, British students can expect approximately £25,000 ($50,000) worth of debt when they graduate, and this number will increase every year. In the past, degrees were less common, so graduates really stood out in the workforce, but now they are so common that you need much more in addition to your degree. There is no doubt that further education can be expensive, so is it still worth it? Before you answer, “Yes” consider the next point.

Unemployed graduates
The recession in 2008 showed the world’s students that a degree does not guarantee a job. Many students found themselves on the dole, struggling to find a job in a highly saturated market. Suddenly employers did not place a lot of value in degrees. By the time you read this the recession may be a distant memory, but keep in mind that degrees do not guarantee you a job at the end of it.

Your schedule
For older students, and young ones with a lot on their shoulders, remember that you will have to balance your student workload with your everyday one. This isn’t just a matter of pencilling in seminars and lectures between doing housework, spending time with family, lovers, friends, and your current employment. You also need private study outside of the lecture halls and seminar rooms or you’ll find yourself quickly falling behind. Can you fit approx twenty hours private study into your schedule?

Relevant work experience
Maybe work experience would be a better alternative for you. Degrees are so common you need to stand out in other areas like volunteering, languages spoken, and, most importantly, work experience. The best degree in the country may not trump a lower class degree with relevant work experience and an all round candidate.