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You feel like you need a change, but you’re not sure what to do next. Maybe you’ve put your dreams on hold and you’re wondering if you’ll ever have the chance to pursue them. Or, maybe you’ve tried college before and it didn’t work out.

Now what?

No matter where you are in your career, don’t give up on the possibility that you could find a rewarding career you love. Here are some things to think about as you consider your next steps:

“I’m not sure if college is the right path for me.”

Earning a college degree is one of the most important investments you can make in your future. Not only do you increase your opportunities for employment, you also boost your lifetime earning potential.

In fact, a study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce concluded that bachelor’s degree holders earn 84 percent more than those with a high school diploma.

“I wanted to change careers and get a college degree, but I was not sure if that was possible at my age and with three kids,” said Herzing-Toledo graduate Trisha Warner. “I was a certified nursing assistant for years and wanted to have a degree to open up more options for me. I enrolled in the surgical technology program, and it was the best decision I have ever made for my family and for my future.”

“I feel like I’m stuck in my career.”

Maybe you have a degree, but you’re not convinced that you’re in the right industry or on the right career path. Completing your undergraduate degree or advancing your degree can open the door to new opportunities within your organization, or help you switch careers entirely.

Earning a degree in information technology helped Ronald Crayon make the jump from a dead-end telemarketing job to a high-tech career at one of the world’s leading health IT companies.

"I was sick and tired of my job,” he says. “I was working long hours for low pay. I just felt it was time to do something."

“Completing my bachelor’s degree helped me become well-rounded IT professional. I feel that now I have the skills and the knowledge to really make a difference.”

For Stephanie Dennis, earning her MBA was the key to a career-changing promotion. It wasn’t easy going back to school while raising two kids and working full-time, but she made it work. “I have no doubt that my degree will support my long-term career success,” she says.

“I don’t have time to go back to school.”

Going back to school may not be easy, but it’s a decision that will pay dividends in your future. Many universities today offer online courses, making it easier for busy students – many of whom have families or careers to think about – to fit education into their lives.

“Never doubt that you can do it, because you can!” says Rasheta Tadesse, who earned her ASN from Herzing-Akron this year. “I worked a 40+ hour job and completed this program. It will not be easy, but as long as you keep moving forward and take it day by day, you will be fine!”

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a change, don’t overlook the importance of your education. Finding the right school that can offer you the flexibility and support you need is key to your success.