Online Classes: Helping Stay-at-home Moms Re-enter the Workforce

According to a recent Gallup Poll, only 54 percent of Americans think high school and college graduates are prepared to enter the workforce. And, if you also consider that the unemployment rate averaged around eight percent during 2012 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we can learn two things: Americans need jobs, and they need to be better prepared for those jobs. Online classes provide a bridge between job preparation and securing employment.

In addition to graduates who aren’t prepared for real-world jobs, many stay-at-home moms have had to re-enter the workforce to help make ends meet in this economically unstable time. Some of these moms have completed their education, but they often fall into the unprepared and/or jobless categories as well. Many moms entering the workforce have not even started or finished their degrees, making them doubly unprepared.

Whatever your educational situation may be, online classes can provide you the opportunity to refresh your job skills or start and finish a degree of your choice.

Online classes are perfect for mothers preparing to re-enter the workforce because they are flexible and reasonably price. You may even qualify for additional government financial aid to cover the cost of most reasonably priced courses. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient for anyone with an internet connection. You have the freedom to work on your coursework on your schedule—when the baby is napping, after the kids are in bed, while you’re waiting for your school carpool.

Even women who are already working a part-time or a full-time job can benefit from online classes. Completing your degree or securing additional education can help you find a higher paying job. You’ll be able to update your skills, which will open the door to additional employment options and make you more competitive in the job market.

Not only do many local colleges and universities offer complete programs and online classes, there are also schools that specialize in online education only, which means there are many options available that will fit your needs.  Some women who have been away from the education scene for a number of years may worry about how they will be able to complete a degree or training program without the help of a professor or invested instructor.  If you’re worried about working on your own, you can easily find classes that implement more one-on-one instruction from your professor. In fact, it can often be easier to interact with your professor in an online setting, where there aren’t other students to distract him.

Online classes are a great tool to help mothers find meaningful and successful jobs in the workforce. If you feel unprepared or under-qualified, you can get the skills you need to be successful by working for an online degree.

Georgiah Cook is a graduate of UCLA, where she often earned credits using online courses. When she is not working, hiking, or surfing, she enjoys writing about online education and financial tips.