Posted On: March 1, 2010

In today’s economy, layoffs have been increasingly more frequent. The U.S. has lost more than five million jobs in just the past three years alone. Smaller owned businesses have gone under while larger companies have had to cut expenses by greatly reducing their staff numbers. Though individuals who have been in their line of work for a long time have taken on years of experience, they often find themselves struggling to get re-hired after they have lost their jobs. Even if they’ve had formal training in the field, the changes to modern education can make their credentials near obsolete to potential employers. The new line of graduates vying for jobs every year has also made it even more difficult for experienced workers to gain reentry.

As a result, many veterans of the workforce are returning to school in order to increase their chances of employment. The competition can be fierce, but many of them are choosing to embark on a courageous venture in order to make themselves more appealing. While some simply go back to school to gain additional education in the field they are familiar with, others have chosen to take up a new trade altogether. Some industries such as healthcare, HVAC repair and maintenance, or truck driving are still in high demand for new employees. The attraction of getting a fresh start has appealed to many laid-off workers who see it not as a defeat but as a great opportunity to explore better options.

To some it might seem like a bad idea to spend money going back to college when they are already struggling financially, but there are programs that exist to help returning students. The Department of Labor has received 1.7 billion in adult employment services to help train and educate those who trying to rehired. Many government assistance programs offer to pay for returning students while they are enrolled in school. Many of them can collect unemployment benefits and financial aid simultaneously, which can sustain them until they are able to get out there and start that new job.

Community college and online enrollment has increased recently and many of these new students are older adults hoping to bulk up their resume. If the options seem minimal then it’s a great time get out there and create more for yourself. The opportunities are just waiting to be taken advantage of.