Many people view divorce as a fresh start. In fact, after your Toronto divorce lawyer helps you obtain your divorce, you’re free to do anything you’d like—and that can include going back to school. Whether you’re ready for a career change or you simply never finished school to begin with, this might be the perfect time to jump in with both feet.
Timing is Everything
Your Toronto divorce lawyer may be able to give you a fairly concrete timeline for your divorce. You’ll be able to plan accordingly once you have that information. You don’t have to wait until your divorce is over before you hit the books, but you do have to make sure you’ve got the time and other resources to give it your best.
Considerations: Kids, Work and Other Obligations
Divorce can be an extremely busy time. Kids need to be taken to see the noncustodial parent, there are appointments with your Toronto divorce lawyer, and everyday life has to continue. You might find it easier to wait until your divorce is final before you enrol in a program and start taking classes. However, some parents are able to make this transition by scheduling classes during visitation times with the other parent.
Many Toronto colleges offer evening and weekend classes, so it’s possible to continue to work while attending school. It may take you a little longer to earn a degree than it would a full-time student, but starting a new chapter of your life may be worth it.
Being an Older or Non-traditional Student
Divorcees often worry that they’ll be older than the rest of the students in their classes. While many students are fresh out of secondary school, you’ll be in good company—lots of divorced men and women choose to go back, and they represent a wide range of ages throughout Toronto.
Choosing the Right Path
No matter what you’re interested in, whether continuing the education you started but didn’t finish or starting from scratch, you’ll need to explore your options. Toronto is home to several universities and colleges that offer a wide variety of programs.
- The University of Toronto offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- York University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Ryerson University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design) offers specialized programs for professional artists and designers.
- Centennial College, George Brown College, Humber College and Seneca College areToronto’s main Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, or community colleges, and they provide career-focused training many adult learners find helpful for career changes or advancements.
What’s to Gain?
Generally, going back to school can help you in several ways. It can provide a diversion that keeps you busy and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Some might even argue that it will provide you with the credentials you need to earn more than your ex—and there’s nothing wrong with that.
