It’s Never Too Late to Go Back to School, But….
If you’re a multi-millionaire with a party streak and cutting wit, then going back to school as an adult might not seem like such a shock.  Rodney Dangerfield did it in the hilarious 1986 movie Back to School, and he was no worse for the wear.  But what about the rest of us who don’t have millions, an iron stomach, or sharp comedic timing?  They say that it’s never too late to go back, but being the only 30, 40, or 50-something in the class can seem a little uncomfortable for many.  Not going back, however, could mean not breaking that “glass ceiling” at work or switching to that career that you’ve always wanted.  Are there options?

Online Education for the Non-Rodney Dangerfields of the World
Online education might be the answer you’re looking for.  You can study in total anonymity as you interact with peers from all over the country.  Using Web-based seminars, video streaming, and discussion boards, you can create whatever identity you wish.  But I’m not entirely sure that using an alter-ego is 100% necessary.  After all, a surprising and growing number of online students will be in your exact same situation: stay-at-home parents, mid-career professionals, retirees, and new graduates.  And anonymity is only part of the allure.

Online Education Is Convenient
How long does it take you to get to the closest college or university in your area?  10 minutes?  30?  120?  With online education, you can be in class in a matter of seconds.  There’s no commute, and you don’t even have to change out of your pajamas.

Online Education Is Green
Because there is no gas-guzzling commute, and because the university can store all of its materials digitally (instead of passing out handouts) online programs are much greener than their brick & mortar counterparts.

Online Education Is Full of Options
Let’s revisit that university in your neighborhood that was just 10, 30, or 120 minutes away from your home.  Does it have all the classes or degrees that you want?  And is there room for you, or is it already overenrolled?  Well with online education, these aren’t major concerns.  You’re not limited to programs in the immediate area.  You have access to all the online programs in the world.

Back to School is a silly and unbelievable movie.  After all, if you were already a millionaire, you probably wouldn’t need to go back to school in the first place.  But there is something we can learn from Rodney Dangerfield’s approach to education.  Going into the process with a sense of humor can make the entire experience more enjoyable.