Thus, you can see with use of those brief examples that continuing education can be useful as well as critical to your intellectual growth base.

An online college degree is more important than ever for several reasons.

1. Employers feel that we are presently in an employer's market. This means that they can be more selective in individuals they hire.

2. Jobs that glean more pay are more specialized. Specialized jobs require more training/education. This is true because these jobs require manipulation of facts, figures, and/or technology which is often times sensitive, adaptive, or computerized.

3. Our current jobs in U.S. are becoming more and more service oriented. These jobs have relatively low pay and our labeled unskilled work. Thus, one must retool to prepare his or her self to obtain a job requiring more skill and offering more pay.

4. Finally, we have entered a global economy. Such an economy demands higher prices for homes and automobiles without providing numerous gainful employment opportunities.

How do you know if an online college degree is for you? First, if you lack a high school diploma, a college degree is a must. High school non-graduates make 25% less than starting salary employees with a high school education.

Secondly, you may presently hold a position that would pay you more if you held a degree from an online technical school or online community college. You may know this information from coworkers or acquaintances in your line of work.

Thirdly, if you are considered a non-traditional student. Financial incentives are available to attract such students. So if you could be described as a non-traditional or a minority student, smaller financial payout is a good incentive to continue your education.

Check out an online college degree portal and invest in your future. Give yourself a raise.

Yes, I HATED whole learning process!

Thinking back, I realized that it was strict and pressurized formal music training that killed my interest and eventually, not wanting to touch a piano since then. Did I resent my mum for sending me to piano lessons? Probably not, although I could still recall agony whenever I was “coerced” to practice. I supposed my mum could have been more observant towards my change of attitudes before and after classes. So, mum and dad (yes, you!), please observe your kid’s behavior and attitudes when you send them for enrichment classes or just school, for that matter.

At end of day, it is your child’s joy of learning that would sustain his/her interest to excel if he/she chooses to. Bear in mind that force-feeding would only do more harm than good. As always, keep a balance in whatever you do for your child. Try to put yourself in their shoes. The joy of learning that you imbue in your child would outweigh anxiety (and fear!) that you put your child through to excel in a certain area.

Be mindful and stay balanced!

Reflect upon these Words of Wisdom:

"At times, it is difficult to keep a proper balance in our lives. But, over time, an improper balance will lead to problems."

Catherine Pulsifer

"Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance."

Brian Tracy