Working Adult Wants To Get Bachelor's Degree
DEAR HARRIETTE: I want to pursue a bachelor's degree. I know what you're thinking: Go for it. The catch is, I've been down this road before -- a few times. The first few times I went to college were at my parents' behest. Based on how many times I changed my major and my lack of effort, I'd say I wasn't particularly ready at the time. Now that I've worked several jobs and applied for many more, I realize the impact a degree can have on potential income. Although I've been able to secure work, it is difficult for me to negotiate for higher pay or be considered for in-house promotions.
With that said, I want to go back to school and finish what I started. The holdup is that with my current salary, I cannot afford tuition on my own. Part of me feels some level of shame wanting to ask my parents, yet again, to invest in my education. I know they'll have reservations -- and rightfully so. Do you think it's OK to make this request for financial support despite being a working adult now? -- Tuition Again
DEAR TUITION AGAIN: Going to your parents for financial support should be your very last resort. Figure out how you can finance your education yourself. Research community colleges. Some offer associate's and bachelor's programs. Look into nearby state schools to learn the cost for local students. Investigate financial aid. Apply to FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Your income will be evaluated, and you will be told whether you qualify for grants or loans. If you need your parents to cosign a loan, while not ideal, that at least shows them you are serious about this next step in your life.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Is it smart to befriend co-workers? I have been working at my job for around six months, and I have naturally gotten close to certain people. I have started getting lunches and various little things like that with several co-workers. One of my co-workers has invited a bunch of us to go out this weekend to a club. I am excited and want to; however, I am scared it could blur lines between being friends and being friendly co-workers. What happens if something goes wrong with all of us hanging out? Would it affect work? Is it smart for me to go out with my co-workers like this? -- Concerned Worker
DEAR CONCERNED WORKER: It is natural for you to befriend the people you see every day. Some companies create employee bonding activities -- everything from intermural sports teams to the infamous lounge areas at Google to entice employees to build rapport with one another. That is normal. What you want to watch out for is getting too entrenched in other people's lives, becoming part of a clique where emotions can cloud professional behavior or spending more time with them than your family and loved ones. Stay aware of your time and which relationships matter most to you. Avoid talking about people -- each other or your supervisors. If you become a manager, you will have to adjust your engagement with co-workers, but you can remain friendly.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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