Changing Careers: What Does it REALLY Look Like to Go Back to School as an Adult?

The Reality of Changing Careers as an Adult

Changing careers can be one of the most empowering—and intimidating—decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’ve spent years in the workforce, raised a family, or simply realized your current path no longer fits, the idea of starting fresh can bring both excitement and uncertainty.

For adults, going back to school isn’t as simple as it was the first time around. You’re juggling work, family, bills, and life responsibilities. You’re not an 18-year-old living in a dorm with a flexible schedule—you’re an adult trying to fit classes, studying, and exams into an already full week.

Yet, thousands of adults make this transition successfully every year. And many do it with support from programs designed specifically for nontraditional students—like Achieve Test Prep, which helps adult learners accelerate degree completion and change careers faster and with flexible course times that fit any schedule.

Why Adults Choose to Go Back to School

According to the Lumina Foundation, 34% of college students today are age 25 or older. Adults are returning to school for many reasons:

• Career growth and advancement: Many professionals hit a ceiling without a degree or higher credentials.
• Career change: Some realize they’ve outgrown their current role and want a more meaningful or better-paying career—often in fields like nursing, healthcare, or education.
• Personal fulfillment: For others, earning a degree is about self-pride, completing unfinished goals, or setting an example for their children.

Whatever the reason, the motivation behind going back to school is often deeply personal—and that motivation is what keeps adults moving forward even when challenges arise.

The Challenges of Returning to School as an Adult

Let’s be honest: going back to school as an adult isn’t easy. It comes with unique challenges, such as:

• Time constraints: Between work and family, finding study time can feel impossible.
• Financial worries: Tuition, books, and lost income can be major concerns.
• Fear of failure: Many adult learners worry they won’t keep up academically or that they’ve “been out of school too long.”
• Technology gaps: Online learning platforms, digital testing, and new study tools can feel overwhelming for those used to traditional classrooms.

But here’s the good news: adult learners also bring strengths that younger students don’t. Life experience, self-discipline, and goal-oriented motivation often make adult learners more focused and resilient. And with the right support system, the process becomes manageable—and even rewarding.

How Achieve Test Prep Helps Adult Learners Succeed

This is where Achieve Test Prep stands out. Unlike traditional schools, Achieve specializes in helping busy adults earn college credit and bridge into degree programs faster—without unnecessary stress.

Here’s how Achieve helps adult learners who are advancing or changing careers:

1. Credit-by-Exam Programs to Save Time and Money

Achieve Test Prep helps students prepare for credit by exam programs, such as CLEP® or DSST®, allowing them to test out of general education or prerequisite courses. That means no long semesters, no busywork—just focused learning and one exam to earn college credit.

For example, someone changing careers can complete many prerequisite courses (up to the equivalent of the first 2 years of a 4-year degree) through exams instead of attending months of traditional classes. This can save students thousands of dollars and a lot of time toward their degree.

2. Flexible, Live Online Classes

Achieve’s live, online instructor-led classes are designed for nontraditional learners. They’re interactive, supportive, and can be attended from anywhere. This flexibility allows students to study around their work and family schedules—without sacrificing quality or accountability.

3. Built-In Support and Guidance

Adult learners don’t have to navigate the process alone. Achieve provides:

• Education advisors who help map out a personalized study plan.
• Experienced Instructors who have in-depth knowledge and often personal work experience in their subject area. 
• One-on-one tutors who specialize in helping learners truly comprehend and apply what they are learning in classes.
• Ongoing motivation and accountability to help students stay on track.
  

This level of support is often what makes the difference between a non-traditional learner giving up or succeeding.

4. Confidence Building for Nontraditional Students

Returning to school after years away can feel intimidating. Achieve Test Prep’s instructors understand that, and they teach in a way that meets students where they are. The program is structured to rebuild academic confidence, teaching test-taking skills, time management, and study strategies designed specifically for adults.

Realistic Expectations: What Going Back to School Really Looks Like

It’s important to paint a realistic picture. Changing careers as an adult means:

• You’ll need to plan and prioritize your time carefully.
• You might study at night or on weekends.
• You likely won’t finish a 4-year degree in only 4 years. 
• There may be moments of doubt—but also moments of pride and excitement.

Most importantly, you’ll discover that you’re capable of more than you thought possible. When you start seeing results—passing exams, earning credits, and getting closer to your new career goal—it’s an incredible feeling of accomplishment.

And you won’t be alone. Achieve Test Prep’s community of adult learners is filled with people who started in the same place—unsure if they could do it—and ended up proving they could.

Success Stories: From Uncertainty to Achievement

Many Achieve Test Prep reviews are about students beginning their journey thinking, “I don’t know if I can go back to school at my age.” But once they see how flexible and achievable the process is, that uncertainty turns into momentum.

“There is not a campus very close to me, and commuting four or five times a week with two jobs and five kids just wasn’t going to work. With Achieve, I went to class once a week. I could study at my own pace, take classes at my own pace. The teachers were very knowledgeable and helpful, answered questions, and taught the things I needed to know.” - Kory R. 

“Before I started with Achieve, college was very challenging because I am a single mom with two little boys. And I have to work full time to be able to provide for them. I was not able to go to a full time school. I chose Achieve because I am able to take classes at night after I put the boys to sleep and be able to still be home with them without having to leave my house or ask for a sitter.” - Ashlie O. 

“Before starting with Achieve the most challenging part of going to college was the class sizes over 100 students. I chose Achieve test prep because of the ability of the courses and the rolling admission into the courses and the ability to take the courses even while working a full time job. Smaller class sizes with Achieve also allow for more undivided attention from the instructor. The instructors here are student centered and provide many resources to help students succeed on their exams.” Justine G.

“I desperately wanted to go back to school, but with three kids and a full time job that was extremely difficult. Traditional college just wouldn’t allow for it. I looked into Achieve and was able to take the classes I need one night a week and then spend the rest of the week studying and preparing for my exam.” Jessica C.

“The challenges I had before starting with Achieve were finding classes I could take that didn’t interfere with my work and caring for my family. Achieve does allow you the flexibility of taking your prerequisites prior to your degree program. It is flexible. They’ve got day classes, evening classes, weekend classes, and night classes. Your advisors are available to you by text, email, phone call, etc. so you have support that is available which helps make those classes easier to take.” Tiffany H. 

From single parents earning nursing degrees to professionals pivoting into another field entirely after decades of working, Achieve has helped countless students make the leap successfully. Each story is proof that it’s never too late to change careers—or to create a life you’re proud of.

The Bottom Line: Your New Career Starts with One Decision

Changing careers isn’t about starting over—it’s about moving forward toward reaching your goal. Going back to school as an adult may feel daunting, but with the right structure, support, and resources, it’s absolutely achievable.

Achieve Test Prep makes it flexible, faster, and more affordable to earn college credits and transition into the career you truly want. You bring the determination; Achieve brings the roadmap.