A recurring InHerSight finding is that most women—around 73 percent—want to change careers. Whether that’s due to boredom, a desire for more pay, a need for flexibility or lifestyle changes, or a yearning for mission-centered work, this number remains consistent. Only a minority of people stick to one path and love it.
So when we asked our audience whether they plan to go back to school in the next three to five years, it wasn’t necessarily shocking to hear that many are enrolling (16%) or are actively considering it (31%), because we already know that changing careers is on most women’s radar.
What was fun, and empowering, to see in our results was the abundance of heartfelt reasons behind some women’s return. A love of learning. Empty-nesters getting to stretch their own wings now that their kids are out the door. The feeling of finally knowing themselves and what they want.
These anecdotes spoke to one important truth: that education isn’t always, and maybe often isn’t, about work—it’s about identity, growth, and personal achievement.
Here are 24 reasons women say they’re going back to school in the near future.
If you’re going back to school, why and why now?
“I have always wanted to go back and get my MSW [Master of Social Work] but did not have the time or the resources before. I was also paying my student loan for my undergraduate degree but have since paid that off. At this time in my life (age 51) I find that having a graduate degree is very common, and I feel less qualified by not having one.”
“I want to finish the remaining credits to get my bachelor's in order to get a pay increase and be eligible for higher roles in the future.”
“Continuous learning helps me be creative and productive in the rest of my work and life.”
“Thinking about getting my master's degree as a way to go abroad.”
“I've always dreamed of going for a PhD, and now it feels like my career would benefit from at least a masters degree.”
“Getting my master's has always been a personal goal of mine. Now that I've put my boys through school, it's my turn.”
“I am almost finished with my PhD. I always wanted to do it.”
“Shift into a growth mode in a new domain to broaden my knowledge and look to discover new pathways professionally.”
“Because I finally have the time and money.”
“I need a change. I don't like my current position, but I don't think there are opportunities for growth without higher education.”
“Continuing education is great for mental agility, in addition to learning a new skill.”
“I finally know what I want to do.”
“I want to do something more meaningful in the mental health field. I want to do it sooner rather than later since I'm in my 30s, and I don't want to regret not doing it.”
“I have felt purposeless in my career, and I feel called to pursue a profession in mental health counseling. Turning 35 flipped a switch for me.”
“I am unhappy with my career and worried about job security in the tech industry and with AI developments.”
“Wanting to build up new skills.”
“My homeschooled kids will be graduating and I think I should update my skills before starting a business.”
“I've learned in my 30s (now 33) that I want to go into tech and business. I do not have official credentials for either, which makes it hard to stand out in applications.”
“This job market has been so tough to find suitable work, even with my experience. I need to stay educated on the changing market, especially in artificial intelligence.”
“I don't want to do my current job for the rest of my life.”
“To get my GED. To prove to everyone I can do it.”
“I recently completed a certification course and enjoyed the process of continued learning and networking.”
“I am ready to put all of my experience in the social sector into my pursuit of a law degree. My goal is to further my education and create more change for marginalized communities.”
“I want to go into data analytics and feel like a degree would help so much. The only problem is finding a way to pay for it, which is why I am trying to get a new job.”
