Many working moms would love to go back to college to earn a degree.  Indeed, earning a college degree would help many working and single mothers get ahead in their career and create a brighter future for themselves and their children; however, it is not always that easy to drop everything and go back to school.

That’s why accredited online degree programs have been such a boon for working and single mothers.  Women can earn their degrees without ever leaving home – that means not having to travel to a campus location, not having to  find and pay a babysitter, and not having to quit a good job in order to further their education.  So, online degrees are more cost – effective as well as more convenient.

In addition, online degree can be earned in as little or as much time as the student can devote to their studies, since online college degree programs are generally self-paced.  In fact, some online degrees can be completed in as little as 10-18 months with accelerated options and credit for work and life experience.

And online degrees are becoming more mainstream, in fact a recent survey indicated that employers have the same acceptance of online degrees as they do on-campus earned degrees – as long as the online degree is earned from an accredited, well known university or college.

So, if you are a working mother who would like to go back to college, give some thought to an accredited online degree program.  It could be just what you are looking for.

If you have been procrastinating over the years and have yet to earn your college degree, you may want to consider taking the plunge in 2009.  Here are five good reasons that may get you thinking…..

1. Get a Job:  In a bad economy the job market is tighter.  Those individuals with the best credentials will generally be the ones who land the jobs, or keep their jobs while others are laid off.  Credentials include a college degree, or higher degree such as an MBA degree or Master’s degree, certificate programs and other on-going training to keep up with industry advances and improve your skills.  All of these may be earned through distance learning online programs.
2. Earn More:  With a degree in hand, you will have many more career opportunities leading to increased income.  Many research studies have proven that college degree holders earn more on average than those who do not possess a degree.  In addition, those with advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.d. earn more than those with a Bachelor degree. 
3. Accomplish:  You are not getting any younger.  Don’t think that it is too late for you to earn a degree.  You don’t have to travel to a campus location and sit through classes with youngsters.   Anyone at any age can complete a degree without ever leaving home through an online degree program at top universities. 
4. Be a Role Model:  Do you have young children?  If so, you can be a great role model for them when you make the effort to earn your degree.  Recently I heard Micheal Phelps talk about what a great role model his mother was for him and his sisters, and how proud they were that she continued her education while they were young.  They realized that it was difficult for her to take night classes, butt she did it and she finished.  These days with online learning it is not so difficult as it was for Deborah Phelps.
5. Invest in Your Future:  Furthering your education is the best investment you will ever make.  Education and knowledge is something that no one can take away from you, and will always help you in some way.  While many of us don’t give a second thought to investing in a new car, or other material items, we shy away from doing the one thing that can help us the most – educational credentials.

Make 2009 the year you start earning your degree and take charge of your future!

Ok, if you’re like the rest of us, you’re a busy person.  With work, school, kids, pets, and many more responsibilities, sometimes I feel like pulling my hair out.  The children have sports and other after school activities that keep me on the road for hours nearly every day, and with aging parents I have a lot of new responsibilities and worries to take care of them.

With the holidays around the corner, there are many more activities on the calendar – so how to cope?  I just started using Sittercity.  Sittercity is a service that will help you find a baby sitter, nanny, pet sitter, house sitter, or elder care worker without even leaving home.  You search their database of care givers, and you can start choosing the ones you think would be good for your needs.  And you know how hard it can be to find a baby sitter, or other help!  We’ve had good success with the service, and can recommend it. 

So if you are wondering how you’ll have time to study for your online degree, or where you’ll find time to prepare for the holidays, consider getting help – even if it is for just one day.  You’ll be happy that you did!

Find great sitters in your area on Sittercity.com. Try Sittercity for free today!