Determine if learning Spanish will be for personal or professional gain. As the second most widely used language in the United States, Spanish can benefit you professionally by increasing your job prospects or earnings. There can be even more incentive depending on your motivation to excel in your chosen profession. At the same time, personal reasons such as being able to relate to Spanish-speaking family members may also be a key factor that prompts you to learn Spanish.
Decide if you are or will be traveling to an area with a large number of Spanish speakers. Your geographic location might also be a factor in helping you to assess if learning Spanish is important. If you live in a community or are planning to live in a community where there is a significant population of Spanish speakers, this may also be a factor in your decision.
Determine the amount of time you have available in your day to day schedule. Learning a new language requires not only spending time to learn grammar and vocabulary, but also practice listening, reading and speaking the language. Learning and practicing outside of Spanish classes will require several hours during the week, depending on your time line for learning it.