A degree or certificate is an accomplishment that no one can take away from you. Degreedirectory.org notes that a college degree can give you an advantage over other applicants when interviewing for a new job because your degree shows that you have specialized training in your particular field. Technical colleges give you the opportunity to advance your career or simply learn about careers that interest you. Once you have found a career path you enjoy, you can begin taking courses and working toward your degree. Most technical colleges will help you complete your associate degree (or certificate program) in one or two years, depending upon your field of study. If you want to pursue a career that does require education beyond a two-year program, you can start at a community college and earn your associate degree and then transfer to a four-year school to complete your bachelor's degree.
Going to school takes up a large amount of your time, especially if you are working to help put yourself through school and stay on top of your financial responsibilities. Many people will avoid technical school choices, assuming that the classes will conflict with other responsibilities. However, most technical schools offer a wide range in class offerings (or even online courses) so that you can take your courses when it is most convenient for you.
Paying for your education can be a daunting task. The Community College Times website notes that a College Board review found that "community colleges also have experienced the lowest increases in tuition and fees over the past 10 years." The study also found that four-year students overall have more costs then students at two-year colleges. In addition to the reduced cost and time frame of most technical colleges, many students save money simply by living at home or having a short commute to and from school.