You've been away from school for a couple or a number of years. You might be quite successful working in the corporate world. However, success doesn't always equal happiness. If you are considering a career change, you will have to go back to school.

Changing careers is common, and many people find happiness the second or third time around. The first thing to do is talk with professionals in the career that interests you. Second, talk to the admissions office at the appropriate schools that have a career track toward your goal.

“I firmly believe family is first,” says achievement expert Doug Vermeeren. “The decision is not one you should make on your own. Get your spouse, family, or friends involved through the entire process. Look strategically at the needs of your family and how those needs can be met. Go back and forth and look at what the transition period looks like. How many months will it take to get comfortable in the new job? How can you survive financially? What are the things you need to be aware of?”

If you have a nest egg or rainy day fund, now is a good time to see if you can use that toward your schooling. You should talk to admissions officers at schools and find out about scholarships. You might be able to use some of your own experience toward college credits. You won't find out until you talk to college admissions officers. You can also work part-time while going to school, or take evening classes to start.