Learning Later in Life
School’s Long Over: Why Take Courses Later in Life?
Life is a remarkable journey that presents us with countless opportunities for personal growth and development. We go to school when we’re young because we have to, then we continue learning either on the job, or through taking more organized learning. Maybe we follow a linear path by going to med school and becoming a doctor, or studying accounting and having a career as an accountant. We might follow a winding path after leaving school that looks unrelated to what we studied. Perhaps we feel that we picked the wrong course of study when we were young. Is it too late, though? Embarking on learning journeys at a more mature age can bring about unique benefits and open doors to new possibilities.
Were you done learning at 18? At 21? I hadn’t even started! We continue to learn and grow as we absorb information throughout our lives. By taking courses later in life, we tap into our innate curiosity, stimulating our intellectual capabilities and promoting cognitive vitality. Engaging in new subjects and acquiring fresh knowledge expands our understanding of the world and keeps our minds agile, helping to prevent cognitive decline and boosting our overall mental well-being.
Education is a gateway to new perspectives and ways of thinking. As we age, we naturally accumulate a wealth of experiences that shape our worldview. Challenging our preconceived notions and broadening our perspectives through learning has huge value to our personal and professional lives. Interacting with diverse groups of learners and engaging with fresh ideas fosters a deep sense of empathy, promotes critical thinking, and reminds us there is always more to learn. It opens doors to a richer understanding of the world and fosters personal growth through expanded horizons.
It’s never too late to do what you love. Taking courses provides a platform for self-discovery and reinvention. Many people reach a point in their lives where they desire change, seeking new challenges or exploring untapped talents. Education offers an avenue to explore passions and interests that may have been put on hold due to life's demands. It empowers us to reinvent ourselves, discover new strengths, and unlock hidden potential.
We’re kidding ourselves if we believe we received everything we need to know to thrive professionally “back in the day”. In today's rapidly evolving job market, staying relevant and adaptable is crucial. Growing our knowledge through current education equips us with new skills and knowledge that can open doors to enhanced professional opportunities. By updating our skill set, we demonstrate our commitment to self-improvement and lifelong learning, making us more attractive to employers and increasing our marketability in an ever-changing workforce.
Embracing personal growth through continued education throughout our lives is a transformative decision. It fuels our minds, broadens our perspectives, enables self-discovery, and creates new professional opportunities. By embarking on this learning journey, we demonstrate our dedication to personal development, cultivate intellectual vitality, and enrich our lives in immeasurable ways. So, regardless of age, embrace the endless possibilities that education offers and embark on a path of lifelong learning and growth.
