Many people decide to take up a new hobby after they retire. It could be painting, sports or something similar. However, the art of learning could be an excellent thing to keep you busy during your retirement.
Taking up a course in a subject you find interesting doesn’t have to lead you to a new job. Learning just because you want to is something that many people overlook, but it is a great way to expand your knowledge and to enjoy your free time.
Think about it this way – Instead of taking up a course with the sole purpose of making yourself more employable, do it for the enjoyment! Is there anything that you have always to know the ins and outs of but didn’t think there were many prospects in it? For example, many people want to take on a course in philosophy or sociology but aren’t sure where it could take them. Taking on a course like this in retirement means you can immerse yourself into the world of learning without worrying about what will happen afterwards.
It’s also important to note that anyone can learn something new, regardless of their age. Learning is a lifelong journey and doesn’t end with school or an undergraduate. In fact, there will always be something new you can learn.
Retiring can leave even the most busy-bodies feeling bored. Taking on a course can give you back your sense of purpose and accomplishment. Learning can empower you to help others, the environment or a worthy cause that means a lot to you. Education doesn’t just have to help you gain financially, it can also give you the tools to change the world.
Leaving your job can also mean losing touch from those you worked with. This is usually not intentional on either side, but this doesn’t mean that it’s any easier to deal with. Taking on a course can help you meet other like-minded people and make new friends. It can also be a good way to spend time with a loved one as you can study together.
Don’t let your age put you off enrolling in a course. Most colleges and universities have thousands of mature students in a range of ages. Join societies and clubs that are directed towards older learners and get to know others.
Returning to education doesn’t mean that you have to take on a college course. It can also mean going back to get a diploma or even a qualification from school. This may be something you have always wanted to do but never had the time with work and life commitments. You will feel an enormous sense of achievement afterwards.
A full-time course may seem like too much of a commitment, but there are plenty of part-time, flexi-time and even online courses for you to take up in retirement. Local centres or schools may even offer courses that interest you. This means that you can return to education at a cheaper price and for a shorter amount of time. If you are not sure if education is for you, taking up a short term course can help you get an understanding of what is for you and can make the transition to more intense courses easier.
Check out our post here on who qualifies as a mature student.
