Working later in life, or wanting a change of direction? It’s never too late to learn something new

Have the events of the past couple of years changed your view on life? Perhaps now is the time for a change. But if the thought of starting over and going back to the classroom later in life strikes fear into your bones, worry not. I am here to tell you, that you are never too old and it’s never too late to learn something new.

We all know the old adage that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Well, that strikes fear into my bones!

It’s a belief that has passed from one generation to the next. To the point where it becomes one of those limiting beliefs that, if we give it the airtime, can potentially stop us from achieving the life we dream of.

So before reading on, ask yourself, if you are one of those people who believes you’ve learned all you need to, and you will quite happily continue working the same job for years to come? Or are you firmly in our camp, following the principle that it’s never too late to learn something new?

If you are among the former, we hope to sway your opinion, and help you see what is still available for you. If you are the latter, allow this article to reinforce your enthusiasm!

Why are the over 50’s seeking alternative employment?

As more comes to light about the Great Resignation (which we have touched on in other blogs), the numbers in the UK continue to grow. Indeed, figures show that 533,000 people have left their jobs since the pandemic. More specifically, of those, an astonishing 500,000 were over 50.

Recent information from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) refers to a number of reasons for this rapid increase in job resignations and early retirement amongst the over 50’s.

Hugh Strickland, ONS, highlights health and disabilities, lack of family care, general disengagement, and no longer feeling valued in the workplace amongst the main culprits.

But for many, leaving their job also comes with the concern that they are not ready mentally, emotionally, or financially to give up working altogether. Or to slip gracefully into early retirement.

This is why we want to challenge you to consider alternatives. To encourage a more open mind and think about continuing professional development. Or even the possibility of a complete career change.  

Education should be accessible to all ages

One of the many reasons the team and I love what we do, is that we get to teach such a vast age range of students at the Education and Training Academy.

One of our goals is to provide accessible learning to all ages. And it pleases us no end to see new, and returning, mature students (mature is such a sassy title) graduating from our courses, with a whole new world open to them.

You see, we truly believe that the human brain is designed to continue learning.

No matter how old you are, and how much information you have picked up throughout your life so far, there is always something new to be learned.  Every day’s a school day.

Our students come to us because they feel their skills have become outdated. They want to enhance their current career. Or they want to embark on a new career path, whilst still utilising their knowledge and experience.

Some have done their time on the tools or on the shop floor and want to pass their skills on to the next generation. Our trainer and assessor qualifications are the perfect tools to allow them to step back a little yet keep up to date with their industry standards and trade knowledge.

Others see an opportunity to finally leave their corporate jobs and take courses to enable a self-employed or consultancy role.  

We would strongly urge you to think outside your current situation, because it’s so true, it’s never too late to learn something new.

Look how many of our parents and grandparents had never heard of Zoom or video chats before Covid. All of a sudden, the world is united again, and even if they haven’t quite yet grasped the concept of where the camera lens is, it’s a huge development.

So, don’t listen to the naysayers who tell you that you’re too old to learn something new. Just point them in the direction of the Education and Training Academy, and we’ll soon put them right.

Why studying in later life is easier than you think

So much can be said in favour of going back to ‘school’ in your later years.

You’re clear about what you do and don’t want from life. And in many ways, your life experience has given you an air of confidence that will help your determination to succeed.

You have a sense of freedom, and it’s finally time to do what you want to do. Whether that means refreshing your skills, increasing your chances of a promotion, or taking up a change in direction.

We appreciate that technology might worry you but remember it has created opportunities where you might otherwise be precluded from personal development and furthering your studies.

For instance, being able to access study resources and materials through online learning portals at any time. You can watch lectures and seminars back in your own time, so you are not restricted if you do have other commitments.   

There’s still one little niggle at that back of your mind, isn’t there?

Are you concerned about being the oldest in the classroom?

Or does the thought of walking into a class at all put you off?

Don’t let this stop you.

For one, professional further education teachers and expert trainers are experienced in managing such situations. The beauty of our courses here at the Education and Training Academy is that they are designed with a cross-section of students in mind. So, we cater to all ages, abilities, and nervous states!

And secondly, if it really is too much to consider in-person training, remember you have the option of logging on to virtual classrooms, or enrolling in self-study courses where you don’t have to meet other students.  

As with so many things in life though, the thought of doing something is almost always worse than actually doing it.

Once you step into one of our classrooms or join an onsite workplace study group, no matter how old you are or what your fears were, you’ll soon feel at home.

You will love the social aspect of being a mature student. Who knows? You might start to see for yourself that there is something more out there for you.

Have we convinced you yet that it’s never too late to learn something new?

You don’t need to take our word for it. The facts speak for themselves.

All you need to do is research successful late starters in life, and you’ll see that the creator of Starbucks was 51 when he started his company. Vera Wang was 40 when she designed her first wedding dress. Samuel L. Jackson, Alan Rickman, and Morgan Freeman were all in their 40’s before hitting fame on the big screen. And Colonel Sanders was at the ripe old age of 62 when he sold his first restaurant and began the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise (he was actually writing his will when he started to scribble about how good a cook he would have been, and the rest, as they say, is history).

Now, we know you might not be aiming for a multi-million dollar business, or to be the next red carpet movie star. We hope, though, that these examples have sparked something in you to keep learning. And that you now see studying with the Education and Training Academy as well within your grasp. If you are interested in finding out more about our courses, and what is open to you, however old you may feel, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love you to leave as one of our successful graduates, shouting from the rooftops that it’s never too late to learn something new!