Yesterday, I was doing some freelance work which involved looking through a college search engine which is being developed. The search engine provides a simplified way for students to get information about applying for our state’s colleges for the first time. As I meandered through all of the college websites, I found myself thinking, “Dang! It would be so fun to go to college again!” Which got me to thinking about what I would have done differently. And then that train of thought headed down the ‘would you choose a different career?’ track.
Now don’t get me wrong. I was a special education teacher for almost 30 years, and I can honestly say it was my true passion. But have you ever asked yourself,
“What would I do for a career
if I could do it all over again?”
I worked my way through the college websites, looking at all the degree and program offerings, thinking, “Oh, that would be cool” or “I’d like to study that,” and even, “Oh, yuck! That doesn’t sound fun at all!” And then it hit me…There’s not a reason in the world that we retirees can’t study anything our hearts’ desire! It doesn’t have to be a commitment to an entire college degree program. I’m not planning on starting a new career anytime soon. What I discovered is that most colleges and universities offer a reduced per credit rate for seniors over 60. (It ticks me off that I’m not quite old enough! – Yep, I’m too young for college…who knew?!) Many postsecondary institutions have adult learning and ‘not for credit’ programs at a greatly reduced cost. And for that matter, there are lots of web-based learning opportunities out there that are totally cheap! A quick Google search brings up plenty of opportunities from campus based programs to YouTube! All that is required is curiosity and a little time! And we retirees have nothing if not time, right? So why not?
Is there anything that you have always wanted to learn how to do? Any topic that has always peaked your curiosity? Something that you’ve always wanted to try? There’s no time like the present. I’d love to hear your stories! Have you tried any adult learning options or are you planning to do so? Leave a comment, I’d love it if you’d share!
Lynn
Photo credit: Kazuend – Unsplash
An Encore Voyage 
I started out in accounting and financial management. Then moved into computer programming and systems analysis. I ‘hit the brick wall’ and tried export agency – freelancing – didn’t work. I then did a course in Remedial Massage and had my own clinic for 13 years before retiring 3 years ago. As we own a travel agency and I blogged each day we traveled, I thought I should complete a Travel Writer’s Course to make it a bit formal. Hey – never been happier! Wish I had started out in this career first up.
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Nice work! Never too late! This whole blogging thing has started since the Encore Voyage began – one thing learned leads to another!
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Hi Lynn – Our local university (Vancouver Island University) offers Elder College. For an annual membership of $20, local residents, over the age of 50, can enrol in courses for $40 + tax. The courses offered cover a wide range of topics. Thanks for the reminder to get out my program guide and sign up!
PS – If not over 50, you can sign up for just $20 more if your spouse or partner is 50+.
Donna
http://www.retirementreflections.com
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That is so wonderful! I’ve also been thumbing through our community ed. brochures!
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Hi Lynn, I studied economics at University and work in finance but I’ve been more and more interested in history the past few years. These days it’s very easy to find great online courses and I’ve done a couple on Coursera and iTunes U. Last year I did one in the American Revolution which was fascinating and taught by a Stanford professor. This year I am doing another in World History from the University of Virginia. Neither of these cost a cent! A friend of mine recently pointed me towards something called ‘The Great Courses’ which had some amazing content, but it’s paid. My friend tells me they have frequent sales when various things are like 70% off so only to buy then then. I’m using these free courses to dip my toe in the water before I commit to a formal course in the local university. Of course I need to retire first but that is only a few months away now. Mrs Earl has already decided she wants to study for a year to convert to a teaching degree. So I guess you’re absolutely right in that we get a chance for a do-over. And this time, it won’t be subjects that we need to learn to ‘get a good job’. It will just be something each of us want to do.
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I absolutely love that! I just keep “following my nose” and every time I want to learn something, I’ve been able to find a source…usually on line!
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I don’t think I’d change anything, but there’s lots of things I’d like to try. I keep toying with the idea of starting my own online business or freelancing. I’d love to do something creative as well. I also want to learn a foreign language. And that’s barely scratching the surface. It’s no wonder I don’t fit in at a traditional job!
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HaHaha! I love it! If you want to learn a foreign language, I’d suggest looking at the free app Duolingo – It’s like having a simple and free version of the Rosetta Stone that you can even have on your phone!
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Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll need to look into that app. The wife is fluent in Spanish (her first language) and although I can understand it pretty well, I want to get better. Plus, starting this fall, I may be working about 6 weeks a year in Germany so I’d like to brush up on the high school German skills, whatever is left of them!
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I am a great believer in being a life long learner. Recently I took a course from the University of Dublin that was offered at no cost by a company called Future Learn. They offer many university courses on varied subjects for free.
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I have taken classes on-line on creative writing and coaching. My current learning areas are cognitive thinking and spirituality. I read a lot of books on topics, but also do like the classes. I’m waiting for the next Great Courses sale for their Cognitive course! I’ve looked into local OLLI senior learning, but haven’t done it yet. I’m signed up for cooking “camp” at the Midwest Cullinary Institue…a week long intensive intro to being a chef. Also looking into RoadScholar for ideas to combine learning and travel. Dipping my toes everywhere- so many ideas, so little time! A bit scattered, but fun.
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Isn’t that the truth! I can’t wait to hear about your cooking camp! Taking some cooking classes together is an idea we had as well! And be sure to post about the RoadScholar thing – I’d be alllll over that! 🙂
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I’ve been taking a ton of classes through Oasis, OLLI, the local continuing education program, and – most recently – One Day University. I just can’t get enough! I also have been exploring various hobbies such as photography, mosaicing (I think I just made that word up), and cooking. There just isn’t enough time… but it’s so much fun!
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I so hear you! How did we ever have time to work???
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This post is filled with so many wonderful comments and recommendations that I wish we could figure out how to compile them all and make them available to everyone.
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I’m still amused when I’m “too young” for things lately. When we moved into the retirement community to rent a condo, we had to get special permission from the Board of Directors because I was two months shy of the required age (55). It cracked me up. Enjoy that designation for a while. 🙂
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The way I see it, I hope I’m always “too young” for something!!! 🙂
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Absolutely, you should go for this, any other opportunity, that interest you. Not that you are set on going back to school, although I think you should. I think anyone who believes learning ends at their first college graduation is sadly mistaken. Even at our careers, we are required to do some professional certifications continuously. The difference with this is that now you can choose to do anything that interests you.
I will be looking forward to hearing what you choose to study next.
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Seems like second acts abound! University teaching is my second time job! Although I loved being a leisure practitioner for 35 years, teaching has become my passion. Education runs in my family, so in another lifetime I could have been a full-time professor. But this is fun…teaching without the headaches of maintaining a tenured post.
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I became a massage therapist at 55 and a certified personal trainer at 61. Who knows what else will be in my future?? 🙂 Great post!
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That’s awesome! Who knows what I’ll do next! You are inspiring!
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