Learning is a lifelong adventure for me, and I firmly believe that the moment you stop seeking knowledge, you stop growing. There’s always something new to discover, and though time is never on our side (seriously, can someone slow it down?), continuous learning is like a secret weapon for developing time management skills. Plus, it keeps both our minds sharp and our skills flexible—especially as we get older. I must have been born with a growth mindset. It’s not just about personal growth and adaptability, either; it can boost your career too. And trust me, you must be adaptable when it comes to your job. Mine has changed dramatically since COVID, when most of us suddenly became home-office professionals (some still can’t figure out Zoom’s filters). While some of my work has stayed the same, the way I do it has totally evolved. I’ve had to learn new ways of working and embrace new programs. Take ownership of your future. For me, continual learning has built my confidence and empowered me. When I’m genuinely interested in a topic, I don’t need motivation—I’m glued to the screen, absorbing knowledge until I lose track of time (and probably dinner). Don’t be afraid to embrace new challenges. I don’t feel like my education will ever be “complete.”
If taking a course isn’t your thing, then read! Read a lot. Books can change the way we see the world, shift our perspective, and help us understand different subjects—and, sometimes, different people. Embrace change and enjoy the journey. No matter your age, it’s never too late to learn… well, anything.
At 41, I graduated with honors from business college, surrounded by students fresh out of high school. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye on everything, but we supported each other. Then, at 55, I completed a five-year online certificate in Information and Records Management through a polytechnic in just three years—again, with honors—while working full-time. It was exhausting but immensely rewarding. Once again, I was the “grandma” of the online classes, but in the Zoom rooms, age didn’t matter (except maybe when it came to keeping up with the lingo). The younger students were more than happy to teach me new things and I was more than happy to learn them.
In my personal life, I’ve taken dozens of online genealogy courses to sharpen my research skills. Genealogy Societies offering education, Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning have practically become my second home. Seriously, if they offered loyalty programs, I’d be in the platinum tier by now. I’m constantly taking courses to satisfy my curiosity—whether it’s learning new computer programs or diving deep into grammar. Go ahead, call me a nerd—I wear that label proudly!
While I respect self-taught learners, I believe structured courses are essential for learning the “right” way. I’ve seen the work of self-taught Microsoft Word users, and let’s just say… it’s often not up to requisite office standards. When those incomplete methods get passed along, they just perpetuate bad habits. (No one should have to witness a paragraph with multiple spaces after each period—please stop.)
Not everyone is cut out for university, and a degree doesn’t always guarantee success. I’m a big believer in trades, business colleges, and polytechnics as fantastic alternatives. With the rising cost of living, online courses are also a great option. Who can afford to leave their job to study full-time? Unless, of course, you’re comfortable with a little thing called student debt and having it take decades to pay it off.
Next, I’m diving into an online certificate in digital marketing to grow my business. In today’s world, it’s an essential skill, and I’m excited to master the ins and outs of online promotion. Plus, staying ahead of the game is part of the fun! I might even offer it as a service in the future (watch out, world!). While self-directed learning isn’t for everyone, as an introvert, it’s my preferred method.
And for the past five years, I’ve been on a mission to learn German. It’s not related to my genealogy research—I just thought it would be a fun challenge. Plus, it’s similar to English, so I figured why not? While I’m not fluent yet (maybe never?), I can read a little here and there. Will I ever be totally fluent? Maybe not. But it keeps my brain engaged—and that’s what really matters!
You know that old proverb “Curiosity killed the cat”? The full version is “Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back,” which, let’s face it, is way more optimistic. It means while being curious can lead to trouble, finding the answers can make it all worthwhile. So, stay curious. Seek new information, ask questions, listen, and withhold judgment to let your mind grow. Read an article, finish that book you’ve started, take a class—whatever it takes. There’s a world of knowledge out there waiting for you.
And, as Tigger would say, “TTFN, Ta, ta for now!”