New Opportunities For You: Consider Going Back to College

I’m a Baby Boomer, by definition, those born between the years 1946 – 1964, which puts me smack dab, right in the middle as a birth certificate carrying member of the pack.  If you’re like me you may be trying to make a difference in the world and reinvent yourself at this stage of the game.  Life happens, and you may be seeking things to do to keep you mentally challenged, or looking for something to do to occupy your time.

Have you ever considered going back to college?

That’s exactly what I did when I was in my 40s.

When I was working in the public sector after switching careers working in private law firms, a personable, brilliant female attorney about my age would soon became my mentor. She soon convinced me that unless I finished up my college education, my career would be dead-ended.  I wanted to go back to college and finally received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration to also set an example for my two young daughters and wanted them to see that in order to succeed in life that it was  important to pursue higher education.  My oldest daughter was about 10 at the time

As Baby Boomers, we are considered among the most educated generation.  For many of us, our formal education didn’t cease in our 20s, but rather, we are life-long learners.  Even in our retirement years, many of us are applying to colleges and universities.  Our quest for knowledge and learning grows as we age, rather than stopping with age.  

Here’s some reasons why you might want to go back to school:

Something New

If you’ve been downsized or laid off from your job, consider the old maxim, “one door closes and another one opens.” Seize this opportunity to try something out of the realm of your comfort zone  to try something uniquely different.

College courses and majors have changed immensly since you graduated high school back in the dark ages.  Many community colleges offer affordable options, and some courses are free to seniors over the age of 65, and also may be free to audit.  Auditing a course will give you the chance to learn, while not earning any college credit.  If you enjoy a hobby, find a course that peeks your interest to enroll in.

More Knowledge Means More Earning Power = More Dollars In Your Pocket

Expand on what you already know and do best, or learn something entirely new!  Doing so might give you a leg-up on the 20-something crowd and bag that job at a much higher salary – or at least get you in line for a promotion.  It isn’t uncommon for Baby Boomers to enroll in 6-year degree programs, Master’s Degree programs, PH.D’s or graduate-level courses.

When I was in high school, career choices were limited.  Some of my friends took basic “college level” courses, or “business courses.” After graduation, many of my friends became secretaries while others went on to become teachers.  It wasn’t until we were older that we understood other opportunities for careers existed.  Because we were “Baby Boomer” children, my graduating class had about 400 kids in it, so there was limited opportunity to meet with a guidance counselor.  

Returning to college with a broader perspective learned at the “school of hard knocks” will enable you  to get a second chance at a career that interests you while learning something new with no limitations or expectations from others.

New Ventures

Stay on top of your game and one step ahead of the curve by learning and expanding your knowledge base.  Recent research shows that activity and a stimulating environment is healthy for keeping your mind active and also fends of Alzheimer’s, while keeping you socially active, interacting with others and wards of depression.

As you enter a whole new phase of your life, educating yourself opens up many horizons.  Explore signing up for new courses, going back to finish your once put on-hold degree at college; trade schools; culinary schools or taking Adult Education courses at your local high school.

Photo Credit: Stock.exchng: APattersoon

Bio: Cindi is the author of Moomettesgram’s Musings where she offers WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, and Mama Mentor where she shares her personal musings and observations of a Baby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England.

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