I often hear adults use excuses not to further their formal education such as, “It won’t help my career.” or “I plan to retire soon.” or “I’m out of the job market so why bother?” In truth, higher education may or may not directly impact your career.
But there’s an even more important reason to pursue it. Learning keeps you young. It makes you feel alive. It gets the blood coursing through your veins. It keeps you relevant. It wakes up parts of your brain that have been dormant. It expands your world. When you cease to learn, you cease to live.
There is a wonderful quote by philosopher John Dewey, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” So go back to school for yourself regardless of your career situation or your age. Education is a gift you give yourself. And in case you’re using the cost as an excuse, there is plenty of scholarship money available from many sources for those who go after it. Where there is a will, there is always a way.
©Donna Cardillo. All rights reserved.