One thing my father taught me is that education is never a waste. You’re never too old, too young, or too busy. Being educated means being empowered. We live in a world that’s ever-changing and fast-paced and it’s sometimes easy to feel a little lost work-wise. Under equipped, even. Sometimes, a little (gasp!) irrelevant.
I remember when I was studying, which doesn’t even seem like long ago, and a university lecturer told me I was being trained for jobs that ‘weren’t even invented yet’ – and I remember thinking, pffft. But he was spot on. When I was studying at university, online magazines and blogs and social media did not exist. And now, the digital world is not only where my passion lies, but my entire career.
SEEK Learning recently released a report uncovering some interesting truths about Australians in the workplace. Like 37% of workers in Australia were concerned their knowledge and application of technology would restrict their career as they age. According to the report, 35% of workers were concerned about their ability to adapt to a changing environment, as they got older. And, alarmingly, 68% of Australians would like to work in an industry other than their current one.
It’s not unusual, especially as the years start ticking along, to feel a little out of touch. To sit opposite a hip millennial, competing for a position, and wonder whether it might be easier to just give up.
Here’s a fun fact: it is easier to give up. It always has been. But that doesn’t mean you should.
We’ve got to stop perpetuating this myth that the older you are, the less likely you’re able to adopt new technologies. We’ve got to stop believing things ‘are they way they are’ and we cannot do much to change them. We can. You can. Just because something ain’t broke, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be fixed. Just because you know what you know, doesn’t mean you can’t know more.
I have plenty of industry experience. I have a ton of hands-on experience. I’m even up with all the hip millennial stuff (well, I think I am). But, yes, even I am starting to feel as though I could use a refresh of my skills – and I’m only 30. More to the point, I want to develop new skills – to not only stay relevant, but to advance my career. And myself. To get an edge. Just as the world constantly spins and changes, so too does education.
Yesterday, I chatted to a SEEK Learning Consultant – hi Andy *waves*. He was generous with his time, informed me of current data and stats about the marketing and PR industries, and knew all the answers to my many and varied questions. Andy made me realise exactly what was pulling me towards the idea of further study and established exactly how I could harness that for further career fulfillment.
My Dad is right. Education is empowering. From knowledge grows confidence. And it all begins with ourselves.
Stuck in a rut? Unhappy at work? Dreaming of something more? Know you can do and be better? Give SEEK Learning a call. You might just find yourself inspired.
SEEK Learning has connected more than 200,000 students with career-related education over the past 10 years. SEEK Learning partners with Australia’s leading education providers to offer more than 250 courses to get students, of any age, job ready. Through expert consultant advice SEEK Learning is able to assist people in achieving their career goals through further education.
Image credit: Kathryn Sprigg
