Boomer Education and Training: How to Open Doors to New Opportunities
Hobbies, Karl Edmunds, Learning Online & Off |
Seniors Heading Back to School
by Karl Edmunds
For some Boomers, the economic turmoil over the past couple of years has been viewed as an almost cataclysmic financial meltdown while others have viewed it as a wake up call to take action and do something else in life.
A return to college or some type of enhanced skills training is mandatory for some but more Boomers are making it a conscious choice to gain or maintain a competitive edge in the employment market. In the next 20 years more than 20% of the US population will be older than 65 and our economy must find a way to prepare this growing demographic group with the skills to remain productive and employable.
If I could do it over again…?
Some Boomers are compelled to update job skills because they lack the needed money for traditional retirement. Others may have adequate money but don’t want to stop working. Regardless of the reason, think about what type of work or skill you really have a passion for.
For example, if your career has been in the technology field and you have loved every minute of your career, then perhaps you can find a training program that will prepare you to teach others about the tech arena. This could be to young children or may be in senior citizen centers.
Or you may take some online training courses in new and developing markets that will give you new employment opportunities in the next 3-5 years. This could be working with emerging green technology, or new wireless technologies that are being developed or perhaps a job in the growing health care market.
If you are unclear about the direction to take, then go to your local community college and take some aptitude tests and explore the numerous specialty jobs that are available. Some of the specialty courses could be in beauty, massage, truck driving, education, public speaking, internet marketing, home based business, alternative health or public service.
The ability to take many of these skill development courses online allows you to keep your current job while developing new skills at night. By taking action now, you can ensure long term employment and a renewed passion for work.
In addition to future employment security, research suggests that seniors investing time and effort on new education have stronger cognitive functions and memory retention.
And staying engaged actively gives Boomers the opportunity for social interaction that helps reduce isolation and depression that many seniors experience after formal retirement.
Finally, not all training and education is just to create job opportunities. Senior retirement communities constantly offer new education and skills development ranging from foreign language courses, ballroom dancing, yoga and hobbies. And there are numerous local clubs and service organizations that can be a wonderful resource.
Get involved. Stay engaged with life by simply being curious about everything and let your curiosity lead you to new discoveries and opportunities.
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