Tips for Returning to Education in Later Life

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Changing your career or returning to education later in life can not only be a daunting experience but also a rewarding one too. There could be many reasons why you didn't take the path you want to embark on now. Whether you didn't know what you wanted to do straight out of school, or you weren't in a position to follow the career of your dreams back then. Whatever your reason, it doesn't mean your dreams of a perfect career for you should still be unattainable.

Choosing to go back to school as a mature student can have many benefits, and with the rise of online studies, learning a new craft, or training in a new field of expertise is easier than ever. Should you be starting your new learning journey with little or no qualifications or experience or you are bringing a wealth of knowledge and achievements to help you push for your new goal, you can be sure to find a course that can help you transform your life as you start working towards your new career.

Fitting in learning alongside your current job, family commitments and any other responsibilities you may have will take some getting used to as you add to your schedule to help you reach your ultimate destination. But by knowing what course to study and what to expect in advance, you can ease the transition to a full or part-time student easier regardless of what you choose to undertake.

But what is the best way to go about studying later in life? Is it possible to work as you are studying or even juggle work, children and a new course? It may seem like a lot to do and take on board but with some strategic organisation of your schedule and creative thinking, you would be surprised at how and when you can add school or online based learning to your days.

Have a specific learning space

Create an area that is just for learning only. Whether you are studying online or in a classroom, having a space at home that is solely for learning, it can help you separate your studies from your home life and allow you to learn in clear space. It doesn't even need to be a different room, just a small space to keep all your learning resources.

Study in short bursts

If you have a family or a job to study around or you lack the discipline to stay focused for long periods of time, studying in short bursts could be the way forward for you. Break your day down and plan out your time. Break it into short blocks of time to study in before coming away to take a break or do something else. Alternatively, if you have a young family, try to squeeze intensive learning slots in around nap times, bedtimes or before the kids get up of a morning.

Train yourself

Make studying a part of your day. In the same way that you get up and brush your teeth every day, add in time for studying too to make it part of your regular routine. It can be at any time of the day but making space for it each and every day needs to be a priority to help you keep on track and complete your course in good time.

Keep motivated

This can be easier said than done sometimes. Choosing a course that you really want to do is a great way to start off on the right foot. But maintaining that enthusiasm can be hard especially when life takes over or things don't go to plan. Make goals and stick to them. Give yourself deadlines to keep to and remember why you are doing what you are doing. Maybe you can treat yourself when you hit these goals? Or, how about getting yourself a cheerleader to help push and motivate you when you can't do it yourself. Studying at home can be a lonely and tiresome experience but having someone to push you and help you hit your deadlines could make all the difference especially if you are struggling.

Don't neglect your life

This can be so hard especially if you have an intensive course with a lot of material to work through. Neglecting your home or social life can be detrimental not only to your health and wellbeing but also to your studies too. This is where time management skills come in handy. Schedule some time away from your course and see family and friends. Take in a show or just go out for dinner, anything to help you relax before you burn out and lose sight of why you are doing what you are doing.

Plan Ahead

Learning is hard enough without being disorganised too. Make notes of important dates, deadlines or projects. Add this to a calendar with your day to day life too. This will help you keep on top of all your commitments without forgetting what you have coming up so you can balance your time and know in advance what you have coming up.

With these tips in mind, why not read on for some great suggestions on careers that are perfect for those looking to change career, progress in their chosen field or simply to add to their qualifications.

A Career in Criminology

Pursuing a career in the criminal justice field has become more and popular over recent years. With the rise in popularity of crime shows and true life documentaries, it makes sense that people are becoming interested in this subject. There are many sectors that fall under the umbrella of criminal justice, so it pays to make sure you know exactly what area you want to train in to help you follow your ideal career path.

Opting to take an online associates degree in criminal justice is a course you can take at home that will provide you, upon successful completion, career opportunities such as a police officer, fire investigator, paralegal, victim support and more. So if you have a passion for justice and would like to push ahead in this area, you can put your qualification to use in many different ways in the criminal justice area. The possibilities are endless when it comes to applying your degree and it can open many doors for you forge ahead.

That being said, doing your research is paramount before enrolling on your course and setting the cogs in motion for your new career. Depending on the qualifications your chosen speciality requires, training may take anywhere from two to six years to fully complete before you are fully qualified and then you may need on the job training too before you can take up your desired role. Working within the criminal justice sector requires dedication from the off as you work towards your new future.

Social Work

Another area that benefits from life experience is social work. A career that requires someone with expertise dealing with different people and situations on a daily basis is perfect for those who decide to retrain in a new career later on in life. Regardless of your situation, you can focus on one of the many different aspects of social work.

Parents may find they want to follow a path working with children's social services. By using your skills as a parent you can help other children who need extra assistance for many different reasons. This experience can help you be someone who understands and can help them face the challenges in their life from an early age. Maybe you have a passion for working with older generations to help them get the care and assistance they need to help them live their lives through retirement and beyond.

Social care work isn't just working with children and the elderly, it is all encompassing for each and every member of society. Whether that be rehabilitating young offenders or helping people with alcohol or drug addictions. From being based in an office organising support or getting out to peoples homes, care facilities, prison etc social care work is a full-on and demanding vocation but ultimately fulfilling as you work towards helping others overcome their difficulties and live an easier and happier life.


Teaching

There are a variety of ways to get into teaching and you don't have to do a PGCE instead you could do a shorter teacher assistance course - a role that is very much in demand at the moment. If you fancy travel and teaching then a TEFL which will allow you to teach English overseas, meaning you can travel and earn at the same time. The courses do take some commitment but are usually not more than a couple of months before you become qualified and can embark on a new career.  

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