Lifelong learning is the process of gaining knowledge and learning new skills throughout your entire life. Many people continue their education for personal development and fulfilment, while others see it as a significant step toward career advancement.
We have a natural curiosity to learn new things. This is part of what it means to be human: we have a natural curiosity and we are natural learners. We develop and grow thanks to our ability to learn.
Personal fulfilment and development refer to natural interests, curiosity, and motivations that lead us to learn new things. We learn for ourselves, not for someone else.
Why is lifelong learning important?
The world is continuously evolving, with industries and jobs expanding at a rapid rate. Job descriptions change and skill sets that used to be needed for a particular job may not be enough nowadays. We need to keep up with the fast pace of the industry they’re in.
It’s not surprising to know that many are worried about keeping their jobs, or if there will be enough jobs in the future.
What are the benefits of lifelong learning?
Whether you are doing it to develop skills or grow your career, lifelong learning can do wonders not only for your professional life but also for your personal development. Focus on what you want to do in the future since your education will have a huge impact on your career.
Helps you stay employed
It pays to be up to date on industry trends and developments as this shows your employer that you are knowledgeable about your work and can adapt to changes. You can study a course whilst working, to help you expand your knowledge and skillset, giving you the opportunity to bring what you have learnt to your current job.
Keeps you motivated
Having an interest in your job can help you feel more confident about your work. If you find that you’re losing interest in what you do, learning something new can ignite your spirit and help you become motivated again to pursue your career goals.
Many find themselves stressed out or in a rut after several months or a few years in the job due to their ever-changing job responsibilities. Become motivated by further honing your skills or learning new ones!
Career change
In the current climate, not every industry is safe. The industry you are working in currently may have massively been effected by the pandemic. This may lead to the decision to completely change career.
Helps improve the quality of your life
The benefits of lifelong learning go beyond career advancement. It can help you understand how the world works. It can help you realize your passions and boost creativity. Whatever it is that you’re interested in, it is one way to live a better life.
As the saying goes, learning is a never-ending process. The world of work is rapidly changing, and people need lifelong learning to advance their skills and stay relevant. Whether it’s going back to the university, taking courses online, or attending industry-specific seminars and workshops, find a way to fit at least one of them into your life for career growth.
If you are interested in studying a course alongside your current work, take a look at the range of courses Open Study College offer.
