Articles Higher Education

Top Reasons to Study (Whatever Your Age!)

Top Reasons to Study

Studying again at any age is certainly not a decision to make lightly, and most certainly not one to be dismissed.

Many people choose to change their profession or add credits to their profession as time progresses. Studying isn’t always cheap, but it can definitely be worth it. 

Whether you’re in your 40s or even 60s, you can choose to study something new and start a new chapter in your life. It may seem that getting a diploma or a degree is difficult. Whilst the learning and studying may be, the possibility of starting the journey isn’t!  Completing a degree has never been easier than it is today, although it is vital to make financial considerations rather than signing up to anything with your eyes shut. You can find ways to fund your journey too such as a loan with Buddy Loans, for example. However, don’t get too hung up about student loans as there are always options for refinancing if you know the right websites to consult.

So, what makes getting an academic title so appealing? 

Social advancement and prestige 

The word “study” comes from the Latin studere and means “to strive”. The majority of today’s students, however, do not feel the hunger for knowledge or intellectual independence, as was the case a few decades ago. Rather, social advancement, better career opportunities and a higher income are more attractive. After all, you don’t torment yourself through a bachelor’s or master’s degree without making any profit from it. In many areas of the world of work, a degree is equivalent to a key that opens the doors to the highest positions. Professions such as doctor, teacher or lawyer can in principle only be taken in this way. If you want to gain a master’s degree or elevate your qualifications, studying is the only way. Highly motivated people who study well can often quickly climb the career ladder on the job market. Or progress in their pre-existing field. 

Interest and education 

The best thing about studying? The opportunity to deal intensively with a discipline that inspires you. Even if the choice of a subject is becoming an economic question for more and more students, there are nonetheless just as many who let personal interests decide. The attraction of the humanities, for example, is a great choice. We can study subjects like philosophy, literature or history because the subject appeals to us. They prepare us less for work than for life itself. Here students learn to critically question everything that is supposed to be a “fact”, to get a differentiated picture of the world and to practice self-reflection. These are soft skills from which everyone benefits. This is regardless of the area in which they end up professionally. You can learn to discuss with like-minded people and therefore sharpen your intellectual minds – learning from people younger, older and the same age. And in doing so, you can acquire skills from which you will benefit both professionally and privately.

Make the world a little better 

Between climate change, diseases, social injustices and oceans contaminated with plastic, many subjects make us overwhelmed. So, in order to attack them and face them head-on, you must research. Therefore, you research, you develop, and try out. This is possible both at a university and in the private sector. The world needs people who have an eye for the deficits and crises of our time and are willing to lend a hand. Is it naive to start studying with the optimism of a do-gooder in the hope of making a difference? Not at all, because studying allows you to learn new things, and build on existing things so that you can make your life and world a better place. 

Outside influence and lack of self-awareness 

However, it should not be forgotten that many people do not choose to study purely on their own initiative. Often it is parents’ or families’ high expectations. It seems that studying has become an unofficial prerequisite for being successful in working life and integrating seamlessly into society. Their own interests often find little or no space under such circumstances – so that is what is vital. If you are studying, you must try to combine your personality and interests into the study. Be aware of what you want and what your goals are. One in three people currently leave university without graduating and dropping out. This means that they haven’t found what inspires them. You shouldn’t find yourself grumbling, unmotivated and frustrated in the lecture halls. It is about trying to achieve your goals in the best ways possible. The people you meet along the way will offer advice and inspiration.

Studying: is it the right choice? 

Nobody can make this decision for you. There are compelling reasons to study. It may be essential to grow your company, or to get a new job role in the industry you love. It may be for a total change. But it is essential to know that at any age it is possible to get a great study regime. Open universities offer courses, so you don’t have to sit in a classroom if you don’t feel that’s for you. You can study through e-learning at your own pace and alongside your current work. The possibilities are endless and with endless benefits also. It is important, however, that the motivation is intrinsic in nature and as an adult you don’t allow yourself to be too impressed by external influences.

You must realise that things won’t just be a total slam dunk – you will need to invest a lot of time and energy into your studies. Money is also a factor, too. You will need to do a pros and cons list to ensure you’re making the right decision. However, in your heart, you will know what to do. More and more people are returning to school because they want to realign themselves professionally or want to broaden their intellectual horizons. And sometimes something only comes along with age. So, explore, see what courses are available and how you can adapt it to your life. There are ways to find your studies and support groups to get you through. The friends and acquaintances along the way should inspire you and get you to the next point in your life that probably means so much to you.

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