Learning new things does not become impossible as we age – it only becomes more difficult. Young children are more adaptable mentally when it comes to learning new things.
In fact, the human brain only stops growing and becomes fully formed at around age 25.
As adults, we almost must learn how to learn all over again.
That’s because as we get older, we get set in our ways and develop time-consuming adult responsibilities.
And, there just never seems to be enough hours in a day.
Over 36 million Americans have applied for unemployment insurance since mid-March. Since many have reported being unable to access the stressed application system, 36 million may be a massive underestimation. The stark truth is that many will remain unemployed for a long time to come.
Well, having enough hours in the day to burn isn’t really a problem for most people anymore.
Now, every state is reopening for business, even though public health experts fear secondary and tertiary waves are almost a certainty.
As half of workers turn to turn to telecommuting, most, “nonessential,” workers were quarantined.
Now as quarantine restrictions loosen, many nonessential workers have no job to return to.
Worse, as long as COVID-19 is a threat, future job prospects will diminish significantly.
The best way to improve job prospects in this cruel new world is by taking some online courses.
Getting Certification for a Better Future
I used to work in academia. My specialty was working with returning students, or, adult, middle-aged students specifically.
Then, I got divorced, lost my job, lost my apartment, and worse, had to move back home with my ailing mother.
This was about a decade ago, long before the world turned into a really bad or really good Stephen King novel.
I spent a long time lost in depression and doing nothing. I was very capable of freelance writing then, but it would take a few more years before I took that seriously.
Around 2013, I spent a season couch surfing through Europe. During that time, I spent several weeks taking an online course to attain a TEFL/TESOL certification.
Its basically an online certification course that would allow me to teach English in foreign countries. I paid $100 for that course.
I never made use of the certificate, but I remember taking that online course now that so many people are out of work.
Since there are so now many free, legitimate online courses for adults, I’s going to take a few to refresh my skills.
That is because many new jobs may require you to learn new skills or get upgraded certifications.
Learning new skills help differentiate you from competitors too.
Over 6.6 million Americans were engaged in academic remote learning in 2017.
Free Online Courses Via Coursera and EdX
Coursera is a renowned educational website that also offers free access to important courses to adults.
Until May 31st, Coursera will offer free online courses on COVID-19, global pandemics, and emergency responses to global pandemics.
Or, you can take free, specialized writing courses for adults from Yale, Wesleyan, or Michigan State University.
At the online education site EdX, you can take courses on computer science or computer programming offered by Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania.
You can also learn a new language, corporate finance, psychology, or enroll in other numerous free online courses.
Learning new skills can only help you stand out more when applying for new work. That was always true, pandemic or no.
Read More
DON’T FALL FOR THESE CORONAVIRUS-THEMED ONLINE SCAMS
NEWLY TELECOMMUTING DUE TO COVID-19? HERE’S SOME TIPS
Adjusting My Financing Future For the New Normal of COVID-19
How Can Coronavirus Affect Your Credit Score
I’m a Gig Worker, I Don’t Qualify for Unemployment, But I’ll Try
Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.