To Educate or Not to Educate?

During the free exploratory session I have with potential career coaching clients, I often hear the question:

Do I need to go back to school or get more training?

The answer is a resounding:

Yes, as a believer in lifetime learning I advocate for all types of education and the power that knowledge has on the career change process.

A cairn consists of a pile of rocks, typically 3 feet high, and is more common in the eastern United States. They are visible in even the worst conditions, helping hikers to find their way home. It is said to be good luck if you add a rock to the cairn, which may explain their enormous size.

When people meet with me, they get an unbiased viewpoint that can help them focus on clarifying their educational goals in relation to their career.
Additional training may be needed in your next career if it will support you in obtaining:

• A more meaningful, purposeful, successful life.
• A broader network to engage with to build “influencers” to provide support along the way.
• More value in your career than the cost of the education.
  
  

Self care is another reason why I advocate for participating in a class, going to a seminar, checking out a workshop, or even listening to a podcast. There are a ton of educational resources available to teach you about deep breathing, mindfulness, positive intent, having fun in the workplace, and so much more. When deciding on your next educational endeavor, you may want to consider your learning style. For example, taking an online class might feel really draining to one person and really energizing to another.

One might even consider taking a short course in photography, cooking a specialty food, or learning what trail cairns are for, who knows? The hope is that by exploring something that you don’t already know about, you gain a new perspective and meet people outside of your current circle.

2, 4 or 6 years of higher education may or may not be the key to unlocking your ideal career path but I would guess that a 2, 4 or 6 week short course will give you some insights you didn’t have before, and might be your cairn that helps you navigate your career path.

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Author

Heather Palow, Career and Business Coach who empowers entrepreneurs, career changers and people who want to take control of their lives by clarifying their strengths and achieving their goals.