You’ve finally reached a major milestone in your life: retirement. You worked for years and years, and now you can enjoy additional benefits of all that effort. You can relax in your golden years and concentrate on what’s important to you, knowing that you’re financially secured. Of course, the truth is that nowadays many people are not financially secure after retirement. The recession and economy have depleted many people’s retirement savings.
Whether you’re in this position or not, you may be wondering what you’re going to do after retirement. Work part-time? Go on an extended fishing trip? Just enjoy the company of your family? Another option you might not have pondered is to go back to college. Seem like a crazy idea? It’s not. Here’s why you should consider it.
You’re Never Too Old to Learn (and Enjoy It)
No matter how much wisdom and experience you’ve accumulated over the years, there is still so much more you don’t know about. When you’re older, you often appreciate new knowledge even more than you did when you were younger. Going back to college would give you the opportunity to learn a great deal more about whatever interests you. And rather than worry about the pressure of grades or securing a career, you can fully enjoy the learning experience and just concentrate on expanding your mind. Taking classes and interacting with other students and professors can be a lot of fun, too.
If You Don’t Follow Your Dreams Now, When Will You?
If there’s something you’ve always dreamed about doing, such as having a particular career or learning a new skill, there is no better time to do it than now, after you’ve retired. Whether you want to admit it or not, you don’t have as long a life ahead of you as you did when you were in your early 20’s. It’s time for you to follow your dreams and realize those lofty goals you always thought about doing but never did. Anything is possible, and going back to college will help you make it happen.
You’ll Be an Amazing Role Model for Your Grandkids
If you have grandkids or great-grandkids, you no doubt hope they’ll have bright and accomplished futures. You believe in their abilities to be whatever they want to be, and you know the benefits they’ll get from attending college. If you go back to school after you’ve retired, they’ll have no better role model than you. They already love you and look up to you, and they might even listen to you more than their parents. Going back to school will give them an awesome example to follow. Even if you don’t have extended family, you’ll be inspiring to anyone who knows you.
Don’t Let Fear Stand in Your Way
If you’re worried that you’re “too old” for college, don’t be. You might be surprised to find someone even older than you in your classes (yes, it’s possible!). So put aside any reservations or fears you have about enrolling and go for it. After retirement, you truly have nothing to lose by just trying it out.
Mark Weatherford is a high school English teacher and education fanatic who loves to write and work on his blog. He often generates content that is aimed at encouragaing or helping students with everything from school choices to tips for writing good college essays.
Photo Credit: Galib A.
