The Power of Ten - 10 benefits of learning at the end of your career

Continuing to develop your learning towards the end of your career can have significant advantages. Here are ten benefits of ongoing learning during this stage:

1. Adaptability to Changing Work Environment: By continuing to learn, you stay up-to-date with industry advancements and changes. This adaptability can help you navigate technological advancements, evolving work practices, and shifting job market demands.

2. Professional Relevance: Learning new skills and knowledge ensures that you remain professionally relevant. It demonstrates your commitment to growth and keeps you competitive in the job market, should you decide to pursue new opportunities or transition to a different career path.

3. Increased Job Satisfaction: Engaging in ongoing learning can reignite your passion for your work and increase job satisfaction. It introduces fresh challenges, allows you to explore new aspects of your field, and helps you find meaning and fulfilment in your remaining years in the workforce.

4. Mentoring and Coaching Opportunities: With years of experience and knowledge, you can share your expertise through mentoring and coaching. Continued learning helps you stay updated and provides valuable insights to guide and develop the next generation of professionals in your field.

5. Transferrable Skills: Pursuing learning opportunities broadens your skill set, including transferable skills that can be valuable beyond your current role or industry. These skills can enhance your versatility and open doors to new possibilities, such as consulting or advisory roles.

6. Personal Growth and Self-Reflection: Continuing to learn fosters personal growth and self-reflection. It allows you to assess your accomplishments, reflect on lessons learned, and set new goals for your final career phase, contributing to a sense of fulfilment and purpose.

7. Legacy Building: By continuing to develop your learning, you can leave a lasting legacy in your field. Sharing your knowledge, experiences, and insights can positively impact the profession, contribute to industry advancements, and inspire future generations.

8. Expanded Professional Network: Engaging in learning activities offers networking opportunities with fellow learners, instructors, and industry experts. Expanding your professional network can lead to valuable connections, collaboration, and potential new opportunities.

9. Personal Well-being: Learning has been linked to improved cognitive function and mental well-being. By keeping your mind active and engaged, you can maintain mental sharpness, boost confidence, and promote overall well-being during the later stages of your career.

10. Positive Retirement Transition: Investing in ongoing learning sets a positive foundation for your transition into retirement. It helps you maintain a sense of purpose, keeps you mentally stimulated, and provides opportunities for continued growth and contribution even after leaving your full-time career.

Remember, learning at the end of your career should align with your personal interests, goals, and aspirations. Choose topics and programs that resonate with you, allowing you to make the most of this phase in your professional journey.

Note about the author: Andrew Hulbert is a multi-award winning entrepreneur, non-exec director, speaker, author, platelet donor and philanthropist. The ‘Power of Ten’ summarises Andrew’s learnings across the last decade and looks to share some of the valuable mistakes, lessons and learnings during that time. For a succinct summary of Andrew’s career you can visit: https://www.iwfmawards.org/previous-winners/winner-outstanding-contribution-to-workplace-and-facilities-management-2022/ . If you’d like to start a conversation, please direct message on LinkedIn.