Baby Boomers: Do You Have the Desire for More Education?

Some years ago I realized that the computer age was passing this baby boomer by. My only formal computer education was in 1966 when I took the only computer course available. It involved counting in binary and a simplistic program using mark sense cards. My current knowledge of computers was based on 30 years working in telecommunications. After retirement, I realized that the advances each year in computers would necessitate more education and knowledge than this old baby boomer possessed. The only answer was to go back to school. I reviewed the continuing education courses offered at my local community college. My education needs were specific, and I had no need or desire to attain an M.B.A. this late in life. I selected networking, PC maintenance and a Novell administration course. All three seemed interesting and might be of benefit to me in the future.

The Teachers, not the Students, were a Surprise to me

I discovered that an old retiree can fit in easily with young people in a classroom environment but cannot expect to socialize with them after class. I had no desire to relive my 20s again so this was excellent for my needs. The kids were great. The big surprise was the subtle nuances from the instructor. The instructors were usually professional people in their own field and may have felt that they were wasting their time with the "old man" in the classroom. I probably gave the wrong answer to the question they asked each class member, "Why did you want to take this course?" I would always answer with, "so I can stay current on the latest technology." Their attitude was subtle and presented no roadblocks for me.

Old Dog, New Tricks

I quickly learned that the major problem with going back to school is not the teachers or the other students. The problem is getting a tired, old, baby-boomer brain to function like it did 20 years ago. Many of the problems that had to be addressed in the classroom were very similar to problems that I faced for years in the work place. In the Novell administration course, I found that some of the material involving tables was much like the situation in many of the problems I had faced for years in the workplace. Many times I had solved very complex problems at work that were much more difficult than those involving Novel administration and networking. I finally came to the conclusion that there is a major difference in learning for a critical need at work and learning just to broaden your knowledge base. I no longer had the drive and initiative to tackle complex issues if there was no critical need facing me. I believe there is an old saying that must be true, "Necessity is an excellent task master."

Go for it if you have the desire

My experience should never influence someone to refrain from pursuing more education. Remember that desire is the driving issue. If you have desire and this is not just a mere whim, you need to go for it. My favorite interest is American History. I wonder what the community college is offering this fall?