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Never Again?! Learning after Qualifying as a Professional

15/2/2023

6 Comments

 
​Once you completed your gruelling professional exams, did you vow never again to read another textbook, do another practice test, or attend another tutorial?! That's completely natural.

The challenge, however, comes if, after taking a well-deserved break, we really do behave like our qualification is final, and rest on our laurels. These days, it's not enough to simply atrophy for the rest of our multi-decade careers. I prefer to think of those letters after our names as designations, rather than destinations. 

But, I'm not saying we should shrug off the incredible accomplishment, and immediately get back into the ring to be beaten up again. Please do celebrate your hard-won success - there are few moments in life that are as sweet as achieving your professional designation.

And, you deserve a rest too, after the years of sacrifice. The added benefit of such a pause is that the memory of the pain and trauma fades somewhat, perhaps to the point that you think: 'Surely it wasn't THAT bad?' Some even then take on further study formally, perhaps a Masters or another professional qualification. Diversification and a broader skillset are worthwhile if you can face the hours of dedication again.

As we get older too, we tend to have more commitments to juggle, whether a partner, children, aging parents of our own, or a demanding senior job managing teams. I salute those who study with all that on the go at the same time!

The big challenge with lifelong learning - which most agree is becoming increasingly critical as our skills decay faster and faster - is finding the time (and the energy) to keep learning decade after decade. Curiosity and a growth mindset help, yes, but aren't sufficient.

So, I'm keen to hear your tips please! 
What have you found helps you most to keep learning and developing as you progress along your professional career path? Mindsets, tools, techniques, shortcuts, support, processes, anything that helps you.
6 Comments
Regina
16/2/2023 14:07:15

After being downsized at age 42, I realised I'd become complacent and had been doing what my (cheaper) less-experienced staff could do equally well.

I was in two consulting firms for 8 years total after that.

In consulting you're forced (in a good way) to learn new things, pick up new skills and convince the client that you're worth your billing rate. It was a good change of mindset that stayed with me after I went back into corporate jobs.

[This is a repost of a comment on the LinkedIn shares of this article]

Reply
Protagion
16/2/2023 14:09:50

A consulting mindset indeed - thank you for sharing your experiences Regina. Our article on performing while learning may resonate with you: https://www.protagion.com/stories/learning-credibility

Reply
Tiffany
16/2/2023 14:08:26

Running! I started running around the same time I decided to go back and finish my actuarial fellowship. I ran my first half and full marathons while studying, and it was surprisingly helpful. It increased my focus and energy and relieved stress. Exercise is a severely underrated aid to studying.

Now that I'm done studying I'm hoping it will continue to keep me focused and engaged and motivate me to continue to seek out growth opportunities.

[This is a repost of a comment on the LinkedIn shares of this article]

Reply
Protagion
16/2/2023 14:10:22

#LifelongRunning - fantastic Tiffany!

Reply
Dawn
16/2/2023 14:08:58

Volunteer! It only costs your time. The downside is you don’t get portable certificates with that.

[This is a repost of a comment on the LinkedIn shares of this article]

Reply
Protagion
16/2/2023 14:11:17

Excellent suggestion - thank you Dawn! By volunteering, we practise leading & teamwork, build relationships/networks, and can learn new technical & communication skills. And, the outputs of our working parties, for example, give us tangible public evidence of our learning.

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