Why All Working Adults Should Take Online Classes

If you think online classes are only for students, think again. As a working adult, you have only economic and social capital to gain by trying. You’ll have a plethora of new, immediately usable skills, the freedom to work anywhere with an internet connection, and hopefully an increased curiosity. Plus: you reduce the risk of being labeled “old.” If you’ve ever thought about taking an online class, there may be no better time than now, especially if you’re a working adult.

1. Immediate Application of New Skills

Enjoyment and immediate relevance. In an age of instant everything, you’ll be able simultaneously to work, take your course, and apply what you’ve learned—quickly, easily, and efficiently. You can use something you learned every day—and increase your job performance. Chances are pretty good that you’ll also enjoy the course, especially if it’s relevant to what you’re doing at work.

Another perk? Ease of credit transfer. Not only will you be able to use what you learn immediately, you’ll be able to earn additional credits towards a degree—and transfer them anywhere you’d like. Just make sure your program is accredited.

2. Flexible Schedule

The beauty of taking an online course is that you can work on it as you have time—you don’t have to take time off work or quit your job to further your education. All you need is an internet connection and a workflow that you can manage. Work on your course on break times, the weekends, before work, after work—or whenever you want.

The beauty of the flexible schedule? No commuting. You don’t have to go anywhere else in your circuit. You can work on your class at work, if allowed, a coffee shop, your kitchen table, or lying on your couch.

3. Combat “Old” Stigma

As a working adult, either with or without a degree, combat the stigma of being the oldest kid in the class by taking an online course. It’s a bit easier to hide your age if you’re self-conscious about it. The other piece? Your employer will value your ambition to stay current with online trends. Remember, while “old” can have a stigma, it can also have benefits like wisdom and experience.

4. Keep Challenging Yourself

Take something you’ve always wanted to take that could enrich your work life—or take something that your employer requires. Make yourself indispensable in your workplace by constantly accepting new challenges.

If you’re able to earn a more advanced degree or certificate, even better. You can make yourself marketable to your current employer—or even some future ones that you haven’t even considered yet.

A willingness and desire to learn new things are also desirable—even if your online course isn’t directly related to your work, your desire to challenge yourself will keep your synapses well-connected and vibrant.

5. Tuition Reimbursement

The nice thing about taking an online class as a working adult? If your employer asks you to do, chances are that they’ll pay for all or part of it. As long as your program or course has accreditation, and will enhance your work performance, there’s no reason why an employer wouldn’t cover the extra cost. What do you have to lose by asking?

Another possibility here is finding Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, for which you don’t pay anything—and can still earn credit.

Of all the professional and personal development activities you could do as a working adult, taking an online class should be at the top of your list. The most important thing? Stay true to yourself, your interests, and your passions. Try it. See what happens. Learn how to code, try a new language, or learn how to create apps. The options are limitless.