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Arkaik

Hello everyone. I'll get right to the point. I'm 34, have a high school education, work full-time (at a job I really don't care for), and am considering either some sort of trade school, or going to a local community college or online college for a liberal arts degree. I actually prefer to go for the degree, but have my doubts at this point in my life. I was wondering if anyone in my age group has any community college/online college or even trade school experience, and would be so kind as to share feedback and experiences with a bewildered soul. Thanks.

Pauloz · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 1:55 am Post subject:

Arkaik

Yeah, I've got a Certificate II in Landscaping and I'm getting a Business Certificate IV in Small Business Management, and I'm 53. The Business Cert turned out to be a lot more interesting than I would have thought, and it was fun to do. At one stage I was teaching the class about intellectual property.

It's easy to do, just put up with the "Mature Age" label and you'll find the work's easy enough.

The thing to look out for is accreditation. Most reputable colleges have a list of "nationally recognized" stuff. It's important, because if employers don't know what a qualification is, and can't reference it, they'll discount it.

Before going for that Arts degree, find a career track for it, so you've got some information on hand about how to use it. That's another trap, the degree is valid, but its applications aren't clear.

Trade qualifications are a bit simpler, just about all are recognized, and there's no doubts about how to use them.

You can actually do both, if you can work your times that way. Most study is more about time management than anything else.

The big advantage these days is that you really can expand your skill set dramatically, and relatively quickly. If you enjoy the subjects, it's a breeze.

Arkaik · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 12:13 am Post subject:

Thanks once again for the advice Paul. Most people don't seem to want to talk about this stuff, or give a straight answer. Glad to hear things are going good for you. Sounds like you're one of the few who are getting better with age.

prettymom · Newbie Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

Hi,

I totally relate with what you are going through right now. I just recently reached my 40s and have been working with the government for some time and I wanted to change jobs.

About 10 years ago, I was teaching high school students but I did not last long with the hassles teen-agers have been going through. So I tried to switch job, but I did not know how to use the computer.

I eventually got an office job but recently, I thought about honing my skills on computers as I have heard a lot about homebased jobs. I wanted to stay at home and raise my children, but I needed to still earn. So I took an online training with SimonSezIT.com. Its great. I learned MS powerpoint, MS excel, and I got to be very proficient with Ms Word, enough to make me confident about taking a data entry job. The training is very easy to follow with a lecture video to guide you through the learning process.

Now, I am a virtual assistant, earning more than a $1,000 a month while being a full-time mom. The best thing about it was that I only paid $12 for each month that I took the course with SimonSezIT.com.

I totally believe that we are never too old to learn new things. We just have to be committed to what we are doing. Nothing is impossible.

You should try it!

Arkaik · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: my career change

prettymom · Newbie Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

lol. I could actually enumerate the number of times I've joined online trainings and got more confused in the process.

I've even been scammed by get rich quick homebased jobs and got a headache from following their instructions.

Just part of the process of learning the ropes of online business.

I am just giving SimonSezIT due for the excellent and simplified way they present the lessons. Coupled with actual experience, one can be easily on the way to earning on the net, or anywhere else that need computer skills.

At this point, may I also suggest BBC.co.uk for th excellent learning resources they provide for English learners. This one is for free and the exercises and drills are quite easy to follow and understand, especially for non-native English speakers, and people who would like to hone their skills to go online and work.

Actually, my passion right now is for home-based online jobs, and English and computer skills are the tools needed to succeed in this industry, as competition is stiff and people are getting better and better with their skills.

Arkaik · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: Just grateful

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