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As technological innovation continues to advance rapidly, professionals must constantly learn and adapt to keep up. Paulette Chaffee, an educator with a California Lifetime Teaching Credential, believes that dedicating time to education is more important than ever for professionals. By doing so, you can stay ahead of the curve, improve your skills, and reach your career goals. According to Chaffee, education should be a top priority for everyone in the new year. Here are ways to make learning a part of your resolution so you can watch your career soar to new heights.

Stay Ahead of Competition

Academic facilities offer a unique opportunity for professionals and students to gain real-world experience through partnerships with industry leaders. These partnerships provide students with access to the latest technology and tools used in their field of study, preparing them for success in the working world. Additionally, professionals can take advantage of these opportunities to upskill and stay current in their technical knowledge, giving them a competitive edge in their career path. With the digital transformation of society and the economy, upskilling is more important than ever for success in the modern workforce.

Chase a Dream Job

The start of a new year is an ideal time to reflect on personal goals and aspirations. But for many, the uncertainty of the economy can hold them back from making changes to their current job, even if it's not aligned with their true passions. Education can provide a solution to this problem by offering a path to a more fulfilling career or personal development.

Education doesn't always have to be career-focused. It can also be a means to gain new skills and knowledge, whether it's to pursue a hobby or personal interest. By taking a class to develop a skill you've always wanted to learn, you can find joy and satisfaction in your personal growth.

Follow Through with Accountability

New Year's resolutions are often difficult to stick to, as old habits can creep in and make it hard to achieve new goals. One of the biggest advantages of making education a resolution for the new year is the accountability provided by teachers and classmates. When the school year starts, deadlines and assignments are set, and it becomes the student's responsibility to complete them. But with the support of professors and peers, homework, studying and passing exams become more manageable. Being part of a class provides a sense of community and the ability to ask for help and support as you navigate through the academic journey together, making it more likely to achieve your goals.

Inspire Kids

For parents with kids going through school, taking a class or earning a degree can inspire kids to do their best in school. Likewise, the opportunity for a parent to work alongside a child academically can boost motivation and inspiration for both parties. In addition, many parents find that parenting can come easier when their actions speak louder than their words, and children are more likely to replicate the actions they observe through their parents.

Focus on the Art of Learning

While grades are certainly important in academia, the true value of education lies in the ability to shift focus from grades to the act of learning itself. Learning is a skill that can be developed and honed, and understanding how one's brain best decodes and retains information can be applied in the workplace, especially when facing a learning curve. The art of learning is a gift that goes beyond the classroom and can be beneficial in any field or job.

About Paulette Chaffee

Paulette Chaffee is an educator, children's advocate, grants facilitator, lawyer, and member of various non-profit boards. She obtained bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Redlands in Communicative Disorders and a California Lifetime Teaching Credential. She is currently the Ambassador for Orange County 4th District and a board member of All the Arts for All the Kids.