Supernumerary. Retraining?

The job market is currently very favorable, but if you have to leave your employer, it is still an exciting time. Where can you go? Why would they take you and not someone much younger/cheaper? Haven't I neglected my own skills through hard work and family time?

In any case, you now have some time and perhaps some extra money at your disposal. Do an education or course?

Of course a good idea! Developments in the job market are so rapid that everyone has embraced the idea of lifelong learning. But what then? And where?

Procurement of knowledge

When you purchase something for your job; a system, materials, a rental property or a lawyer, you are used to doing so according to a meticulous protocol, or using suppliers selected by your employer. Oddly enough, almost no one is that meticulous when it comes to purchasing for themselves. Consequently, many people feel afterwards that they did not choose the right training. Some finish it anyway, others don't. Wasted money and lost time.

Training is easy to find

That's right! Maybe a little too easily! There are thousands of longer term HBO and WO courses alone, take away training and courses you easily exceed 10,000. Not to mention the huge amount of trainers, forms of training, and prices are often far apart.

So how do I find the right one?

Of course, training must fit that new job. It is a means and not an end in itself. In addition, it is at least a good idea to answer the following questions for yourself:

What budget do I want to make available?
How long and how intensively?
What fits my competencies and ability to learn?
What fits my personality?
To what extent is the training relevant for the long term?
How does the training look on my resume?

Training in training choice

As logical as the questions are, answering them thoroughly is far from easy. That is why I advise something that hardly anyone does; let someone guide you in your choice of education! For as little as 100,- you have a good conversation about the possibilities, the relevance for the job market, and what suits you and your (desired) career. If desired, you can expand this with tests, homework assignments and questionnaires to gain more insight into your capabilities, motivations and job market.

Avoid an expensive disappointment! Get advice in training choice!