Life out of the Learning Wilderness...

Life out of the Learning Wilderness...

So in my 14 years in the Army I don’t think I ever did any kind of learning that wasn’t either a). Enforced or b). Mandatory. I didn’t do anything to better myself; I was sat stale and stagnant all that time.  The reason? Well because I didn’t have to and I wasn’t told to if I’m being honest!  So, when it came to leaving the Forces (virtually qualification-less) and I had enrolled on the CIPD Human Resources Practices course with Development Processes Group I was really quite worried.  I’d paid a lot of money to do a course that spanned a significant period of time and I wasn’t even sure if I was capable of completing it…..Suddenly doubt crept in - Would I be able to do it?  Was I intelligent enough?  Did I still have the capacity to learn and retain information after all those years of being in the learning wilderness?

There was only one way to find out!

The first workshop I remember being especially nervous as I arrived at the Oulton Hall equipped with brand new pencil case, laptop and other sparkly new learning paraphernalia. I wasn’t nervous about meeting new people as I’d done that my whole career but worried that I wouldn’t have the foggiest idea about what was being taught, scared that it would all go over my head…So as it turned out the first session was a bit heavy as we were introduced to the HR Profession Map and such like and I honestly walked out of that room at the end of the day with my brain feeling like it had done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson!!  I was just so relieved to be going home…

However, as the months went on and the workshops started flying by and more to the point the assignments were ‘meeting all criteria’ I started to look forward to them more and more.  Id got it, it all clicked, my brain was back in absorbing mode and we were loving it.  The thirst for information became more and more and the more I applied what I’d learnt at work the more I wanted to know…the learning became like a drug to me and I briefly  wondered why I had not done some kind of development sooner?  I was in this wonderful bubble.  I had an amazing facilitator that was experienced, kind and supportive and I was surrounded by likeminded professionals all on the same journey.

Before I knew it we were at workshop 9 (the last workshop) and it was time to celebrate our successes.  We had made it and although there was still some work to be done it was a day of mixed emotions.  I was so happy to be finally finishing the course as I’d dreamt of Sunday morning lay ins and lazy days instead of 4-5hrs slogging it out in front of the computer whilst the rest of the world perused the morning papers and drank slow coffees BUT I was also so sad that I wasn’t going to be meeting up with these great people who had now become firm friends and I wasn’t going to be doing any more learning.

Anyway, I submitted my final assignment and received the email I had long been waiting for – I had passed!!  I was so pleased and have probably never been prouder of myself.

But with the course passed and having some time to reflect looking back now, with my attitude to learning the way it is I literally feel as though I have partly wasted the last 14 years of my life.  I wish that I had done something different to vegging out in the block on a night watching rubbish TV or going out drinking when I was bored and enrolled in something at the Army Education Centre or at a nearby college.  I wish I had used my time more productively, given myself better opportunities than I did.  I mean the Forces predominantly supports its soldiers’ learning and it is all there for you – they even pay for it for goodness sakes!  But as they say, you live and learn and I have certainly learnt my lesson - Never again will I allow myself to get into that rut, of that I am sure.

So what now for me and my continuous professional development?

 

Well, I’m already investigating and pricing up courses to work towards a Degree in Human Resources and I literally can’t wait but first….there’s the small matter of having a baby!!  Yes, our baby is due on 3rd Jan and we are just thrilled about it but back to the matter at hand….I just hope that this blog post might inspire one person who may be feeling some self-doubt or worry about learning that you can do it and all the hard work is worthwhile.  Just go for it, stick your head above the educational parapet – you just might like it!

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Comments

  • Too often we progress through the ‘ropes of life,’ and do not invest the time to develop ourselves and our untapped potential. We tend to keep treading on our well worn paths and content with our own comfort zones.

    I have been in a HR Administrative role for over 25 years and have just returned to learning and participating in my CIPD development. Like you I have my doubts and have asked myself the same sort of questions. Can I can soak up and retain new information? Do I have the capability to even complete the course? The answer is "yes you can". With determination, hard work and motivation I can do this.

    Thank you Lucy your message is inspiring and encouraging. 

  • Like you I have spent far too long in a comfortable oasis of being 'sufficiently educated' to be good at whatever role the Civil Service has assigned me.  For more than 20 years, I've undertaken only internal courses and mandatory online training.  So, now that I too have launched myself into a CIPD qualification, learning outside of a Civil Service environment for the first time since I left school, I can't tell you how reassuring it was to read your blog, Lucy. One workshop in and I'm wondering if I'm up to the task.  But your blog was spot on and you've given me heart to continue.  I look forward to exciting and proud moments to come.  Thanks for sharing! (and good luck with the baby)

  • I think you're just at the start of your journey Lucy, but what a great start! so glad you were in two of my groups.... ! keep sending the updates and don't forget the baby photo!  x

  • What a journey you have been on Lucy and I am so proud of you in terms of your blogging, use of social media and your 'Career Woman' brand. You've come so far since your army days and I'm so pleased you have found a career that I know will be very rewarding for you. The journey has not been without it's hardships but you've completed a great qualification that will set you on your way to achieve great things I'm sure.

    You have been a great community advocate and have contributed lots over the last year and even though your studies have finished remember the Community is here to support your on-going professional development :-)

    Fantastic baby news - another journey has already started. Good luck x 

  • Love this blog Lucy! Full of positivity and inspiration.

    Congratulations on the great news that you've passed! (and also the baby news) haha

    Good luck in the future and may your baby boy/girl be happy & healthy :-)

    Good luck mama Saunder!

    Debs

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