How much time a week do you dedicate to learning?

Tomilyn Richards

January 24,2023 at 8:25PM UTC

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How much time a week do you dedicate to learning?

I have set a goal for myself this year and have really started investing more time per week in reading. In addition, I have a long list of areas I want to upskill.

How much do you invest in yourself each week? Is there such a thing as too much learning?? Do you struggle to make the time?

Do you have access to leanring options at work? We have Percipio and LinkedIn Learning so I feel like with so much of the access online, there are an abundance of options.

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Kathryn MontbriandJanuary 24,2023 at 9:59PM UTC
Hi Tomilyn - what a great question. I ebb and flow in this space, sometimes I get really curious and consume an entire course worth of material in a few days, and sometimes I have other priorities and put them on the backburner.
The compromise I made with myself is that I try to read at least a few pages in one of my 'learning books' each day. Some days it is 5, some days it is more. Typically, I will finish a book in two weeks at this pace.
Then, if I want to add more on top of that, it's easy to do so. And if not, at least I will have done something to expand my mind a little during the day.
Tomilyn RichardsJanuary 26,2023 at 5:45PM UTC
That is a really great philosophy and I might need to adopt that. I go between reading for fun and reading for purpose/learning... =)
VerityJanuary 24,2023 at 10:41PM UTC
There's never such a thing as too much learning! I personally love knowing more than the people around me because it means I can help them learn something new and get to experience the excitement all over again!
I don't really make time to learn I just... do? Whenever a question pops into my head, I'll either search it, ask someone or write it down so I can search it later. This often leads to me going on little tangents but if you're learning specifically about your work then I don't see an issue with that! In fact, I think it's awesome for you to do that!
Bonnie CoventryJanuary 24,2023 at 11:08PM UTC
I have it permanently scheduled on my calendar for various learning and development. This includes both LinkedIn Learning and in house learning classes we can sign up for in specific areas of the business. We also utilize Get Abstract, for book previews. You can't grow unless you are a constant learner and keeping up with trends is so very important. This is a priority and allows for high level conversations with leadership. Invest in yourself!
Tomilyn RichardsJanuary 26,2023 at 5:43PM UTC
I am not familiar with Get Abstract, thank you for the metion. I truly do love learning!!
AnonymousJanuary 25,2023 at 4:25PM UTC
My take on learning is this:
When I got new jobs, I always let my new organization know that the day I quit learning is when I start looking for a new job.
Now that I have retired, my take is when I quit learning is the day they scatter my ashes.
By the way, I am now a doctoral candidate and expect to have my doctorate before the end of the year. To answer the question about too much learning, I would say "No, there is no such thing."
Tomilyn RichardsJanuary 26,2023 at 5:41PM UTC
Wonderful philosophy and congrats on such an amazing achievement!!
AnonymousJanuary 25,2023 at 4:29PM UTC
I try to get at least 30min/week during our non-busy season. I usually managed ~1hr/day.
I have to pull from all sorts of places as my company is more focused on training for our teachers than on support staff. I have used Coursera, random blogs, professional development blogs, 3-5 associations for Admin Assistants/EAs, and just about anything else I could find that seems useful.
Tomilyn RichardsJanuary 26,2023 at 5:41PM UTC
There really are an incredible amount of online resources. Even Youtube can be amazing!!
Lori CasoJanuary 26,2023 at 1:19PM UTC
Excellent goal! I went back to school at 59 (online courses) and I spend on average of 15 hrs a week. It’s really worth it - even taking courses on global religion and perspectives on death and dying are enhancing me overall. Good luck to you ?
Tomilyn RichardsJanuary 26,2023 at 5:40PM UTC
15 hours is amazing dedication, and a goal I aspire to. I love the idea of learning about different cultures and religions too, regardless of belief. Understanding is powerful.
Jessica MinterJanuary 26,2023 at 2:37PM UTC
Our team is required to do at least 30 minutes of training on Social Talent. We also have an internal platform with a plethora of training courses. Personally, I try to dedicate a portion of my Fridays to reading and insights. There can never be too much learning, but the struggle for adequate time is real. Blocking the calendar helps!
Tomilyn RichardsJanuary 26,2023 at 5:39PM UTC
Calendar blocking = survival for sure!!
AnonymousJanuary 26,2023 at 5:41PM UTC
Create a long term plan for your career (if you have one) and a short term one as well. Decide what time you can dedicate to the goal of getting there and what tools you need to learn those new skills. Then look at how much actual time you need to do your job. You don't say if your company does provide paid time for doing education, if they do ask the HR person for guidance and let them know of your goal plan which should include upward mobility within their business. If not then decide how much personal time away from hobbies, family and social interests you can give to focus and not burn out. Find a mentor in your company perhaps who is in the role you seek going forward. Learning new things will help you in the short and long term and definitely will make you happier at work too.