Learn From These Online Courses And Discover Your Alternative Career

The Harvard Business Review recently published a story on the benefits of having two careers, and we agree that it does allow for personal growth and skills development while avoiding burn out. The key is finding another career path that lets you enjoy the things you are passionate about.

Anyway, life is a continuous learning process, and you only stop when you’re dead. And since, we’re far from that, let’s make the most of our days by refining a skill, honing a talent, or just exploring something new and fun to do. And what do you know? You don’t even have to tackle the city’s horrendous traffic while you’re at it!

Here are a few online classes you may want to dabble in. The duration for each class varies in length, with most taking about an hour per session, which you can take and complete at your own pace. An important note: Most of these are FREE, but should you want to get a certification, many of them offer it for an additional fee. Whether or not you decide to get a certification, the important thing is that you gained knowledge and developed new skills that you can even add to update your resume.

 

READ: Make It A Fun-Filled Summer With These Workshops For Kids – And Adults, Too!

 

JUST FOR FUN COURSES

Game On

Build your very first iOS app

It cannot be denied that our lives are tied to our mobiles. Whether it be computing the calories you consume throughout your day to finding the cheapest flights and planning your entire work week, there is an app among the millions found online which can help you with any task you need. If you have a great idea that you think can help others and which you want to bring to life as your own app, try this free course. Learn the basics of coding and app development, and be able to design, develop, and build your own simple iOS program.

 

Better Blogging

Strategic Social Media Marketing

Are you a budding vlogger and influencer? Dominate social media, rather than be dominated by ads you don’t want. Create your own success through effective and engaging content for various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as well as  managing them and measuring its effectiveness. Build and strengthen your (or your organization’s) online presence, and create a greater following starting today.

 

Sketchy And Shady

The Elements of Drawing

Ever had the urge to draw, but didn’t know where to start? This time, give in to the inspiration and take the ultimate drawing course. Good for even absolute beginners, all you’ll need is a pen, paper, and oodles of motivation to learn. This 8-part video series are based on John Ruskin’s teaching collections from the University of Oxford. Learn at your own pace, and soon enough, you’ll be drawing like a professional.

 

Picture Perfect

Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

Level up your selfies and train for the real thing. Learn the basics of using a digital SLR and elevate your mobile photography to a new level. Know how to compose images, balance photos, and utilize your camera settings. Learn about the foundations of composition, exposure, lighting, and post production processes in this five-part course that’s accessible on the web or even via your mobile phone.

 

READ: You Don't Have to Quit Your Day Job to Pursue Your Entrepreneurial Dreams

 

#ADULTING COURSES

Financial Fitness

Financial Freedom: A Beginner’s Guide

As you work hard for your money, make your money work harder for you! Investing in the stock market is one of the ways to further grow your savings. If your goal is to build a stronger financial portfolio, you may want to dabble in this. Easily grasp the tenets of investing and watch and learn from these sites. Know when to buy, when to sell, and when to invest as you gain complete confidence playing in the stock market.

 

Master of the Mind

Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

Everything begins with learning, so why not make the make the “process” of learning faster, easier, and more effective?  Through this course, discover the best practices shown by research to be the most effective in helping you master tough subjects, as well as tips on boosting memory and dealing with procrastination. As they say, knowledge is power, so empower yourself with the right skills, too.

 

Read-Runner

Iris Reading at the Speed of Thought

For editors, students, teachers and the like, speed reading and good memory become important skills to hone as you learn to digest big data. The course will teach you how to process and internalize information in a highly-effective way—and retain it! Be in the know always.

 

Bargain Best

Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills

Success, especially in business, lies in the art of the deal. In order to secure profitable contracts, you have to know how to negotiate well. Turn every encounter at the negotiating table into a win-win situation by taking this course. Use the same skills and strategies to forward your career as well.

 

READ: Get A Steady Paycheck Without Leaving The House

 

OUT OF THE BOX COURSES

Hacking With Good Intentions

Ethical Hacking: An Introduction

In this day and age of gadgets and gizmos, try your hand at hacking—the ethical way, that is! Discover what ethical hacking is and the different kinds of hackers there are in the world. Hacking is a useful skill – especially when used for the good - as it helps identify vulnerable spots in programs and security systems. Learn how to be one through a comprehensive 14.5-hour online tutorial.

 

Modern Science

De-Mystifying Mindfulness

While we commit to exercise and a healthy diet to address our physical needs, mindfulness and meditation are usually prescribed for one’s mental and emotional health. Why is it so effective? What makes it effective? Delve deeper into the psychology and neuroscience of mindfulness, and learn how to enrich your everyday experience through tried-and-tested approaches.

 

Beyond The Stars

Cosmology and Astronomy

Are you taken by the mysticism of the universe? What is out there beyond the stars? Learn about the universe, stars, black holes, galaxies and the inevitability of life in other galaxies through this intensely entertaining course.

 

Green Living

Plant-Based Cooking: An Introduction

A healthy diet has always been highlighted to become a priority in our life. So equip yourself with the necessary tools and techniques on how to nourish yourself with good food. From basic knife skills to nutrition to unique, flavorful recipes, learn everything you need to become a versatile vegetarian cook. Take note, however, that this class is not free, but there is a free 7-day trial that you can avail of.

 

READ: 5 Home-Based Jobs That Give Steady Paychecks

 

Photos by bruce mars  and  Dylan Gillis on Unsplash.