As the summer begins to draw to a close, there’s a familiar shift in the air. September approaches, timetables return, routines reset, and the ‘back to school’ mindset quietly creeps in – even for those of us long out of uniform. 

For many of us, this season stirs a quiet anxiety: the notion that learning is something we should have already completed. That starting over (whether through a new qualification, a career change, or developing skills we never imagined needing) somehow feels like retracing old steps rather than moving forward.

However, September’s approaching energy represents an invitation to pause, reflect on where we are now, and consider how upskilling can open doors to what comes next.  

The world won’t stop changing… and neither should we

We’re living through one of the fastest-evolving periods in history. Industries are shifting. Careers are stretching. AI, automation, sustainability, new regulation, new everything. It’s all rewriting what jobs look like and what skills are needed. And yet, culturally, we’re still a bit stuck on the idea that grown-ups should have all the answers.

The truth is that most future-fit people aren’t the ones with the most experience: they’re the ones still curious enough to keep learning. We’re not here to know everything. We’re here to stay open, stay flexible, and keep moving forward. In a world that won’t sit still, being willing to begin again might just be your biggest advantage.

The myth of ‘not being academic’

A lot of people rule themselves out before they’ve even started. “I was never academic.” “I’m not good at studying.” “I haven’t opened a textbook since the nineties.”

In reality, academic success at 16 has nothing to do with professional learning at 36 or 46 or 56. Your ability to understand, apply and use knowledge in a real-world context is wildly different when you’re motivated by purpose, opportunity and real-life experience. And you don’t need to remember every GCSE science fact to become brilliant at financial advice, tech, coaching, or anything else that lights your fire.

A few truths that help:

  • Feeling out of your depth is normal. It means you’re stretching, and that’s where the growth is.
  • Structure beats motivation. You don’t need to feel ready every day. You just need a routine you can stick to.
  • Neuroplasticity is on your side. Your brain’s ability to adapt means you’re more ready to learn and change than you might think.
  • Nobody knows what they’re doing at the start. They’re just doing it anyway.

How structured learning can help you

Of course, the idea of learning again can still feel overwhelming, especially if your last classroom experience involved chalkboards and cassette players. But a well-designed learning experience can shift that feeling entirely. When information is broken down clearly, paced sensibly, and supported at every stage, the process becomes far more energising than intimidating.

That’s exactly what programmes like the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy are built around: teaching methods that help delegates apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. Because learning as an adult should help you embed what you’re learning and feel confident doing it. Real-world knowledge, delivered in a way that actually sticks.

Let the start of September be your signal

If you’ve been sitting on the idea of retraining, upskilling or completely changing course, now’s a good moment to act. Taking the first step (reading up, asking questions, signing up) can be the toughest part. The sooner you start, the quicker the process stops feeling daunting.

Back to school doesn’t mean going backwards. In this world, it might be the smartest move you make.

Thinking about upskilling into financial advice? We can support you. Read more about our career change programme.