If you could learn anything new, what would it be?

[EllieSmumsnet]

Juggling work, family, and everything in between can make studying feel challenging but if you had the chance, what would you love to learn? Maybe it’s a career change, a new skill, or just something you’ve always been curious about.

We know how hard it can be to find time for yourself, so as a little incentive, everyone who joins this thread by 21/04/2025 will have the chance to win £250 to put towards your studies to help make it a little easier. Whether you need study gadgets, coffee credit, textbooks, or even a bit of childcare support.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

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Woodwork

Ive built raised beds and basic stuff like that. I've done a bit of wood turning.
I wish I could make things that are practical and beautiful

I would love to have studied philosophy or classics…I went part time in college due to various struggles and didn’t go to uni…if I could afford to study further it would be one of those two subjects I think

I would love to learn something creative - I don’t have any creative outlets in my life and think it would really help with my mental health. Anything like crotchet or knitting or painting! Professionally I’d love to become a excel whizz as the things it can do is amazing - I’m always meaning to look into a course for it!

Many things, but most practically - whatever skills I need to get a high paying job in tech.

I'd like to learn to play the bagpipes.

For occupational reasons? Plumbing.

I also think I'd like to learn how to fix bicycles, but if I really wanted to do that I'd have gone on a course before now.

I often think that if I had my time all over again, I would love to have pursued a job in the film industry - puppetry or stop motion. Jim Henson has always been a hero of mine! I feel far too old to do it now (aside from all of the other practical issues that would prevent it happening!) - I do have a job I love though, so I am very grateful for that :)

I would love to learn the violin. I have had one since I was young but have never had the chance to have any lessons. 🎶

I have loads. I would love to learn a language, to teach yoga/exercise classes, pottery, painting, photography, shorthand, python....

I’m arguably an excel whizz

I would love to learn how to do a back flip and a forward handstand. I’ve never been bendy enough.

I would love to learn more about physics.

I’m learning Italian but I’d love to do a DIY course and get really confident in doing work on my flat.

I would have loved to play the piano.

I’d love to learn to do something crafty and creative like learn to knit, crochet or sew.

Sign language.
Welsh.
How to make those fancy iced biscuiteers biscuits.
Crochet.

A language probably, not sure which.

I would love to learn French again - join some conversation classes, maybe even pop to France over the summer! Duolingo doesn’t quite cut it.

I am learning Italian (I'm B1 level) but I want to go much further, to C2 level if I have it in me!! I find it so inspiring to watch the many You Tube videos of people who have done just this, by self study and living outside of the country where they speak the language. So step by step I go... Reading and listening by myself, and then two classes a week.

I did this - changed career and trained as a solicitor and qualified at 33.
I think it was a good choice for me.
if I was retraining again to something different, I’d love to be a personal trainer that specialises in post-40 or post-menopausal ladies and I’d train to have exercise and dietary advice.

I would love to learn how to fly.

Not an aeroplane, but just with some feathers stuck to my arms (that's Plan A) or alternatively with some big flappy things that take a minimal effort to flap.

(I would look in the neighbours' gardens on the first day I was proficient. )

Having given this a bit more thought, I'd like to learn how to handle firearms. It would be a completely off-piste and unexpected skill for me to have.

BSL - I’ve done a taster course but would really like to get a qualification.

I'd love to learn modern calligraphy/ lettering. I can do basic calligraphy but would love to improve.

I'd also love to learn to paint watercolours and sketch.

I’d love to learn to sing! Imagine being I was just turn up at a party or pub or wherever and entertain people, without even needing an instrument. Also, I am a hopeless singer, but when I do sing to myself while cooking etc, it just makes me feel so happy.
Languages: I actually do have a facility for them, but I have been too lazy to learn them once you have to get into the fiddly grammar.
Musicology fascinates me as well.
And my alter ego,, who would have a scientific brain that I just don’t, would study either pharmacology (I love pharmacies) or be a pathologist.

Spanish, pottery, piano. I'd like to master these thank you.

Join the WI they offer online courses in BSL for free or you can pay for each step in the course.