Back to School Isn't Just for Kids

I'm inspired by all the recent back-to-school chatter -- although I haven't been a student for several years, I like to start a project or look for a new challenge every autumn.

It turns out I'm not alone. Even though the majority of Canadians aren't going back to class in September, almost half of us are rethinking our goals for the future.

According to a recent survey by Angus Reid for American Express Canada, 47 per cent of us are consistently refocusing personal and career goals, with 12 per cent seeing the back-to-school season as a good time to think about their future ambitions.
The survey also reveals that 88 per cent of us believe in continued education throughout our lives, whether for career benefits or personal interests, while 71 per cent of Canadians consider learning an important way to allow us to try new things.

The American Express Canada survey also found that 51 per cent of Canadians believe learning brings purpose to their daily lives, with 28 per cent hoping to do more volunteer work and 32 per cent hoping to learn a new language. For the Fall, 27 per cent of us have a project planned, 26 per cent of us have planned an adventure trip and 17 per cent intend to learn a new skill.

And the financial incentive is there too. Tax deductions for tuition and books are available to all Canadians who return to school - even if it's just for the occasional brain-stimulating night class. Check with Revenue Canada to be sure your course qualifies, though most post-secondary courses are eligible.