Online courses have truly blossomed in recent years. During the pandemic, almost everyone experienced what it’s like to "attend school" from the living room, and many of us actually enjoyed it.
For me, it was a dream not having to get in the car, commute, hunt for parking, or rush around as usual. I simply sat down at my computer with a cup of tea, and class could begin. When my daughter was little, this felt like the only real option for training, and I was genuinely grateful for it.
The best part was being able to revisit the materials anytime. It was pure gold not to miss a thing if something came up. I could replay the recordings while pushing the stroller or cooking, making learning a natural part of my day without needing extra dedicated time. Plus, the online space opened doors to instructors I probably wouldn’t have met in person.
When Doubt Creeps In Alongside Excitement
Sometimes I catch myself hovering over the “Enroll” button again. Then another voice inside asks, “Do I really need this right now?”
Right now, I’ve found a promising new course and honestly, I’m torn about signing up. The topic is exciting and suits me perfectly, but since it’s almost brand new, there’s hardly any real feedback available. Aside from the promo, there are a few anonymous (and clearly spiteful) comments, which aren’t very helpful. The organizers do offer installment payments, and even a refund if I change my mind after the first session. All the logical reasons say go for it. And yet… that nagging question lingers:
Is It Worth the Money?
Do I really need this course? Or could I gain the same knowledge from a few carefully chosen books? Can I motivate myself to sit down with thick textbooks and start taking notes and studying on my own, like back in college?
On the other hand, courses nowadays can easily cost several hundred dollars, while books offer a lot of learning for a fraction of that—though they don’t come with certificates or diplomas. And here lies my real dilemma: it’s hard to measure whether the courses I’ve taken or the books I’ve read before or after helped me more. Honestly, I don’t even know how much I’ve applied from each. They all gave me something, no doubt. But is every new course truly essential for growth?
Of course, I know it’s not the same to read as to listen to an expert. Books are quiet. They don’t ask questions back, smile at you on screen, or send motivational emails if you fall behind. A great instructor guides you, shares experience, invites questions, and often brings insights into your life that a book never could. Interaction, personal feedback, and an inspiring environment are huge assets. But the reality is: a course requires money, time, energy, and a commitment that can stretch for months or years—on top of family and work.
Maybe It’s the Goal, Not the Format, That Matters
More and more, I feel the question isn’t what I learn from, but why. It’s not about choosing between a course or books, but about understanding why I want to learn. If I sign up just because “I should know this too” or because I fear missing out on something exciting, my enthusiasm will fade fast (been there). But if something truly moves me inside, if I feel this is really for me and I can clearly see how I’ll use the knowledge, doubt hardly stands a chance. From that perspective, it doesn’t really matter if it’s a course or a book. Growth might not be about gathering new info, but deepening and strengthening what we already know.
Now that I’ve written this down, maybe I’ve found my answer. Perhaps it’s not about choosing between a course or books, but simply clarifying what I truly want. To grow or to deepen? To wait or to act? To learn something new or to integrate what I already know?
Maybe now isn’t the time to sign up for the next course or order more books, but just to reconnect with myself. Because sometimes the greatest learning isn’t about new knowledge, but finally hearing our own answers.
