What's your education background & academic achievements?

It's a great way to know your interests unless your education was not by choice.
Or it can be as funny as my certifications.
Disclaimer: I don't consider academic achievements as something to be a big deal. Asking only casually.

I am:

Bachelor's in Mass Media with a Major in Advertising : Merit Holder (Stood 2nd in Mumbai University)

MBA in Management (from a premier Business School)

Certitficate Public Relations Officer (Government of India)

Certificate Managerial Communication (From a business school ranked 2nd in India)

Certificate level I & II : Intelligence Analyst (can't reveal the source but my professor was ex U.S Air Force & Intelligence officer, Robert Folker)

Certificate Advanced Psychology (International Association of Therapists)

Certified Counselling Practioner (The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology)

Certificate Neurolinguistic Programming (Complementary Therapists Accreditation Association)

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JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M

I have a BA in math with a minor in computer science.

I also have an MS in math.

I originally wanted to go all the way and get a PhD in math. It was a smarter plan, anyway, than just aiming for an MS, since only PhD candidates got free tuition (as long as we also taught -- and we got a stipend for that, too). But after 2 years I was struggling and had had enough, so I escaped with an MS.

I got a job and have been there ever since. I took some classes in-house and at local schools, but have no more degrees. I do not wish to put in the effort, even though my employer might pay for it. All I really want to do is retire and never work again, LOL!

If I need to learn something new, I just Google it. Unfortunately, not all books and papers are digitized online, or else they are behind paywalls. Fortunately, a lot is free for me on my work computer because my employer subscribes to JSTOR. Of course there are always physical libraries and interlibrary loan. But that is a pain.

SW-User

@JoyfulSilence Yeah, I know how Ph.D works and it's quite tough to get one. I know of many friends who are doing their Ph.D's either in India or the United States. Mostly the latter.

Don't get so bored so soon in life, my friend. Life's just once. Live a little and follow your passion.

Why don't you explore Coursera and eDX? They have some awesome courses online.

JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M

@SW-User

I am an old man and lack the stamina and patience to do all that schoolwork and also do my regular job, too. Yes, there is a lot of advanced math I do not know, and knowing it would help my work. There is only so much one can learn on one's own, and taking a course focuses me. If I am self-taught I can give up. If I am in a class, I must do the homework, LOL!

I am bored with life, that is true. I am bored with my job, and bored otherwise, too.

My passion, to be honest, is to retire, relax, and never stress out or strain myself again. But maybe after a few months of that, when my mind is relaxed and I am bored again, I will start reading stuff.

My employer urges us to use Coursera, and they will pay. I have yet to try it, though, since I always preferred in-person learning. Of course with the pandemic, everything has been online the past 2 years. I went to a few conferences online, and took a class online.

I only do all that, though, to fulfill my training requirement for my job. I hate the idea of training for the sake of checking off a box, rather than training that will really help me in my job. But it is what it is. I get evaluated on it, and it impacts my rating and bonus. Gotta keep the boss happy.

SW-User

@JoyfulSilence I have met men who are in their 60's and 70's who are far more energetic and lively. How can you say u r an old man in your age? You are not even 55.

Don't be bored. What is it that you are looking for? or not looking for anything at all? You definitely need a girlfriend.

JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M

@SW-User

I seldom feel energized or enthused. It is what it is. I have slowed down. Even mentally. Yet I make up for it with experience.

Ten years ago I would not think twice about walking a few miles. Now, I am satisfied to walk a few hundred yards, and I stop often at benches to sit. I look at things more, and listen, rather than move around. I let the world around me come to me, rather than always rushing to go see it.

I am looking to not have any responsibilities or tasks. To have more free time. To get to a point where I start to forget what day of the week it is.

A girlfriend would be nice, as long as she accepts me as I am. I am lonely and get horny. Yet as I age the latter is less, but the former is always there.