Learning, Contributing & Growing at Any Age

Career and Education Advisor, Amanda Smith, recently completed another section of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Returning with reflections on purpose, possibility, and how we think about retirement.

So I completed another Camino…

This one was a little shorter — and thankfully, came with far fewer blisters!

The Portuguese Camino gave me, once again, the gift of time: time to slow down, reflect, and listen to the conversations that arise when life isn’t rushing by.

My first Camino was the big one — 800+ kilometres from France to Spain on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

That journey changed me. This one reminded me why.

One topic that kept surfacing was retirement.

I’m 60 — but I’m not going anywhere just yet!

I recently heard someone say she hates the word retirement. “It sounds like re-tired,” she said — “as if you’re finished, worn out, or quietly judged as being of lesser value.”

That really resonated with me.

At Churchill, we’re lucky to have a team that reflects a very different mindset — from team members in their 70s, to others in their 60s, and plenty of younger colleagues too.

It’s living proof that learning, contributing, and growing have no age limit.

For some, retirement is a long-awaited milestone — and it absolutely deserves to be celebrated.

But for others like me, the word can feel a bit heavy… as though it marks an ending rather than a new beginning.

I’ve realised I needed a mindset shift.

These days, I prefer other “R” words: recharge, reset, reclaim, rebirth, and reboot.

They feel strong. Bold. Full of possibility.

They remind me that this stage of life isn’t about stopping — it’s about choosing how we want to keep showing up in the world.

That’s what the Camino reminded me of: I’m not ready to stop yet. There’s still more to do, to learn, and to share.

If you’re feeling that same pull — to keep growing, contributing, or exploring what’s next — maybe it’s time to look at how your experience can open new doors.

At Churchill Education, we help people turn their existing skills and experience into nationally recognised qualifications through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) — so you can continue your professional journey with confidence and pride.