The job market is tough in South Africa’s economic climate. Each year, it seems a bit harder to find a job or to keep your job. Although technologies like online meeting software and collaborative virtual desktops have made remote work accessible for several jobs, digital advances like AI that can automate many routine tasks are also making some roles obsolete.

However, certain tasks and roles will always require human intervention. It’s wise to explore your current industry, or other sectors that interest you, to identify the jobs and roles that aren’t in danger of being turned over to computers. It’s also a good idea to upskill yourself where necessary, so that you’ll be better qualified for the jobs that are available.

Never too late to learn something new

Even if you don’t plan to switch sectors, it’s worth upskilling or reskilling from time to time – to keep pace with industry changes, fill in any skills gaps, or advance your current career. Of course, education is not just about career advancement. You may be happy and secure in your job, but still feel a need for personal development and self-improvement, purely to live a more fulfilled life. It could be starting a hobby like art or woodwork, or learning to play an instrument – anything, really, that you feel will make you a more well-rounded individual.

If you have a full-time job, the biggest challenge you’ll have in starting a new skills programme or academic course will be managing your time so that you can keep up with work, studies and your other obligations.

Fortunately, having a full-time job means that you may not have to worry about where to find the money to invest in yourself, which is a common obstacle. If you qualify for a personal loan, you could use it to finance your education and secure the qualifications that you need for a more rewarding future.

Why choose a personal loan for further study?

Personal loans offer several advantages:

• Flexibility
  Unlike student loans, personal loans are not restricted to specific expenses, institutions, or types of courses. You can use a personal loan to cover a wide range of educational expenses, including tuition, books, and other materials.

• Accessibility
  Personal loans are available to a broader market, including people who are studying part-time, taking short courses, or training in non-academic disciplines not eligible for traditional student loans.

• Quick approval
  You can easily check the size of the loan you could qualify for, and what the monthly repayments would be using our personal loan repayments calculator. But remember that this is only an estimate – we can confirm the details of the loan you qualify for only after we’ve assessed your application. However, the application process for personal loans is typically quicker than it is for student loans, allowing you access to the money you need faster.

Why choose Nedbank for your personal loan needs?

A Nedbank personal loan can make it easier to invest in your education without disrupting your career. We offer a range of personal loan options, tailored to meet your unique financial needs with several benefits, including:

• Competitive interest rates that can make your loan more affordable.
  
  
• Flexible repayment terms so that you can pay your loan off over a period that suits your budget.
  
  
• Personal loans of up to R400,000, when most lenders impose a limit of R300,000. You can afford more with a personal loan from Nedbank.
  
  
• Expert advice from our financial advisers to help you choose the right loan option and guide you through the application process.
  
  
• Easy online application that saves you time and money.

Before applying for a personal loan, you should consult a qualified financial adviser to help you calculate the total cost of your education, including tuition, materials, and any other expenses. Then add your projected loan payments to your budget, to make sure it won’t make it harder for you to meet your current financial commitments. If you’re satisfied that a personal loan is an affordable way to invest in your self-development, we’re here to help.