You know those moments when life gently (or not so gently) kicks you in a new direction? That was me a few years ago—sitting on the edge of my bed in sweatpants, laptop half open, wondering what on earth I was doing with my life. Like so many others, I’d been coasting. I had a job, sure, but not one I loved. I was burnt out, underpaid, and quietly wondering if I’d missed my chance to “start fresh.”
Enter one of those random Wednesday nights when the world feels too big and yet your potential feels microscopic. I typed into Google: “how to change careers without going back to school.” That innocent search led me down a rabbit hole—and straight into the world of Udemy.
And I’ve honestly never looked at learning (or coffee-fueled nights on my couch) the same way since.
The “I Think I Want More” Phase
Let’s rewind a little. I had a degree I barely used, was working in admin, and had picked up a few random marketing tasks here and there, but nothing that made me feel particularly skilled. You know that feeling when someone asks what you do and you kind of mumble your job title and deflate a little? That was me.
I knew I wanted more control over my work, more creativity, more income—more everything. But going back to university seemed impossible: expensive, time-consuming, and completely out of sync with my current lifestyle.
That’s when I found Udemy—a platform that didn’t just make learning accessible, but basically threw the classroom into my lap and said, “Here, take what you need.”
So What Actually Is Udemy?
If you haven’t come across it yet (welcome to the rabbit hole), Udemy is one of the biggest online learning platforms out there. Think of it like Netflix, but instead of binging crime dramas, you’re learning how to code, manage your money better, design stunning websites, become a productivity wizard, or even bake sourdough. There are over 200,000 courses in just about every topic you can imagine.
And no—this isn’t sponsored (though if Udemy wants to sponsor me, call me, I’m available). I’m just genuinely blown away by how it’s changed the trajectory of my life.
My First Course Was Less Glamorous Than You Think
You might expect that I started with something fancy like “Python For Data Science” or “UX/UI Design Masterclass.” Nope. My first course? “Excel For Beginners: Learn Excel Basics in 1 Hour.”
I know, not exactly thrilling. But it was useful. And fast. And the instructor was funny in a sort-of-accidentally-hilarious way.
That little first step did something powerful—it reminded me that I could learn. That my brain wasn’t “too old” or “too foggy” to pick up something new again. I finished that course over one quiet weekend and immediately signed up for another one. Marketing this time. Then one on Google Ads. Then copywriting.
Before I knew it, I had taken 15 courses in under six months. My confidence started doing push-ups.
Why Udemy Just Works
Look, I’ve tried other platforms too—some are great, some feel like you’re donating money to a PowerPoint graveyard. What sets Udemy apart, in my opinion?
- You pay once, and that’s it. No monthly subscriptions hanging over your head. Once you buy a course, it’s yours for life.
- Learn at your own pace. Whether you’re binging in a weekend or dipping in between work and dinner, it’s totally flexible.
- Real instructors with real-world experience. These aren’t just academics—they’re professionals actually doing the thing you want to learn.
- Tons of reviews and previews. It’s easy to find a course that’s right for your level—and skip the ones that aren’t.
- Lifetime access. I still go back to some of the early lessons for refreshers, especially during job interviews or freelance projects.
And the app? Perfect for sneaky commute learning (headphones in, learning mode on).
How It Helped Me Actually Do Something About My Career
The most important thing I got from Udemy wasn’t just knowledge—it was momentum.
Every course I finished built my confidence. I updated my LinkedIn. I started applying to jobs that used to scare me off. Before long, I was interviewing for roles in digital marketing—even got a freelance client based solely off what I’d learned through Udemy courses (and, okay, a sprinkle of YouTube).
Now? I’m working fully remote in content marketing, running side gigs for small businesses, and slowly building my own online presence. Not bad for someone who used to only open Excel when forced.
You Don’t Need to Quit Your Job to Start
The biggest myth about learning something new is that you need to hit some huge life reset button. Not true. If you’ve got 30 minutes a day, a Wi-Fi connection, and maybe a snack, you can start today.
Udemy courses are often structured in digestible chunks—many under 10 minutes per video. Some courses are just a couple of hours long, others are certification-level deep dives. You pick what works for your life.
I did most of my learning after dinner, with a hoodie on and tea in hand, usually curled up on the couch. No dramatic schedule shifts. Just steady progress.
It’s Not Just for Work, Either
Although I started with career-minded courses, I eventually branched out. I learned:
- How to take better photos on my phone
- Some basic beginner yoga
- Personal finance (why didn’t they teach this in school?)
- And even a baking class that had me making my own focaccia during lockdown (10/10 recommend)
There’s honestly a weird joy in learning something just because—no grades, no pressure, just curiosity.
And if you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed by everything going on in the world, learning something new? It’s a perfect little act of taking back control.
Real Talk: What to Look for On Udemy
With so many courses out there, here’s my strategy:
- Check ratings and reviews. Anything over 4.5 with lots of students? Usually solid.
- Watch the preview video. You’ll get a feel for the instructor’s vibe—some are super engaging, others not so much.
- Stick to updated content. Udemy shows you when the course was last updated—tech changes fast, especially for things like SEO or software.
- Make a Wishlist. During sales (which happen often), you can grab courses for €10–€20 instead of €100+
Don’t be surprised if you end up hoarding them like your Netflix queue.
My Favorite Courses (So Far)
Let me quickly name-drop a few gems:
- “The Complete Digital Marketing Guide – 24 Courses in 1.” It’s an absolute BEAST of a course, but packed with value. Set the groundwork for almost everything I do now.
- “Copywriting Secrets – How to Write Copy That Sells.” Great for anyone wanting to sell products or write anything people read online.
- “Productivity & Time Management for the Overwhelmed.” Actually changed how I organize life and avoided epic burnout.
- “SEO 2024 – Complete SEO Training + SEO for Website Ranking.” Super detailed and up-to-date. Helped me land a freelance gig.
Seriously, if I could frame these courses and hang them in my digital diploma wall, I would.
Final Thoughts: Learning Shouldn’t Be Scary or Expensive
Look, I’m not saying Udemy will magically solve all your life problems. But what it can do—what it absolutely did for me—is open doors. Quietly give you the skills, the tools, and (most importantly) the confidence to change your direction. Whether that means landing a new job, finally starting your side hustle, or just impressing your colleagues with pivot table prowess—Udemy’s a powerful little launchpad.
And hey—if all it does is teach you how to cook better or fix your own bike, that’s still a win.
So if you’ve been sitting on that “someday I’ll learn…” kind of resolution, let this be your sign. Open a new tab, browse a few courses, maybe start with something small. You’d be surprised how far it can take you.
Trust me—if I can turn couch time into a career shift, so can you.
