Here comes fall, and with it that back-to-school feeling you can’t escape, even if you haven’t set foot in a classroom in years. But now that you’re an adult and no one’s forcing you to go, the thought of returning to school is actually kind of…exciting.

Many people are frustrated with the state of the world and tired of feeling powerless about it. They want careers that allow them to do good, to make a difference in public policy, human rights, health care and the environment. New York’s colleges and universities have answered this call with a host of continuing ed programs at different levels that can lead to soul-satisfying, effective work.

Other folks are just ready for a change. Gone are the days when you have just one or two jobs in the same field over the course of your adult life. Now, three careers in a lifetime is more like it, especially when you consider that we’re living—and working—longer. If you’re experiencing career burnout, there are many growing areas you can check out at the city’s learning institutions. Start with a single course, look in to a certificate program, or jump in and pursue a graduate degree.

Maybe you’re just looking for an edge in your current job track, to gain knowledge and credentials that can help you get ahead. Schools are offering highly specific, specialized certificates and graduate degrees with a laser focus on particular aspects of many fields.

And plenty of us just want to learn for the fun of it. Short-term courses in everything from food and wine to writing, the arts and landscaping are abundant in this city. And you never know—sometimes a class or two in what starts as a hobby can lead to a career. As they say, do what you love and the money will follow.