| Summary: | This paper explores the relationship between instant gratification, educational choices, and the optimization of online education benefits. The lack of understanding regarding the effects of instant gratification on learners’ educational decisions hinders the development of effective strategies for lifelong learning. The study aims to identify the factors driving learners to choose short-term online education versus formal education and examine the interplay between intrinsic motivation and instant gratification in obtaining recognition and credentials. Interviews were conducted with fifteen participants, including university students, working adults, and non-working individuals. The results highlight the diverse motivations of learners to enroll and to complete the education for the recognized credentials. The study emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and instant gratification in educational pursuits. It concludes that pursuing education can lead to personal fulfillment, academic and professional goals, and staying updated in one’s field. Balancing intrinsic motivation and external recognition is crucial for maximizing the benefits of online education and promoting lifelong learning. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.
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