RANTS & RAVES Paper or experience

This has been age old discussion for many I’m sure. Parents insisting their children get that degree. Itdoesn’t matter if you don’t enjoy it or that you most likely will find a job that has nothing to do with your degree, they think they are doing the best thing for you or perhaps for the family name. Old habits die hard. In the past, the attitude was also that if all you had was experience then it was obvious you didn’t have money to get that piece of paper. Some felt not having it made them inadequate or shameful. This really isn’t the case though.

Back in the day when I was young one, I believed it was all about getting a degree. That was my goal; get my degree, work for the experience then get married but you know how life likes to mess with you. I believed that if you worked hard enough in school, you could definitely enter a higher education institution. Either you had good grades and you could get a scholarship or the family would pay to get you into university, subject to you meeting the requirements of course.

I was wrong and oh so naive. It isn’t easy to get into a university sometimes. It didn’t even matter if you had perfect grades. That’s just unfair. Lesson learnt. The truth is school isn’t for everyone, parents need to realize this and reduce the extreme pressure they have placed on their children. Allow them to find what interests them while going to school. Explore avenues that were not there when you were young, allow them to try and fail and then, try again.

In the time I was privileged enough to interview people for this magazine, many and I mean many, started out with getting the paper qualification their parents wanted for them and then they turned around and pursued what they had always been passionate about. I also remember chatting with a vet I had to send my cat to decades ago who said he went into veterinary school because he had to and not cause he loved animals. I almost picked up my cat and ran. I didn’t see passion and it scared me.

But I digress, I know many who weren’t able or who weren’t interested in furthering their education and you know what? The experience of working and learning the ropes was extremely valuable. Many successful people don’t have paper qualification, they have experience. In fields of skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters, experience is valued more. Wouldn’t you agree?

I personally have found pleasure in teaching and writing, both have nothing to do with my degree but I have no regrets. I believe having that foundation is good when you apply for that first job but you know what will make a difference then onwards? Experience.

by Noor F.Z. Ali Image | Unsplash