Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- About the benefits of self-education
- How to craft a learning plan
- Ways to find resources and mentors
- When curiosity turns into expertise
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
The value of a college education is not what it once was
Many people have incurred mountains of debt to get a college degree, hoping that a job opportunity will come along to help recoup the money invested. Unfortunately, such events remain elusive for many. It’s for that reason that many top-quality students are left with a massive amount of debt upon graduating and struggle to pay it back throughout their careers.
A college degree no longer has the same value as it once did. You’re not guaranteed a top, well-paid job simply because you have a degree.
Shortly after the war, the GI Bill was passed, which allowed war veterans to start anew by having their college tuition covered by the Government. Subsequently, the number of US citizens with a college degree increased significantly.Additionally, more women began to attend college to secure better jobs. In a job market in which women were previously disadvantaged, many could carve a new career path by demonstrating aptitude through a degree.During this era, a college degree guaranteed higher earnings due to low loan debt, easy employability, and an overall increase in the value of a college degree. But that era is over; a college degree is no longer enough. There are crowds of people with the same qualifications in the job market, and coupled with the rising cost of education, competition, and low wages, repaying college loans is not easy.In any case, a college degree is not the zenith of educational qualifications and is becoming increasingly less necessary. Other credentials such as recommendations and portfolios have become more critical.A work portfolio is a perfect way to convince potential employers to hire you. It is as good as any college degree you can get. More and more jobs are found through networking, connections, and other associations. By knowing the personnel manager of a company, for instance, you can land a job just as easily as without a degree.
Many people manage to carve out a highly successful career without a degree. Life experience counts for a lot.
Don’t Go Back To School opens your eyes to the vast number of opportunities out there for anyone who doesn’t have a formal college education. Boosting your confidence, you’ll learn how to carve new chances to further your career, how to learn independently, and the importance of continued networking.Did you know? Analysis by Pew Research Center showed that around 31% of recent graduates were unemployed in the last half of 2020.
second KEY POINT
Many find independent learning more rewarding than traditional schooling
In colleges, teachers issue challenges and reward students with high grades for correct answers. This continues in the form of tests and exams until you achieve your degree. This method, however, is not always personally rewarding.The challenge and reward method can often be demotivating and cause many people to lose the passion to learn. The rigid nature of expectations and structures, in addition to fiercely contested rewards, confines and stifles curiosity. Not everyone learns in the same way. Not everyone enjoys the same thing. Learning has to be done because there is a desire to do so. But it can only be successful when the learning method connects with the individual concerned.The reward for passing the challenges posed by teachers in the form of correct answers is a degree, which is an external form of motivation.
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first KEY POINT
Despite the need to shift towards independent learning, we shouldn’t abolish schools just yet
second KEY POINT
Don’t learn in isolation; be independent but seek advice
third KEY POINT
Carve your path for the right reasons to ensure enjoyment and success
fourth KEY POINT
To get a job without credentials, you’ll need chutzpah
fifth KEY POINT
Build a solid professional network to aid you in your journey
sixth KEY POINT
You can also learn on the job; these are necessary and invaluable places to learn
seventh KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything about?
Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything is a resource by Christopher R. O’Leary that emphasizes alternative methods of education outside traditional schooling. The book argues for self-directed learning and explores how anyone can acquire knowledge effectively through various unconventional avenues.
Who is the author of Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything?
The author of Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything is Christopher R. O’Leary, an advocate for innovative educational approaches and self-guided learning strategies.
What are the key takeaways from Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything?
Key takeaways from Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything include the importance of taking personal responsibility for your learning journey, leveraging community resources, and utilizing technology to enhance independent study. O’Leary encourages readers to think critically about the value of traditional education versus experiential learning.
Is Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything worth reading?
Yes, Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything is worth reading for those seeking alternative educational pathways or looking to enhance their skills entrepreneurially. O’Leary’s insights offer practical strategies for lifelong learners seeking empowerment outside conventional educational systems.
How many pages is Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything and when was it published?
Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything consists of 252 pages and was published on March 1, 2018. This concise yet impactful guide is ideal for individuals looking for efficient ways to advance their learning.