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Don’t Go Back to School

summary ofDon’t Go Back to SchoolBook by Kio Stark

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You’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

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

About the author

Kio Stark is an expert in self-directed learning and the author of various handbooks. She explores the power of personal education paths outside conventional schooling.

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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 byCharlie Hoehn challenges traditional education by advocating for self-directed learning. It offers practical strategies and insights for mastering skills independently, emphasizing experiential learning over formal schooling.

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 include the importance of hands-on experience, seeking mentorship, and cultivating curiosity. The book emphasizes breaking away from conventional educational paths to pursue personal interests and craft real-world skills.

Is Don’t Go Back to School: A Handbook for Learning Anything worth reading?

Yes, Don’t Go Back to School is worth reading for anyone interested in alternative education methods. It provides actionable advice and inspiring anecdotes that encourage readers to embrace lifelong learning beyond traditional school settings.

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 is 240 pages long and was published in 2019. This concise guide makes it accessible for readers looking to implement its teachings quickly.

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 Charlie Hoehn. He draws on his experiences and expertise in entrepreneurship and self-education to provide valuable insights to readers.