To Study...or not to study?

Hey! He/She/It became rich without a formal education! Why can't I?! (Humph)

Right, I think this' a good topic to start on.

Well, to those of you who are deciding whether or not to carry on studying or to simply do an immediately enrollment into the school of hard-knocks..you need to ask yourselves a few questions..

1. What do I want?

What is it that you want to do? Are you into business? Passionate about helping animals? Want to find a cure for aids? Have absolutely no idea?

What you want pretty much determines whether or not you should take up the books or just leave them be.

I'm sure you're smart enough to figure that one out. Here's a hint, while you can work the hard way through starting a business...it's very unlikely you'll know how to find a cure for aids without proper education.

2. Are you prepared to be different from the rest?

Choosing a path that differs from everyone else's has its advantages and disadvantages.

For a start, when gathering with old friends, you might feel a little out of place at times because the topics that are being thrown around tend to be different from what you know.Also, the tendency is for those of us who chose the path less taken to feel a little inedequate at first...why? Because, in most cases, our archievements will be slightly behind, compared to our peers. (ie. those with jobs earning more than the rest of us trying to build businesses)

A bad thing can also be good as well. Along the way, you are bound to meet people who share your views. You'll have more friends as a result. That is quite important actually, as we are all social beings (most of us anyway). Having friends who are able to emphatise with us is a very important factor of success.

3. Are you tough enough?

Well, as above, going against the flow will definitely be rougher. You will be tested. Your resolve questioned. You will subjected to incredible pressure. Tolerate biasedness towards those with paper qualifications...etc

You will also have to be resourceful, as most systems in place are meant for the mainstream. Most of the time...especially at the beginning, you will have to find you own way around problems.

4. Are you willing to make sacrifices?

Well, because you decided to go against the flow, compromises will have to be made.

Most of the time, it would be the need to put in more time and effort at the beginning. Sacrificing instant gratification for long term benefits.

In short: Moving outside of your comfort zone.

To be continued...