Using Higher Education as an Excuse to Avoid Risk

If only I could get that next qualification, then I’d:

• get that job
• be better in my career
• obtain the seal of approval from the world
• make my parents happy
• feel satisfied
• be able to change the world.

It’s possible — sometimes there are institutional barriers to your goals which require a degree to even get started.

But normally not.

Often we use the desire for further qualifications and experience to make ourselves feel better. To feel like we’re doing sometime beneficial. To feel like we’re advancing.

Because it’s comfortable, directed, and the risks are fairly low. Despite the intellectual challenges, all we need to do is read the materials, turn up when told, and prepare diligently for exams.

But at the end of that expensive and time consuming journey, does your life look any different? Are you contributing more to the world? Do you get those seals of approval that you wanted?

Not usually.

Originally published at Chris Hargreaves.