When asked if everyone should go to college, I said…

I was honored to be asked to be part of a video series a local business was doing for students looking towards what career to choose. Since I’ve completely embraced the gig economy, they snagged me to talk about how I decided on what I’m doing & how I learned about the business I chose.

Then they asked, on video, if I thought college was important for every student. I hesitated. I know the answer that’s been shoved down my throat. I know the answer that prompted past bosses to treat me differently.

I know the answer I’m supposed to say to kids watching the video. But I couldn’t say it because I honestly don’t believe it. Is college for everyone, I said after a long hesitation? No. It’s not.

I tend to think of people as having two kinds of work personalities. The ones that need an immersive experience to help prepare them, build habits, & build their peer network they will work with & rely on in their industry.

Then there’s the type that creates that work flow. They build their own networks. They find mentors instead of professors. They get certifications instead of degrees. They start with low rates for clients instead of a classroom & then launch to a bigger market with they’ve passed the test.

Do I think everyone belongs in a college spending a lot of money to get a degree? No. Do I think it might get you there faster? Absolutely. You get what you pay for. But if you can build it and enjoy the journey…build it and save yourself 100k.