So you studied and got a degree. But at the time did you really enjoy learning?

Question

OneViewpoint · Accepted Answer

Not really. I come from a blue collar extended family. I was the first person in my family of 4 grandparents, 8 aunts and uncles, 38 cousins, and 2 siblings to graduate from University. I ripped through high school in 3 years because it was easy. There was no one to explain higher education or college life to me. I graduated from University in only 4 years because my school didn't allow early graduation. I guess they wanted that 4 years of tuition. So I ended up with 2 degrees in Accounting and Finance.

Not because I loved the subject matter. Because everyone told me there would be lot's of job opportunities in business. And what the hell, I was just as clueless about engineering, and everything else. And the material was easy for me.

Furthermore, I ended up at the nation's oldest private military University because of my family's long military history. Everyone thought it was a great idea but me. I didn't want to be there locked up for 4 years with 2,500 other guys in the middle of nowhere. So I made the best of it and motored through the experience.

When I graduated, I entered the US Army as a commissioned officer for 15 years and didn't touch the knowledge associated with my degrees for that entire time. If anything, what I benefitted from regarding school was the people observation and control skills I learned in school.

It wasn't until after I resigned my military commission in my mid 30's and ended up thrown into Fortune 100 companies at a senior management level and quickly a C-Suite level that the business knowledge became real, interesting, and useful for me.

But the edge I had on the people I was competing with, what the Army prepared me for, was maturity, risk tolerance, and people management skills, that none of the people around me could match. I found out the stuff I learned in school was just the mechanics. Relatively easy to learn for a lot of people. But what school didn't teach them (or me) was the intangible stuff. And the people who had only experienced academia and a corporate job were easy to pass on my way up the ladder. They colored inside the lines and didn't take risks. I broke the rules and loved risk.

So looking in the rear view mirror, the degrees were basically purchasing a ticket to enter the dance. The material was easy. The tests weren't hard. And the knowledge wasn't really all that useful without other knowledge and skills that a University education did not equip any of us with. And frankly those skills are tied to personality traits and innate intelligence more than the ability to parrot facts from a textbook.

I guess at the end of the day I found out "it's complex". I'm not sure anyone could have conveyed that reality when I was 18-21.

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

When I was young I was not into it as much. I liked learning things, but school/college itself was kind of meh.

I went back to college in my mid-30s for a career change. I was really into it then. I loved it. It was the first time in my life I actually put some effort into school. If I could have done it financially, I may have become a career student. I even had a chance to study overseas, but being in my 30s I had financial obligations and couldn't do it.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. During my studies for an MBA at Harvard, I found immense enjoyment in the learning process. The challenge of new concepts, the dynamic discussions, and the opportunity to solve complex problems were particularly engaging. It wasn't just about acquiring knowledge; it was the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of growing both personally and professionally. Learning in such an environment built a strong foundation for my future career, fostering a lifelong passion for education and development.

NathanDavis · Answer

actually... I didn't, lmao

I quit college half way, I got all the credits and the knowledge needed, sure... that was not the issue, the thing is that I really didn't enjoy it... it wasn't my passion, not my call, not even my goal either...

I got into it, college... because "I had to" and into a career that I really didn't want to keep doing for the rest of most of my life, but at the time and in the area... it was "the best choice"

oh well... lol

no regrets though, none at all... I definitely enjoyed my two years in college, and I did find about the best friends one can find in this life and beyond... and that, I enjoyed greatly

HawkPerception · Answer

Never did. I always got genuinely bored in school. There were some aspects I loved and some I absolutely hated (as with most things in life). At the end of the day, school isn't meant for everyone. Some people people thrive in it. And not finishing school doesn't necessarily mean you won't be successful in life. I haven't proved that yet, but there are many who have and I plan to follow in their footsteps.

I think what people should pursue is Ikigai. And you don't need school to find what that is for you. You just need to experience things and life and find out what resonates with you. For those who don't know, Ikigai consists of 4 different aspects. What you're good at, What the world needs, What you love, and What you can be paid for.

Once you find what that is for you, pursue it with all your heart and don't let others talk you out of it. You'll eventually find a way to make it work.

Abbycado · Answer

I have so far. Still aways away from a degree and then more school after. I'd like to become a PA which requires a post graduate degree. It isn't exactly medical school but medical related.

Only a year and a half into school and have enjoyed learning with the exception of some core curriculum classes that all students are required to take. They weren't awful, but I like the classes more focused on where I want to get to.

Zack-Bann · Answer

Not really
I was a good student
But I never felt like I’m learning.

If anything all the solo learning I did on my own time was a lot more fun

But school doesn’t teach you material.
It teaches you how to go about leaning things yourself

Tarifa · Answer

It was very stressful. Your whole future depended on a single exam, and then on the next exam and so on. I'm glad I made it and am not someone who gives up easily, although it did take quite some determination to get my degree.

exitseven · Answer

I have a degree in Computer Science. I really struggled to keep my grades up and just barely graduated. I was too busy getting passing grades to enjoy anything.

Xawyx-2 · Answer

Yes, I really like learning new things (if they are interesting).  Of course, not all the subjects, but several of them were quite interesting to learn.

Spencer10 · Answer

Honestly no. My mind was on another goal. I look at University as an opportunity lost now.

mysteriousNicholas · Answer

No I never got a degree. I guess a degree isn't for everyone

msc545 · Answer

I have multiple degrees that took years of study and I enjoyed every single minute of it. It was a joy that I now miss because I'm not studying anymore. Unfortunately. I'm going to change that.

Shiprex · Answer

I enjoyed the concept of study but not the labour. It was fun times on the whole

douride2 · Answer

I never really enjoyed it. I got bored easily.

tfan1 · Answer

Computers, yes. Math and programming - no way.

hafinjun · Answer

Once I got all the basic knowledge classes (physics, math,) and got to the engineering classes yes.

Paige90 · Answer

Yes, very much!

Nikki1989 · Answer

Yes, I did.

loveslongnails · Answer

Not really, I enjoyed partying!

RedInnocent69 · Answer

Sure, that’s why I keep going back 😂

petitedollbabee · Answer

I loved it.

So you studied and got a degree. But at the time did you really enjoy learning?

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