A life event made me decide on a career change. It made me quit a job I have been in for most of my life and I decided to take on a different path. I’ve discovered during my job search that employers are looking for many new skills now. Sometimes it can be a bit perplexing trying to figure out what exactly they are all looking for.
Most governments would like high school graduates to get good jobs without a degree. There are good intentions when they create programs or file bills for this, and I like that. However, despite these efforts, it's clear that sometimes, that’s not enough. From what I’ve seen in the job market, a majority are still looking for college graduates. And if you want something with better pay than most, you would need a post-graduate degree. Either that or to have certifications that enhance your employability. I’ve discovered that I am no longer interested in pursuing those things.
Don’t get me wrong. Continuing one’s education, especially if it is something that can help a person get ahead is also a good choice. If you can afford it. I used to want to get a post-graduate or advanced degree, but I did not have enough time or the financial capacity to do so. Eventually, I lost interest and that plan went away. I take online classes sometimes, but mostly it is about things that I am interested in. I don't want courses that could help me career-wise unless it piqued my interest. There are so many free online courses that give you the same education as those who pay. The only difference is receiving certificates you can use to pad your CV when you pay. As someone not in it for the certifications, that has been the best option for me.
After working for a long time, I learned that it is not just your education and training that matters. Rather, it’s what you can do with whatever knowledge you have.
Life has introduced me to people from diverse backgrounds. I’ve seen that those with more education don’t always do better than those with less. It's not just about knowing. It’s about being able to apply it effectively in real-life situations. This is why we should never stop learning—not just in formal settings, but throughout our lives.
One could be very smart and know how to apply that knowledge, yes. But if you don’t know your way around other people, that can be detrimental too. I’ve seen many smart people who could not seem to get ahead due to having difficulty dealing with other people. It takes more than knowledge to do well in the workforce. Especially if you intend to climb that corporate ladder.
Looking back on the people I’ve met, I’ve noticed that those who struggled with grades often do better in practice. Combined with learning from experience, this makes for a strong foundation for success. It’s funny because I used to put too much pressure on myself to get good/great grades in college. Out in the real world, it doesn’t matter unless you know how to put it to good use.
It is because of this belief that I tend to ignore job requirements that I feel no longer suit me. If a job requires more certifications or education, I know that it is not for me. I am no longer interested in that route. I just wish more companies would be open to people who are learning through practice. They need to recognize the potential of those who learn through non-formal means. I think more people could have more opportunities that way. Employers could discover talent that they could be missing out on.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that education goes beyond the classroom or seminars. There are so many lessons we can learn from life itself if we are open to it. We need to own our experiences learn from our mistakes and allow life to mold and enrich us on our journey. What matters is that we never stop learning. You’ll never know where those little things you’ve learned could lead you next!
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