Letter Re: Getting A Real Education

06-08-2014 • Survivalblog.com

I made the error of having a career. When the economy went down the tubes and I was out of work, I did the degree thing. I was left with debt. Essentially no job opportunities were there. The economy was still failing. Because I had experience and an education, I was told I was "overqualified". Say what? Reentry in the job market was at minimum wage, in a job normally filled by a high school graduate with no experience. I would have happily gone the self sufficiency route. It was not an option for my wife and me. I have, thankfully, been a prepper all my life. The skills and preps have always served me well.

For a really good example of the value of education, I recommend reading, "Last of the Mountain Men", by Harold Peterson. It is the story of Sylvan Hart. He graduated from college, as an engineer, during the Great Depression. There were no jobs and little opportunity. He went on to live a long and fulfilling life in the Idaho Rockies. His education was not wasted, nor did it get in the way of having a good life. – J.D.