That's some great perspective! As a rule, I don't like to generalize, so my numbers are loosely based on the cost of a university degree at one of the top schools in my country and province.
It sounds like you've been serious about keeping your costs down and balancing the cost vs post degree rewards. Way to take charge of your own desires to learn and pursue what matters to you!
I'm sure many would look at my educational experience like a leisure ride because I didn't get a degree, but I took programs that challenged my intellect and personal abilities and fuel my passions to this day. For a hot minute, I felt burnt by the fact I'd made choices that left me with debt and without a degree. It didn't take long to realize that a piece of paper would have made little difference in my journey and I'm grateful for the lessons.
Two trades and a multitude of work experience, combined with my cherry picked education has given me everything that I need to self educate, problem solve and to be the architect of my own life.
I'm not completely against the idea of pursuing formal education in the future, but it'll likely be for the pursuit of knowledge, skills and relationships rather than to attain an accreditation. To ask someone for permission to achieve or to acknowledge the discretion of others as a valid way to allow my growth or potential to be determined is no longer a consideration.
I'm extremely happy that my dreams don't require me to attain specific accreditation to pursue them with passion, purpose and posterity.
Education though- I will happily pursue education to the very last moment I can muster the thought "what if?" and follow it through with the multitude of possible solutions.
Thanks so much for your thoughts. It's really great to hear from someone who's experience differs so much from my own.
I had often told my wife early on my educational steps that I didn't need a piece of paper to know I was smart 😁
While I still believe that to be the utmost truth, I have also seen doors open for me because of that stupid little piece of paper (I know it's not stupid...I'm just frustrated at times on the amount of time I had to spend to get it...I laugh to myself because it's easier than crying...).
I came close twice in my twenties to being able to retire based on my investments instead of having to work for someone else my whole life. Both of those opportunities closed without my ability to see them through, but I have rolled with the punches and made the most of what I had available to me. When I did finish my Bachelor's degree, I did 2 years worth of work in 1 year (60 credit hours in 12 months). It was hard to do with 5 kids and a wife who needed my attention...again, like you, I'm thankful for the things I did learn along the way.
I love your attitude of pursuing passion, purpose and posterity (though I'm guessing you meant prosperity...unless you did mean you want kids in your dreams...I have 5, so I'm not judging 😀)! You have a great perspective on your future...had to continue the alliteration lol
Good luck and God speed!
Thanks so much for the response. I haven't been very active here lately, because I've been busy pursuing things that need my attention.
Rolling with the punches is the only way to keep going. Push through the punch and ya get KO'd. If you roll with the punches and get knocked down, at least you have the opportunity to get back into the fight.
Bruce Lee said it best. "Be Water". Water breaks upon the rocks and rolls away to split mountains apart another day.
Many blessings to you and your family!