Mod note: this comment was posted last week in response to ITF's bog post "Unschool Yourself" and deserved its own spot on the homepage.
Flesh, you are spot on. It's refreshing to hear this kind of attitude on WSO. I haven't posted on here in a while, because I've become bored with hearing from college kids that are still, albeit unknowingly, wearing their blinders. All they see is "prestige" (I wish this word would die a long horrible death), and they are all reinforcing to each other this myth that they will be "successful and happy" if they can check a list of boxes on their resume. (target school? BB internship? Top MBA?)
I grew up a middle class midwestern life. I did well in school and my parents' friends always told me I'd be successful. But, I was never really rich or poor. In high school and early college, I worked for four summers on a construction crew, alongside guys that were making ~$20k a year (plus wife making similar money). Juxtapose that to my evenings, which were spent in a social circle with girls and guys from the 1% (although that term didn't exist back then). I will tell you something that forever has shaped the way that I view "success" and "happiness:"
Rich or poor, EVERYONE has the same sorts of problems.
Problems related to health, children, jobs, and family all affect people regardless of income level or "prestige." Rich people actually complain about not having enough money/possessions MORE often than poor people. And, given the people that I've met and been close to, I can't honestly say that the richer people seem more happy.
I've been flat broke, and now I have more money than I really know how to spend. I already have more disposable income than my parents. It's a weird feeling for me. I bought an M5 because I always wanted one, and I thought "if I have this car, I will be happy." I was wrong. Yes, it's fun, but it's JUST A CAR. The thing that makes me happy is going home and seeing my beautiful girlfriend bounce to the door to see me. I'm going to sell the car, and keep the girl.
To all the college kids trying to check some boxes thinking that it will make that much difference in your life: pay attention to the above advice. Unlearn what you have learned. If you find satisfaction and interest in your job, your significant other, and your friends, you will be happy.
Whether or not you went to HYPS and worked for GS, JPM, McKinsey, or whatever else everyone's jacking off to these days on this site, is just icing on the cake.
You will be bored of the girl soon too, just like the car. Good luck unlearning human nature.
And rich people do not have the same problems as poor people...as you say in your post you have never been poor so I dont think you are qualified to say that. They may both have problems, but they aint the same problems.
The second part I agree with, but the first part I don't. A couple things to note on that: 1) some people get lucky and find someone who develops in a way that's complementary to them, so it works and 2) I don't know how old the guy is, but from my experience people who get together after ~30 (depends on the people) generally have a much better chance of staying together. It's still a toss-up, but it works for some people.
I've always found it ironic that people who have a job and have their carrer on the right track give lessons to younger people about prestige, college, "don't forget who's here for you"... Of course you're in the right position to say this because you have a job. Go tell this to the college grad coming from a complete non target who's got 50k+ in debt to repay and did not find a job even though he's put time and effort into the job search but people did not want to consider him, most likely because of his "non prestigious degree".
But hey, not to worry, he's got a family so I'm pretty sure he doesn't need a prestigious college degree or a job.
(I'm not talking about my situation, just trying to put a perspective to the people who give lessons to others who are on the other side of the fence). Now some will say that the guy I'm talking about should have networked, he should have done this, done that. While I completely agree with you that prestige is overrated, you have to accept it and I'm sure you give more attention to people coming from Harvard rather than people coming from the no-name uni you've never heard about.
I worked at a bar for over two and a half years after college before I landed my current position. So, believe me when I say I know what it means to feel poor and hopeless. However, keep working and sooner or later you WILL find an opportunity.
Really, man?
I am not saying all relationships are doomed to failure, but if you think that for the rest of your life the best oart of the day will be when ur wife meets you at the door you live in a fantasy world and haventtalked much to married people (even happily married people). So yes, really.
Prestige might be over rated but prestige still makes the world go round. Harsh reality.
most of it is common sense. I wonder how many lack it
Hey, you guys should read the other article (Unschool Yourself). I think without that reference, and the ensuing additional readers' commentary, this posting may be taken completely out of context.
And, for the record, I HAVE been poor.
^ Agreed, read part 1 first!
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