The most profound thing I learned in this week is that “education = a better lot in life” is not an immutable law of nature. The adjective “immutable” has Latin roots that mean “not changeable” so I was very surprised to be made to grapple with whether or not an education has tangible (financial) benefits. Perhaps this has to do with being a career-long educator – wouldn’t I be a walking, talking oxymoron if I didn’t embrace this?
Wolf acknowledged that educated people earn more money than those who are less educated (pp. 15-17) although he counters with arguments that countries who have put the most effort into educating their populous have grown more slowly than countries with fewer resources channeled into education (p. 39).
Many have made the argument that participating in higher education exacts an opportunity cost (e.g., not out there working, accumulating debt). In my mind however, I remain unchanged and the elixir-like properties of education remain immutable for me. Perhaps this because I define “is it worth it” as so much more than a paycheck. I could absolutely be earning more money than I do right now, but I wouldn’t be as happy or fulfilled in my career. My career is a huge part of what defines ME, and to be discontent in this large a portion of my very existence would be a death blow. I’m sure my family would agree because, as you know…”If Mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy.” Pass the Kool-Aid.
Wolf, A. (2002). Elixir or snake oil? Can education really deliver growth? In A. Wolf (Ed.). Does education matter? Myths about education and economic growth (pp. 13-55). London: Penguin books.
Wolf acknowledged that educated people earn more money than those who are less educated (pp. 15-17) although he counters with arguments that countries who have put the most effort into educating their populous have grown more slowly than countries with fewer resources channeled into education (p. 39).
Many have made the argument that participating in higher education exacts an opportunity cost (e.g., not out there working, accumulating debt). In my mind however, I remain unchanged and the elixir-like properties of education remain immutable for me. Perhaps this because I define “is it worth it” as so much more than a paycheck. I could absolutely be earning more money than I do right now, but I wouldn’t be as happy or fulfilled in my career. My career is a huge part of what defines ME, and to be discontent in this large a portion of my very existence would be a death blow. I’m sure my family would agree because, as you know…”If Mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy.” Pass the Kool-Aid.
Wolf, A. (2002). Elixir or snake oil? Can education really deliver growth? In A. Wolf (Ed.). Does education matter? Myths about education and economic growth (pp. 13-55). London: Penguin books.
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