Broad Strokes

Having a university degree is extremely valuable. Not only does it give you skills, knowledge, and ability it also gives you access to other educated people. When you basically live amongst educated people you can forget that not everyone lives the same life.

My recent job change to has re-opened my eyes to the value of education.

This is not a criticism of the people I work with or the customers I serve. It is a comment on how we can forget that not everyone lives the same life, which is a good thing.

Educated people are generally not drawn to sell cars. The pay is not guaranteed, the hours can be long, especially in the beginning, and it can be frustrating. However, those who sell cars for a long time get very good at it. Admittedly, there are some traits that most people successful in car sales possess. They like to talk. They are not shy. They like to hunt and chase. They have thick skin.

For all the good qualities they have, they don't generally have a lot of education. Car salesmen do not sit around and discuss the impact of population density on public transport and retail economic activity.

That conversation would have happened at lunch in the old job, not in the new one. There have already been several comments on the 'big words' that I often use. I don't think my language is too complex but I have to consider the audience. It isn't normal for them to hear so it is unique to them. This is ok, and sometimes refreshing. I do admit that I like to be accurate and efficient when I communicate. A larger vocabulary will help with that. If you can say more with fewer words, you can get more done.

An expanded vocabulary come from education. The same education also provides insight and context in many situations The more you know about how the world interacts with itself, the more you can predict how things will happen and control the situation. If you understand what it takes to get something done, you can adapt the situation to have things set up so it seems to move naturally.

I am currently in learning mode, trying to figure out a new work environment, in a new industry, with a new organization. Once I know how things really work, I should be able to use my education and previous experience to perform at a very high level. it will take time, it will take hard work, but most of all it will take the ability to see the world through educated eyes.

There are a a lot of great people in this world. Some went to university, some learned through experience, and some a combination of the two. I hope to be the one of the guys with the combination of experience and education, because that's when you can really make a difference.