Training, Learning, Teaching, Doing: If you don’t use it, you will lose it.
14 April 2008shh. Here’s a secret of the day. Ok not really but, today I felt the urge to write about - if you don’t use the knowledge you have - you will loose it.
Case #1:
- 4 yrs studying History yields a degree in History
- Job out of College: Sales, profitable, however after 8 years it took a while to build wealth, if any.
- After 12 years - how much do you think he will remember of his history studies?
Is this a profitable venture? Or would you spend $20 a month to continue your studies in history - even if you were working in sales?
Case #2:
- Art student, photography major, graphic design minor. 5 yrs in school.
- After 6 years of multiple jobs, an increase in pay from $20K to $55K
- Does working in the field constitute as the only place to advance ones skills? No?
What do you bet that this person used additional ways of continuing her education to increase her knowledge, experience and continue working in the field?
What are ways that she probably used?
- Employer paid conferences
- Local enthusiasts groups
- Internet Surfing, including blogs, forums, and other online free materials
- $100 yr in Magazine subscriptions
I think this person would have been better off with a $20 month subscription to xTrain. It covers the same topics, instructor led, 24 hour availability but can be done on the job, at home, or whenever.
Shameless plug aside, let’s think about it.
After you’ve spent 4-8-12 years in college, many careers require continuing education credits. However the design field doesn’t. You are either good at a certain type of art, or aren’t. A Jack of all trades artist, one who can work with, create in, and or market multiple art forms is more adventurous and able to find extra freelancing than just a one art form person. Now, don’t take this wrong, if you’ve got a gift, that particular gift should yield profits and a long standing career. But just like with the financial markets, the life of an artist will have profitable years and down years. It’s what you do with those down years to make the best out of the up years for years to come. So, in this time of heavy job loss, lack of funding, and less business ventures, be sure to spend your time wisely. Take that extra time you have to educate yourself one way or another and continue to grow your artist spirit. After all, most art forms boil down to a central business element and intertwine with one another. This should give you inspiration and more work in the mean time!