One positive side of the recent writers’ strike is that I get to catch up on a few shows that were entertaining, but not quite enough for me to miss my regulars. Yesterday, I was watching a rerun of THE OFFICE (American Version) that struck me as an important lesson for young people.

There was an opening for a position in “Corporate” that Michael applied for. He was sure that his getting the job was a “lock”. Because he is a well-known idiot, a few of the other cast members also put in for the job. At the end of the show, the (former) temp Ryan gets the job for the sole reason that he had an MBA, in effect making him the boss over Michael.

Here’s the thing. While education is a great and wonderful thing, it is NOT a prerequisite to becoming successful. There are plenty of examples of people with no formal education who achieved great things. I’ve done well with nothing more than a high-school diploma. In fact, if my chosen career path didn’t REQUIRE a degree, I wouldn’t spend the money on getting one. My wife has an Associate’s Degree, but I don’t think she uses it in her job. As I said, we both do just fine.

I know a couple who are big into education. One is going to get a Master’s Degree, and the other is getting a Doctor’s degree in education. I like both of these people in a large sense, but they are really snobs individually. Each as made comments that were condescending towards people without the advanced degrees.

Here’s where the lesson comes in: Sometimes, you will get passed over for a promotion for someone who has a degree. Don’t dwell too much on it. Just for clarification, it is unfair, and it shouldn’t happen, but it does and it often will.

The second lesson here is about being nice to those who may not seem like they are anybody. Sometimes, these people will surprise you.