Forget School. Try This Instead.
Hello unschooling-fans!
On the front page of my website, you’ll find one of my favorite statements: “…Schools are a waste of time.”
And I stand by it—completely and unapologetically—unless a child consciously chooses to attend school for their own reasons.
Yesterday, I came across a video that lit me up. In it, he echoes this same sentiment and shares a brilliant piece of advice he gave his daughter, who’s passionate about interior design.
Instead of encouraging her to try school, he suggests something radically simple and deeply empowering:
Find the three interior designers she admires most. Send them each a message. Offer to work for free. Promise to be their best employee—for 2 years. And during that time, he tells her, I will support you. And when you're ready, I’ll help you launch your own business.
What a powerful alternative to the school-industrial complex! Real-world learning. Mentorship. Purpose. Passion. Ownership.
It immediately reminded me of my 8-year-old daughter. She and her 9-year-old friend recently started a dog-walking business. Their first client owns two dogs, and the girls walk them three times a week—rain or shine (so far just shine ;-) ). In the process, they’re learning business basics, money management, timekeeping, customer service, marketing, communication, responsibility, and of course, animal care.
And they’re doing it joyfully—on their own terms.
No classroom could teach them this. No standardized test could capture their growth. No curriculum could replicate the richness of this experience. This is learning in its most organic, alive, and integrated form.
These are the kinds of experiences that prepare children—not for exams, but for life.
So yes—schools are a waste of time.
But the world? The world is full of teachers, opportunities, and adventures—if we let our kids follow their curiosity and lead the way.
Stats he also mentions:
76% of people who get a degree don’t use it. 50% of those who do get a job, hate the job they’re in. So about 13% of those who actually use their degree love what they do.
I personally never used my degree. How about you?
