Rich Dad Poor Dad - Robert T. Kiyosaki

There is a Need

Does school prepare children for the real world? “Study hard and get good grades and you will

find a high-paying job with great benefits,” my parents used to say. Their goal in life was to

provide a college education for my older sister and me, so that we would have the greatest

chance for success in life. When I finally earned my diploma in 1976-graduating with honors,

and near the top of my class, in accounting from Florida State University-my parents had

realized their goal. It was the crowning achievement of their lives. In accordance with the

“Master Plan,” I was hired by a “Big 8” accounting firm, and I looked forward to a long career

and retirement at an early age.

My husband, Michael, followed a similar path. We both came from hardworking families, of

modest means but with strong work ethics. Michael also graduated with honors, but he did it

twice: first as an engineer and then from law school. He was quickly recruited by a prestigious

Washington, D.C., law firm that specialized in patent law, and his future seemed bright, career

path well-defined and early retirement guaranteed.

Although we have been successful in our careers, they have not turned out quite as we

expected. We both have changed positions several times-for all the right reasons-but there are

no pension plans vesting on our behalf. Our retirement funds are growing only through our

individual contributions.

Michael and I have a wonderful marriage with three great children. As I write this, two are in

college and one is just beginning high school. We have spent a fortune making sure our children

have received the best education available.

One day in 1996, one of my children came home disillusioned with school. He was bored and

tired of studying. “Why should I put time into studying subjects I will never use in real life?” he

protested.

Without thinking, I responded, “Because if you don't get good grades, you won't get into

college.” “Regardless of whether I go to college,” he replied, “I'm going to be rich.”

“If you don't graduate from college, you won't get a good job,” I responded with a tinge of panic

and motherly concern. “And if you don't have a good job, how do you plan to get rich?”

My son smirked and slowly shook his head with mild boredom. We have had this talk many

times before. He lowered his head and rolled his eyes. My words of motherly wisdom were

falling on deaf ears once again.

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