Cab,
Hearing of your experience, and that of the others who have commented on this thread, is enough to make a person weep! I actually view the JWs as a menace in the community - as much because of their attitude to education as anything else.
Like yourself, in 1971 I had the chance to be sponsored through university to do an Engineering Degree.
However, the local Congregation Overseers found out about that, and you can imagine the rest! Instead, I took a job as a Trainee Telecommunications Technician. However, they could not leave matters at that, and after twelve months talked me into throwing that away, also (well - the end was coming in 1975, wasn't it!).
After five years "Pioneering", working at various times as a Farmhand, Timberworker, Fruit-Picker, Truck Driver, Factory Hand, Crane Driver, Tractor Driver, Village Idiot ect. ect. ect, I finally woke up to myself.
I managed to get into the Electrical Trade as firstly a Trades Assistant, which eventually led to a full apprenticeship as an Electrical Fitter. I was what is now termed a "Mature Age Apprentice" - but in 1979, this was very unusual.
It was certainly different - a 24 year old married man, father of one child with another on the way - in with a group of 17 - 18 year old school leavers.
It was hard, but I was happy to have been at least given a second chance at things.
Mind you, the Congregation never forgave me - THE END was soooo close! (nearly 30 years ago, now - how absolutely b----y stupid!). I did as a consequence get myself into the Bad Books of those who matter in the Scheme of Things, and was over 35 before being appointed an MS.
On completion of my apprenticeship, I would have liked to have followed on and done the Diploma of Engineering course at the local Technical Institute. The company I was working for offered to sponsor me in this (I could have gone to the Polytech on full pay) - and I actually commenced studies towards the Diploma. However, my wife of the time found out about it, and almost had a nervous breakdown as a result! Not that I can blame her - just doing an Adult Apprenticeship was extremely hard on the family.
So, the my highest scholastic achievement is a Certificate of Engineering - something that is gained by an extra six months of post-apprenticeship study. (The congregation took exception to this, also! I was well and truly on their Shit List by now).
Of course, I have learned quite a bit both before and after at a place called the "University of Hard Knocks." (Not to mention the Bachelor of Stupidity that we all received from the Awake University's Damnfool Campus!)
Since that time, I have never been able to get back into formal, extended studies. Some one on this thread has mentioned survival? I know all about that!
I do read copiously all the time, though, just to stay abreast of things. Over the years, also, I have done a lot of short courses at Technical Institute level. None of these things,though, adds up too anything close to a Diploma - let alone a Degree in Engineering.
These days, I work as a Manager at a Power Station in a Third World Country. Located deep inside a malarial jungle - with a semi literate, semi mutinous work force - this Power Plant supplies the electricity for a huge Goldmining operation.
It is all-right, given the almost mind-boggling salary - and the fact that it is Fly In / Fly Out, on a 16 days on / 12 days off roster.
It is certainly about the best that a raggedy-arsed electrician can ever aspire to achieve!
The experiences of others do confirm that indeed it is never to late to resume studies.
While in no way wanting to discourage anyone from taking up where they once had to leave off, I will say that the best time for learning things is when you are straight out of school.
That is why I feel strongly that the WTS should be figuratively and collectively hung from the highest yardarm in the fleet, for the way they still completely screw up the lives of the R&F !
My thoughts anyway,
Jack from Reefton.
