Re:be smart (Score 1)

The first sentence is true. The second is completele backwards. None of us know so much we can solve every problem. The more people you ask or collaborate with the more succesful you'll be.

A little history before my advice (just like everyone else, I love to give my opinion)... I had to leave high school and start working full time because of one those curve balls life can throw you. On one hand I was quite angry because I was preparing to enter university to study sciences (in general to keep the story short) and on the other it was so exciting because I was a free bird and I could do whatever I wanted.

I did do a lot of shit work over the first few years and thought this was what was in store for me because of my lack of education. However my interest in sciences did not end when I left high school and I continued to pursue my interests through library books and projects @ home. Then I figured out the key to start doing what I wanted... Ask questions.

I asked. I sent resumes to companies that worked in my fields of interest. I called them to find out what they are doing and how I may get involved. There are a lot of really great people out there who respond to enthusiasm and you will find some that will give you the information you want and in some cases may even take you under thier wing.

The internet has made it even easier to not only ask questions (of other people or to pursue on your own) but also to get involved with other people who have the same interest as you. I've used it since day one.

The first 5 years of work sucked but the following 20 have been awesome. The only time I met closed doors was when I tried to get a job in government. It seems they will take someone fresh out of university over someone with 10+ years of relevant experience. Meh... I hate bureaucracy anyway.

The short of it is asking questions has taken me everywhere I wanted to go. I still have no formal education but the work I do in the company I'm currently at has a lot of crossover with what the engineers are doing and it really pisses them off. :P