Challenging the "Real World"

You likely have used or heard the expression, "Now that you're done with school, time for the real world."

I have never understood that expression. Here's why...

When people say "the real world' they usually mean school (sometimes vacation or seminars). They believe these environments are some how fabricated and "unreal" as compared to the daily grind of their or others' working lives.

I have always wondered who gets to decide what is "the real world" to which they are referring.

• If 98% of the world lives on less than $2 a day than is that the real world?
  
• Some live in war torn countries; is that the real world?
  
• Some people live fabulous rich and abundant lives filled with resources, friends, and good health. Is that the real world?
• Is military combat the real world?
• Is the emergency room the real world?
  

The expression always occurs to me as a pejorative way to talk about people who are having a wonderful time. As if having a wonderful time -- in school, on vacation, or in a seminar -- is NOT the real world.  Last time I check the laws of physics still applied in all those places-- the sun rises and sets every day.

The real question might be, why not figure out how to have a life that feels more like what we consider surreal.

I have just finished my doctorate-- and every day I was in the program, there was still work, breathing, upsets, accomplishments, group dynamics, opportunities, wins and losses.

So, I'm confused...what about school isn't the real world? Things still cost money, I still sprained my ankle. I loved school-- and really always have. Not everyone has this experience. Many people hate school and probably are relieved when others say, "now for the real world."

But it's really a silly expression that comes from - I think - from an unhappy middle class.

I would just like to ask us to consider this expression, which usually comes either from people jealous of your experience or a belief within ourselves that our "real lives" need to be horrible -- but life gives us a few breaks like graduate school and New Year's Eve.

Seems like a low bar to set.

If we're lucky life is long -- so we might as well make our "real world' friggin' awesome.

Just sayin'

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