Business By Hormozi #284: Why the Alternative Education Market Exists

A System That Didn't Work

For years, Sarah had been stuck in a cycle. She followed the traditional path that everyone recommended—high school, college, and then the dreaded job hunt. But no matter how hard she tried, the system didn’t seem to prepare her for the real world. She felt like the education she received didn't align with her personal goals or the skills she needed for success.

That’s when she stumbled upon the world of alternative education. It wasn’t like the formal schooling system she had grown up with. This was different. It was personalized, hands-on, and tailored to individuals who didn’t fit into the mold of the typical classroom.

The more Sarah explored, the clearer it became: The reason the alternative education market exists is because the formal one failed.

The Flaws of Formal Education

For decades, the formal education system had been the only option. Children were taught to memorize information, pass standardized tests, and follow a rigid structure. But, Sarah realized, this didn’t actually prepare them for the dynamic world outside of school.

People were graduating with degrees but struggling to find real-world success. The emphasis on memorization over critical thinking, and theory over practical application, left many unprepared for the realities of their careers.

For Sarah, it felt like the system had failed her. And she wasn’t alone. Thousands of others had fallen into the same trap, desperately seeking an education that would teach them useful skills and help them succeed on their terms.

The Rise of Alternative Education

Sarah discovered that the alternative education market had emerged as a response to the failings of the formal system. Whether it was online courses, trade schools, or mentorship programs, these new forms of learning offered flexibility and real-world relevance.

Alternative education was focused on the idea that learning doesn’t have to fit inside a rigid box. It’s about what works for the learner—what sparks their curiosity and prepares them for their unique path. For Sarah, it meant diving into coding boot camps, attending online workshops, and getting real-world experience that she couldn’t get in a traditional classroom.

The Benefits of Alternative Education

The beauty of alternative education was its focus on skills that mattered. Unlike the formal system, which could take years to produce results, alternative education often gave students tangible skills they could use immediately. Whether it was learning how to build a website, mastering digital marketing, or studying entrepreneurship, the options were endless.

Sarah quickly realized the value in a system that focused on real-world application instead of theoretical knowledge. She started applying the lessons she was learning to her own entrepreneurial pursuits. And she was succeeding in ways she had never imagined before.

A Personalized Approach

One of the key differences between the formal education system and alternative education was the ability to personalize the learning experience. Instead of being boxed into a one-size-fits-all model, learners could pick what resonated with them. They could take as much time as they needed to master skills or accelerate their learning when they were ready. This flexibility was empowering, and it created an environment where learners could thrive.

By opting for alternative education, Sarah found a way to create a path that suited her unique needs and career goals. She no longer felt bound by the limitations of a traditional degree or the pressure to fit into a traditional mold.

The Future of Education

Sarah is now a firm believer in the power of alternative education. It’s clear to her that the traditional system isn’t the only route to success. As the world evolves, so too must education. The future lies in flexibility, personal choice, and the ability to learn by doing.

The formal education system will always have its place, but for Sarah and countless others, alternative education is where real growth happens.

Moral: "The reason the alternative education market exists is because the formal one failed."