I think it is part of school education to not only learn stuff you'll need in work per se. Stuff like, say, history, or getting to know at least a few major works of literature. A rough understanding of the foundations of modern science does not hurt, either.
I learnt those things, and while I really did not want to learn most of it back then, I am glad now that I did.
"Non scholae, sed vitae", as they used to say back at my school.
And even if you restrict the use of a school education to "preparing you for work", I for one did not know what I wanted to do until I was roughly 17-18. And then, I was spectacularly wrong about it and took a few years to find my calling in computers at about 22.
On the other hand, school is - let's face it - where kids learn a huge percentage of their social skills and make friends. That is not to be underestimated.
I learnt those things, and while I really did not want to learn most of it back then, I am glad now that I did.
"Non scholae, sed vitae", as they used to say back at my school.
And even if you restrict the use of a school education to "preparing you for work", I for one did not know what I wanted to do until I was roughly 17-18. And then, I was spectacularly wrong about it and took a few years to find my calling in computers at about 22.
On the other hand, school is - let's face it - where kids learn a huge percentage of their social skills and make friends. That is not to be underestimated.