Those who skipped school often are later in life actually successful

Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs: not the least names in the list of ‘successful’. But they weren't always that way either. Not at all. They found school, for example, a bit of nonsense.

Those who often skipped school and had a bit of healthy disregard for the whole obedient system now have only more chance of success. Because the very fact that you weren't obedient as a teenager ensures that you achieve more successes later in life – and in your career. You dare to walk your own path: you are a born leader and a born entrepreneur. Look, and then you break through. Reach the top. Later, that is. At school, you undoubtedly had a harder time because you had little interest in German and math, not to mention your sulking parents.

About 9 percent of Dutch teenagers say they skipped school for at least an hour in the past month: 10 percent of boys and 8 percent of girls. The peak is around 16 years: then school is ‘super boring’, the pub is tempting, and relationships suddenly become interesting while stories about English art history not so much. But yes, we don't want to encourage anyone, of course, but it doesn't seem to do too much harm. Because in that hour of freedom you can do social things with your friends, which helps you develop better in that area. And those are skills that will come in handy later in life. You discover yourself, your creative side, your strengths: with friends or who knows behind the computer or on the sports field.

And just a bit about Mark and Steve: they always aimed for the sixes. As long as they just made it: fine. They certainly didn't study to the point of exhaustion. No, they went to work, and hard too. They fought for their ideas and did their own thing. So don't be lazy, but know well where your priorities lie. Then you'll get there, in one way or another. And if you think back to those countless times you preferred to buy candy in the village and ‘hang out’ instead of going to gym class: well done, you.