OJT vs Useless Degree

Unlike popular belief, the most valuable education never comes out of the classroom.

In Sidney's book OJR vs Useless Degree: From a High School Graduate to a Retired CIA, he tells about life built on the foundations of hard work, dedication and practical skills.

He had to learn it the hard way that excuses are never a solution, and life does not wait for anybody. Faced unpleasant family situations, did jobs demanding immense physical strength, served in the Navy during a turbulent era, all taught him that lessons learned under stress are the ones that matter, rather than the ones taught in school.

The mindset took him to places he could not have imagined back when the beginnings challenged him. From his small town to life at sea, federal service, a long rewarding career and being retired from the CIA. All the setbacks, addictions, storms and recovery he went through taught him honesty, accountability and the ability to build a life with self-reliance.

This memoir is written to bring forward the realities and is a deeply personal account. A story of grit, resilience and lessons that must be learned to survive in the real world.