Mr S - there are many success stories out there of people who only need "one or the other". tony factor was a case in point. fact is, those stories are generally the exception rather than the rule ! as no one on this forum knows you very well, it would be wise to give advice in accordance with what is good in terms of a more general approach and what would be the norm. fact is that a balanced approach is the best. you will need some theory education as a base, not only to instil knowledge, but also to open doors for you ultimately. if you are serious, then don't waste your time with ladida courses, engage in a more general, serious course, like a Bcomm or a CIS/ICSA. (if commercial is indeed your chosen vocation). if you are technically minded, an engineering type course is very valuable, which can later be built on by doing a commercial course. my advice, if you have a successful business, carry on with it and study part time. you will NEED a commercial theory foundation to run your own company. if you eventually work for someone else, again, you need a qualification to get your foot in the door and, as useless as it may sometimes feel, the theory not only teaches you on content, it teaches you HOW to learn, which is something you will need for the rest of your life. that said, no amount of theory will prepare you for everything and you will learn infinitley more in gaining experience. my advice - study or study and work, gain experience, find your way, then only brush up with a masters degree in your late thirties or so. good luck
