A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article about how buying the more expensive option on personal belongings could actually be cheaper over the long run.

How does this work when it comes to the Tools Of Your Trade?

It works just about the same… whether you are one who works with your hands or happen to be a knowledge worker. The tools are just different… on one side more tangible/physical like a wrench and on the other intangible/mental like the knowing how to write computer code though unlike personal items tools for your trade are pretty much non-negotiable as far as needing to obtain the best.

There is also an old saying that “no tool is too expensive if it makes your job easier.”

Physical/tangible tools have to come from somewhere and depending on the grade you buy can be quite costly… a 1/2 inch Snap-On or MAC wrench with a lifetime warranty (and they DO stand behind them… break it and it’s replaced, absolutely NO Questions) can set you back $25 vs.. the $2 one-use Chinese throwaway from the dollar store so a really complete tool box for a mechanic can equal or exceed the cost of a college education. And he still has to learn how to use them.

Don’t laugh or think no way!… Search around for Snap-On or MAC tools and see how much they cost… even a tool box to hold them can be $20,0000 (e.g. look at this one):

Contrast that with the knowledge worker… most of his tools are in his mind but he’s also had to get them from somewhere… in this case the aforementioned college education and has to keep up with the latest changes… he’s off to seminars, new classes at college long after graduation, lots of very expensive reference books.

He will spend the money on the best teachers and sources of his knowledge because he needs to… just like the mechanic if he wants to be the best in his field and make a good living.

How have you gone about acquiring the “Tools Of Your Trade”?

Have you been willing to spend whatever it takes to acquire the very best… whether it’s something tangible or just the chance to study under the most knowledgeable person in the field or attend the No. 1 school?

Now that you’re out in the world; have you continued to do so?

Photo credit: stock.xchng.