Education is never wasted. However what I see being and old timer is most of the information and the newer electronics could not have been taught a few years ago.  Sure some of the soils and results stay the same. I find it much easier to know where to find the information you need ,rather than try to learn it all. Same thing that is happening to the Extension. Information is available to get you through most anything.
 The experience where I learned the most was a job at the Board of Trade.  Didn't last quite a year but was a learning year.