I love this word "foundational" you've introduced. My point is that entry level employees are typically just doing what they're told to by someone considered a

I love this word "foundational" you've introduced. My point is that entry level employees are typically just doing what they're told to by someone considered an expert. This low level work in any field provides context for what is important to learn and why. I think it would be better to obtain this context first, and then take a step back from the day-to-day rat race to fill in the "foundational" knowledge needed to become a true expert. College would then be like a mid-career sabbatical. When the sabbatical is over, you're ready to be in charge of the big decisions. eg, Be a carpenter for 15 years then go to architecture school.