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I've been thinking a lot about the potential downsides of the strong DIY culture within the maker/mechanics community, and wondering if it might inadvertently be hindering professional development for some. there's definitely immense value in learning by doing and figuring things out yourself, but I wonder if an over-reliance on DIY can sometimes lead to re-inventing the wheel instead of learning established best practices or seeking specialized knowlege that could accelerate growth.
For example, someone might spend weeks troubleshooting a complex circuit board repair, when a professional with specialized equipment and training could diagnose and fix it in hours. While the DIYer gains valuable experiance, they also lose time that could be spent on other projects or upskilling in different areas.
Is there a point where constantly trying to do everything yourself becomes a barrier to truly becoming an expert? Are we sometimes prioritizing the process of DIY over the outcome and the efficiency that comes from leaning on established knowledge and professional collaboration? It feels like balancing the passion for hands-on learning with the recognition that professional expertise has critically important value is key, and maybe that balance isn't always achieved. What are your thoughts?