being adaquate at programming and able to pick up IT stuff quickly got me a job, and eventually, a really good, well paid job. That put me in a new house.
being adequate, even good, at rowing didn't get me anything but sunburn. had a good time, mind you -- love being on the water -- but I probably could have spent that time learning Ham Radio, carpentry, ceramics, or vollyball -- or some combination of those. might never have been good at rowing, or ceramics, etc., but it's one of those Opportunity-Cost things
being adequate, even good, at rowing didn't get me anything but sunburn. had a good time, mind you -- love being on the water -- but I probably could have spent that time learning Ham Radio, carpentry, ceramics, or vollyball -- or some combination of those. might never have been good at rowing, or ceramics, etc., but it's one of those Opportunity-Cost things