The Importance of Maths in Adult Life: An Interview with Daniel Waite

(This is part of a series on maths in adult life. To see others click here.)

Introduction

In our quest to explore the real-life relevance of maths, we asked Daniel Waite, a Building Surveyor and Project Manager, to understand how his relationship with maths has evolved over the years and its impact on his career.

Danielle: What is your job title?

Daniel: I am a Building Surveyor and Project Manager.

Danielle: Can you outline your education and career path?

Daniel: I left school with one GCSE (at A-C) with a grade B in Art. I was then allowed to take a GNVQ in Art for a year before progressing to a BTEC in Graphic Design. After three years, I transitioned into construction, which may have seemed like a waste of my art-focused education, but I learned a lot during that time.

I became a tiler (working with walls, floors, ceramics, and natural stones) from ages 19 to 28, eventually starting my own business and taking on large projects. The maths I needed was fairly basic: multiplication, addition, finding the square metre of areas, and percentages for tax and profits.

At 28, I shifted my career to become a Building Surveyor. I studied in my spare time and earned a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying from the University of Reading. The required maths in my course was challenging, including complex formulas for structural engineering, economic calculations, and project pricing. My wife, who excelled in maths, helped me through these.

In recent years, I completed the first year of an MSc in Construction Project Management at Nottingham Trent University. I struggled with some of the mathematical aspects, such as creating project viability plans and discount rates.

Danielle: How did you find maths at school?

Daniel: My relationship with maths started to deteriorate when we moved house and I changed schools at age 7. I joined the class mid-year and felt lost as they covered material I hadn't learned at my previous school. This experience made me anxious and fearful of maths, leading me to give up on it.

Danielle: What was your attitude to study? Did you see how you might need it in the future?

Daniel: In secondary school, I didn't try hard and was quickly placed in lower sets due to my behaviour. I was more interested in showing off and messing around. I only started trying in my last year for GCSEs, but by then, my teachers didn't take me seriously. My school years were plagued by anxiety and low self-esteem, making it hard to concentrate.

Danielle: Did you have any struggles?

Daniel: Yes, my struggles were significant. My attitude and behaviour led to being placed in lower sets, and my anxiety and low self-esteem compounded the problem. I often think about how my life might have been different if my mental health issues had been recognised and addressed earlier.

Danielle: Where have you found that you needed maths, in life or in your career?

Daniel: In my career, I use maths daily for tasks like working with Excel sheets, calculating VAT, retention, and simple formulas for addition, measurements, and multiplication of units and costs. While the maths I use now is basic, it's essential for my job.

Danielle: How has a good understanding of maths helped you in your current role?

Daniel: Despite my struggles with advanced maths, a good understanding of basic maths is crucial in my role. I rely on calculators and Excel for accuracy, but a fundamental grasp of maths helps me manage projects effectively.

Danielle: Is there anything else you would like to share with aspiring maths students or those who find maths tricky?

Daniel: It's tough for me to advise aspiring maths students as I never aspired to excel in maths. For those who find maths tricky, addressing mental health and anxiety is key. If these issues are recognised and managed, it could change their perspective on maths.

As a side note, I found the value of maths through my interest in sports computer games after leaving school. These games involved managing player and team statistics, budgets, and averages, making maths enjoyable and relevant to my interests. Teaching maths through subjects that interest students might make a significant difference. Naturally maths applies to everything in life!

Conclusion

Daniel's journey highlights the importance of basic maths in everyday life and career success, despite early struggles. His story underscores the need for early intervention in mental health and finding engaging ways to teach maths to those who find it challenging. Whether through sports, games, or practical applications, making maths relatable and fun can pave the way for lifelong skills and confidence.

(This is part of a series on maths in adult life. To see others click here.)