@Edward Mason said
"I'll place a small land-mine in this discussion, by saying I don't think it's actually about initiation and teachers. Rather, it's about the fear of finding yourself once again stuck with a bad parent. Reprising childhood is, for many people, a terror worse than anything the adult world can offer. "
I think this is very largely true, or at least it struck a strong note with me.
However, I would also offer that for some it might not just be the bad parent, but simply a bad school experience.
I'd happily take a 1000 matriarchal beatings over having to go back to school.... 😞