This is the real world. That was an insulated microcosm of reality.

These are real people. Not members of some inconsequential committee on campus.

These are real lives they're living. Not artificial lives, cushioned by a two-year stay in an insulated environment; not more, not less.

This is real business, that makes real money and gives real people real livelihood. Not some 12-page, 7-exhibit Harvard Business School case that can be fooled around with using models, frameworks and strategies.

And these are real decisions that impact real people. Not arbitrary decisions chosen from a hundred scenarios.

This is a movie with real actors, real heroes and real villains. And there is only one take. That was a rehearsal with people pretending to be actors, those wanting to be heroes, and others who couldn't be anything but villains.

That was a circus that was forgiving and accommodating; one that offered the reassurance of a safety net.

This is a circus that is merciless, heartless and unforgiving. No nets, no safety margins. This, fortunately or otherwise, is the real deal.

This is the real world, then. And I don't like it one bit...