got to agree with pa_sjo.
i've met a large number of people who will work their arses off studying, training, and also are really hard working but still end up being useless.

jim's mate also sounds similar to a bloke i know. he's just got the head for it, and it most certainly shows in his bank balance. he invests most of his money offshore now in gold, still got shit loads of cash and flies planes and helicopters to stop himself from getting too bored.
also recently come back from doing a load of work in Qatar for Vodafone setting up mobile wireless stuff, and does a lot of work for ISPs.