Should You Go to College or Learn a Trade? Wranglerstar’s Guide for Young Men
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- Опубликовано: 2 май 2024
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In this video, we delve into a pivotal decision that many young men face today: should you go to college or enter the trades? Join me, Wranglerstar, as I navigate this very question with my son, Jack. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each path, providing a balanced view to help you make an informed choice.
Key Highlights:
Pros and Cons of College: What are the benefits of a college degree, and when might it not be worth the investment?
Trades as a Viable Alternative: With boomers retiring and a growing deficit in skilled tradespeople, could this be the right time to learn a trade?
The Financial Implications: Understand the reality of student loan debt, its implications on your financial future, and why it's not dischargeable in bankruptcy.
This guide is crafted to assist young men like my son in weighing their options carefully, considering not just the immediate benefits, but also the long-term impacts of their educational choices. Whether you're leaning towards academia or a hands-on career in the trades, this video will provide you with essential insights to guide your path forward. 
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The other thing to consider: once you have a skilled trade, you will have it forever. Whether you choose to pursue that trade as a career or not doesn't matter, it will benefit you either way.
Takes many years to be skilled in a trade though…
@evanharnois8686 not as long as one might think.
I went to trade school for electrical back in 2018-2019. Did fast-track 3 semesters and got my certs.
Joined an industrial apprenticeship at a steel mill directly after.
Been doing industrial maintenance since 2015, electrician title since 2019. So about 5 years experience on the electrical side, making over 6 figures a year now as an E and I technician/ electrician.
In 5 years, I went from making 25 an hour to 49.50
It can be done. It just takes dedication.
@@that1electricianthat’s how it’s done. 💪And that’s why guys like yourself that put in the time and effort when they were young end up being the owners of their own companies. Good for you man.
@@that1electrician so you’ve been an electrician for 5 years? That’s great! Keep it up but you still have a ton to learn…depending on the person and the people that teach you trades can be learned somewhat fast but…. You can’t fast track experience and maturity.
Same with an education
HVAC Automation Tech here, made $121k last year with rather minimal overtime & I’m 25 years old, we are paid the same wages as electricians in our area… it’s been a great career for me this far and I get to work with a lot of great people !
Commercial HVAC tech and I have been doing well for my family.
Just got laid off as an HVAC apprentice in Southern California. If anyone has work,please let me know.
What state do you live??
@@thatguymark8974 NY
If you dyed your hair, eyebrows, mustache and beard white and wore a white suit you'd be Colonel Sanders.
Bwahaha 🤣 Cody Sanders
I won’t be able to unsee that now lol
Pretty sad that this old man dyes his hair so he looks young lol
@@johngooderham1732 He isn't even that old, dude. I'm bald and often wear a hat... I'm just not ready to walk around as "the bald guy" lol.. Some guys aren't ready to be full-on gray.
@@johngooderham1732 no hair it's a WIG
Why not both, I got certified to weld structural mild steel while getting a electrical degree. So development of multiple skills isn't such a bad thing. I don't do either and run a business but I have other things I can lean on if needed.
Exactly, working with a plan in mind to eventually use the manual labor to parlay it into another career
Got a 4 yr degree in biology and 100k in debt lol. Now I'm working as a union fire sprinkler fitter making a great living with benefits and pension. It's a great trade to get into.
Every tradesman I talk to is covered up in work and is priced accordingly.
You should do both, basic stuff at community college won't break the bank.
Agreed! Having trade skills and an education puts one ahead of the others....
@westtexasprepper it also puts you on a track to being more then just an tradesmen, the knowledge with the experience opens alot more doors then just working for some company.
In addition, most companies will pay for you to go to a community college for an industry degree
Good idea but the woke garbage is there too.
@benhess807 and thats where the big money is, family friends had thier own comp, friends and fam only, cleared 3 mil over 3 years each with a contract at a refinery.
Trades are the way to go. I’ve heard many West Coast men are working trades sewing dolls and knitting mittens.
HeHe
Utility Locator (for a utility company not contractor) currently hiring for $40/hr in Oregon. No degree needed and only a few weeks of training. (Start at 34 and at 40 in a year)
Do whatever interests you the most. I'm a software engineer and would never be where I am without college. I love my job and super happy with the path I've taken!
Yeah that’s the bottom line. I did the machinist and mechanic thing..actual aircraft mechanic. Good people, fun times..but once you’ve done it for a while..it just gets so repetitive. Do what you like..try something new. Not rocket science..unless it is.
Been to college and have lots of paper. Learn a trade fellas! You’ll always have work, you’ll make great money and master your own destiny.
Trade is better if you like working with your hands. Trades pay well too.
The majority of degrees are a scam, I agree. As someone with an advanced degree, Juris Doctor, I know that a trade would not have been the right path for me. I don't practice law in a traditional sense, but I used my law degree to jumpstart a career in corporate real estate development. I earn more than most attorneys my age (29) and work way better hours. The key is to have a plan before you start the process. Going to school for a degree without having a clue how you will use it is pointless.
A capable man or woman who uses education correctly can benefit from a high paying career that doesn't beat down their body physically. I can earn six figures for the rest of my life (if necessary) putting in 5 hours of work a day. That being said, I spent 7 years in school instead of earning an income in my early 20s. In hindsight, becoming something like a commercial pilot within a year or two after High School would've probably suited my lifestyle better and earned me just as much money.
I do respect the trades and I hope that a greater focus is put on vocations that best suit the person, require less debt, and pay well, instead of the one-size-fits-all 4-year degree path currently being pushed.
HVAC technician industrial. Only 3 years in the field making 80k a year, zero schooling learned everything on the job.
Devils Advocate: College can still be worth it; but the diference now is that you must be SURE to pick a PRODUCTIVE degree that you know is being hired for. Obscure or over generalized degree's are what saturated the market for the most part but just like trades if you persue a viable SPECIALIZATION you will stand a good chance to succeed if you work hard enough.
MrsW here. Agreed.
I’m currently working on my PhD in materials science engineering. Most engineering/science advanced degrees will pay you to do research for them and pay for your tuition. I am paid ~$30k, which isn’t much, but I also go to go to school basically for free.
These people think college is nothing more than the gender studies majors they see protesting on TV. Nobody sees or hears about us PhD students working away diligently doing research and securing funding....
Everybody needs a RUclips dad/grandad. Keep on keeping on
Learn a trade, heck several. I was in the Army and learned a trade that way, but after I went to a private university and have a 75K student loan from living on campus, 4 years. This is before the new veterans benefits under the old GI Bill. But only go to university if the job requires a specific degree, like teaching or nursing. I work in a field now where I have to ask what people own and what they earn and the ones with trades have MORE, boats, travel trailers, own homes, nice cars and the student loan folks are broke and work all the time. Single vs married is a game changer. All my money goes to pay rent. I also worked as a college recruiter and the loans are just an industry. Get a trade.
I graduated high school early , and finished college before I was even old enough to buy beer ...lol........felt the urge to serve my country and spent twelve years in a Mountain Infantry Unit , but at the end of the day I settled down with an Autobody Shop at my home , where I have done well for many years.......
Couldn't agree more about the value of a trade. At 19 I went into the apprenticeship program for Sheetmetal. less than 4 years later I became a journeyman which morphed into HVAC service, design, fabrication, electrical, estimating. At 82, 14 years after retiring at 69 I look back on a 50 year career of interesting, challenging, and satisfying work.
Thanks for the advice ProhO
Cody is also right about something else... I work in the IT Field, and have for many years now. I'm sick of it, as it's killing my body. I went to 2 log home places, that build some of the most beautiful log homes in the country, and applied. Not only did I get immediate call backs, but got interviews and job offers at higher wages than they had offered anyone before me. I know NOTHING about building log homes. I asked "why".... and they told me they can't find good help anymore. They wanted someone who had a family to work for, and someone who wasn't on drugs. If you are a decent person... you can advance quickly. By the way.... both of these log home places didn't even look at my applications years back. They are getting desperate for good help.
Good job brother. Big move. All the best.
I couldn't list all the places I applied and could have excelled at if treated well who didn't make an offer or made lowball offers due to overqualification and fear I might surpass those leading teams. They'd be chomping at the bit for me now but it's too late, I'm as busy now doing my own stuff as I've ever been. They all got what they deserved.
@@elgringoec that’s true. Businesses need to be careful how they treat good people or it will come back to bite them in the butt.
I Joined the Airforce at 17 and I am a Aircraft technician. I have been doing it for 6 years now and for me it was the best decision.
There’s also a happy medium! I went to college for advanced manufacturing (a machinist’s degree). Its a $10,000 degree all said and done and I had all that paid for by an employer. I now make $110,000/ year at 20 years old and a healthy 401k
Best decision I made was trade school. Been a journeyman machinist for about 15 years now.
i'm 32 and a commercial fisherman, the government and offshore wind is going to make small business fisherman like me extinct. sometimes i wish i had gone to a maritime academy so i could run a tug boat or something, but i dont lose sleep over it. my fallback plan if fishing goes under is to get a CDL.
I just got my class A
The timing of this is very apt for me. Thank for the wisdom of your sage advice.
The STEM careers all require that degree... that said, from someone that got a science degree, the STEM careers no longer pay nearly what they used to compared to cost of living... they just haven't kept up.
These days, the trades is where it's at for making enough money to set yourself up financially.
I'm 18 and about to finish high school (home schooled). My dad is a licensed HVAC and Electrician contractor along with a journeyman plumbers license (hes eligible to get his contractor plumbing license). Needless to say I get to work with him quite a bit and thankfully its work that I enjoy, plus the pay is great. The only concern I have working jobs like these is the physical wear and tear on your body, not to mention the mental strain of keeping up with all the people who want your work. I really do enjoy this work but I don't want to be hunched up or broke down by the time I'm 50, rode hard and put up wet as they say.
Great advice Cody, very well balanced. To be honest, i was expecting more education bashing, but this was a very fair view
Good parents I am very proud of how Jack has turned into a real man you two should be extremely proud of Jack too he is turning out great ! Prayers !
Amen, well said!
Cody, I come from the flip side. I have two advanced degrees. I come from a family of doctors and lawyers. The advice that my single mom (Ed.D./PhD) gave me: "Unless the field that you want to go into requires a degree, get a marketable skill and make some money." I kind of wish that I had done that. I got the degree than ended up working in technology, not my major. I did circle back and get the degrees that I needed, but I think of how much further along I would be if I had gone straight into work instead of going straight to college.
Class 3 shortline railroad jobs, good pay, all the retirement benefits the big class 1's get and your home everyday.
I have several of each both are worth it.... Journeyman carpenter, A&P mechanic, CDL driver, 4 year degree, masters degree, business owner.
As a journeyman pipefitter and a college graduate I would look into the trades. As an apprentice you will learn how you to think , problem solve, plan and organize your work and build self confidence. I also earned 38 college credits that my employer paid for.
Also I think that as AI becomes a bigger part of daily life a lot of these white collar jobs are going to become obsolete. People are always going to need electricity, plumbing ,shelter and maintenance on the things they own. People who can provide those services are going to be in demand and are going to be well paid.
Im 34 drive truck, i make good money. But i don't get much home time. I dont know what to do to get the same pay. I make 105k a yr but I want to be home
Why can’t you go local?
@MrAllmotorB local pays around 20 25 a hr. That's about a 50% pay cut
I just got my cdl class A I'm gonna work otr
@BulbBunny good luck bud, be careful and understand every one Is looking for a lawsuit. Your going to face alot of dangers ice and snow. Try to keep out of the pack of trucks it's safer to drive faster than be around other trucks on the ice. Get your experience and move into a better company or try to get in a company like Abf where you get a retirement.. I don't know how old you but definitely put money in your 401k especially if they match some of it.
@@Juancarlosq676 I understand but I think it’s easy for people to live out of your means in general I’m just saying being on the road can be very lonely I would rather make less and be home in the evenings doing hobbies and things that I love and be tighter on money seriously think about it not sure if you have kids or a family I’ve done both just my 2 cents remember Cody said in one of his last videos about how important time is with yourself and not working for the man,
A couple guys I know work for TVA and they're hiring journeyman lineman for close to $90k. With OT you can easily clear $100k a year. For a 19-20 year old that sounds pretty good to me. Provided you can keep your head on straight long enough to not get electrocuted or blow the money on a Camaro you wrap around a tree at 100mph.
If you are going to be a scientist, engineer, accountant, doctor, lawyer then go to college. Future leaders will mostly be selected from college graduates and we need bright young MEN to be leaders. If you want to party 4 years and get a humanities degree don't waste your time.
Best video on youtube today that a young person could watch today!!! Spot on analysis Mr W.
This is excellent advice. My nephew barely made it through high school. He got a CDL, heavy equipment operator cert, and welding cert. Good combination.
You can go to collage AND learn a trade. Community colleges have amazing offerings. As someone who 'sort of' went the conventional route and now have a 'kush office job', I hate it. I get much more pleasure from doing work with my hands. I might be in a fortunate position to transition to repairing small machines and earning a decent living. But this is after 15+ years or being ultra hard working (60-90 hour weeks), very disciplined, etc.
Very well said!
one thing i can tell you is dont try to drift through life. yeah it was fine in my 20s, but now at 40 im in the same exact spot.
although i guess the main takeaway, is just because its a family business doesnt mean you should stay lashed to a sinking ship
I just signed my son up for a summer carpentry workshop. I'm hoping he'll like it and learn a trade.
Great video
Seeing this made me proud. Joining the Carpenters was the best decision I ever made. I learned so much in four years as an apprentice. Within the 20 years, I've had a solid career in a more focused field with very high demand and I love my job. With Love - East Coast Guy
Jack said in a live he wants to be a lawyer, that's some studying he has ahead 👍👍
Elevators is a great trade.
I spent $10K and two years in Paramedic school. I love my job. I am a 911 paramedic, FTO, Instructor, Supervisor, and special SWAT operations paramedic making $150K base a year. The company I work for will pay double time and a a half plus $250 stipend for any 12 hours Overtime shift you pick up.
When I was 18/19 I went to college for accounting. Ended up failing out to later work at a factory. Through some good communication skills I managed to land a job at a bank and have since moved up to an advisor role. My brother went for plumbing and is loving it now.
Well said.. you get it!
Good advice, especially the debt free part, I'll be 55 this year and I've gotten on just fine living a debt free life, I've never had so much as a car payment, I've always planned ahead and paid everything upfront, even built my own home with my own money and with my own two hands. I'm sure it looks attractive to borrow into the future, but when the economy crashes like I've seen happen in the late 80s and in 08, it's good to be able to get your ducks in a row owing nothing.
Good advice from Cody, as usual.
There’s an interesting financial comparison out there, between an internal medicine physician and a UPS driver, starting from the end of high school. The doctor has massive student debt, works long hours in medical school and internships and residency, complete with headaches and stressors, medical malpractice insurance, has a successful career, with expenses.
The other guy gets hired by UPS, no school loan debts, gets the usual salary increases and promotions. He works the same number of hours/overtime that the physician has to, during training, and during his medical practice. The UPS driver saves, IRA’S, etc.
When they both retire, they were about a total of $1000 apart, total take home pay and retirement. UPS driver, also, has no need to take his work worries home every night. It surprised everyone.
This was from a letter to the editor of JAMA, like 20 years ago.
Good stuff Cody! This line of thinking will become increasingly more popular in the not-too-distant future. People are wising up to the college lie. If anything, know what you want to do FIRST and go to college if your chosen field requires it.
I 💯 Agree!! My daughter thought she knew what she wanted to do. After a year in college she decided that wasn't what she wanted. Well now she has a great employer. Working for an excavating company that paid for her CDL. Making good money and benefits!! No doubt and a marketable skill!
Another option that does not require a college degree is sales.
Getting ready to go to community college to learn kitchen and bathroom cabinets I will be putting my way through school by working part-time and cutting lawns
Wranglerstar,
Great advice! I was fortunate like Jack and had parents that paid for ~1/2 of my undergraduate degree in engineering. However like Jack, I had to pay for the rest through scholarships and working on my family's farm during the summer and on the weekends. I also was able to go to a good state school (Univ. of Arkansas), total my degree cost ~$45,000 (2015). 9 years later I make a very comfortable life @ $140k plus great benefits. I work for a utility and agree that going to school to be lineman is a great career option!
The shelf face behind you.. you could move the face up as to be even with the bottom then you get the extra clearance and it also keeps items from falling out
My kid knew what he wanted, too. He went to UCLA, graduated with his degree, is making crazy money and is miserable. MISERABLE!
There's a lot of variables here but one many don't consider is will I be happy doing this?
Sounds like your son needs a purpose to spend his money upon. May i suggest wife, kids and land. Though i know how hard it is out there.
On a good note, lots of people hate what they do. At least he’s making great money.
Well said
Very true. I have been saying the same thing for a few years now. It's time for the working man
I'm a plumber, pipefitter, and pipe welder, and the trades are absolutely the way to go. A real Proho needs these skills!!!
I barely graduated high school as well. Had it not been for a couple amazing teachers, who took interest in me, I'd have failed out by the time I was a junior. Since then, I've done several different manual labor, skills trades, and now I can basically call my shot. I do a lot of work for people, by the day, week, or month sometimes. Simply because they can't find help and they're getting older. I weld, can do construction, concrete, basic electrical, mechanics, ranching, machining and tree work. Sometimes, people just need an extra set of hands and when they're boomers that were handed their wealth, they pay well, to get that extra set of hands. I make my own schedule and pick my own jobs and wouldn't have it any other way. All it takes is some drive and ambition and some knowledge.
I program CNC. Lasers(tube and sheet), press brakes, welders, routers. 20yrs now. My advice to anyone who is just starting out in this field is to get your own equipment and work for you.
Aircraft maintenance technicians are also a high demand job, that can pay well.
So crazy I worked as an aircraft mechanic (general aviation) back in the 90’s. Pay wasn’t great.
@@design2survive I began in 1986 in aviation, it all depends on how you craft your path, for whom you decide to work, and what you accept going through the front door of every job. I was always in demand as a mechanic, and did not accept work for peanuts, I was often times one of the best paid mechanics at a particular place of employ, because I performed and knew my stuff. I have been self employed now for over 5 years and do not advertise, people keep calling from all quarters of the globe for my services.
I was working as an electrician who got hurt pretty bad, I decided to go back to community college and work my way into electrical engineering. Based off my previous experiences I've had good luck so far and like my college classes. Community colleges are the best option for people who want to start in post secondary (After high school) education. Everything from skilled trades to the technical and more complex.
Serving an apprenticeship with the IBEW served me very well. I left the construction trade to work for GM as an electrician. Worked my way into management and retired as a company Labor Rep.
Everyone should check out Mike Rowe on the season 3 premier of The Tuttle Twins where they cover this exact topic. It premieres next week.
I went into the Marine Corps, after 1 yeat of college. Did 5 years, came out and worked for my dads family business (Water Well Drilling), then started feeling like it wasn't for me. A buddy from high school meved in next door, and he was a pipeline welder. When I found out that his welders helper was making about 3 times what I made at the family business, and that welders made about 3600-4500 a week take home, I was all in. Over the next 2 years I practiced and bought all of the stuff I need to break out welding on pipelines and I was hooked. I never made less that 170k a year, most of the years it was closer to 200k.
About 7 years ago I started a Foresty Mulching business to get closer to home. My business does well and we are very grateful.
God has always provided for our needs.
Great information, I taught agriculture in high school for 16 years, trades are top choices today, lineman trade, welders are some of the highest pay. Good Luck
I had a specific goal in mind when I started college. I went to a community college for a Biomedical Electronics Technician Associates degree and got into the industry. Worked my way through jobs and got into a major medical device manufacturer. Had I not gone that route, I would go into Electrical…still might.
I could not agree more. You and I have very similar upbringing and family situations, but my son is going the trades route. He, too, was not long for formal education, and the colleges nowadays are insane.
I’ve got a bachelor’s degree. I chose to come back home and work the family business. The time in college was good for me. I learned how to get along with and work with people different from where I grew up at. I probably could have saved the money and done just as well, but I’m glad I did it. I didn’t have to borrow money to do it in the ‘90s.
With all the best tools in the world and you've cocked-up!
Loke Cody said even if you invest a little time into something and you decide you dont like it ,well no big deal find something else. You have your whole life ahead of you. And yes Cody you are a mentor to more then you know. Thanks for the video.
Well stated
Cody’s right. I’m a 28 year old heavy duty diesel mechanic specializing in transport refrigeration. I made just over 90k last year and should be a little over a 100k this year. Our new guys with little to no experience are starting out at 27-30 dollars an hour. Learn a trade and specialize in something others don’t want to do and you can name your price. I live in NC.
You laid it out pretty well in the begining. It simple. If you want to be a doctor, teacher, lawyer, scientist, engineer, accountant, etc you have to go to college. But, there are options that don't require a degree and the trades are a noble calling and will always be needed no matter what I do believe for at least 2 generations now our education/indoctrination system and in some cases parents have been putting way to much emphasis college.
Our schools really need to be helping our young people and explaining alternatives. I chose a career that required college. For me it was the right choice. I didn't start out thinking it would evolve as it did, but I ended up working for one company for 42 years until I retired. Not doing the same thing all those years but it was great run. No regrets. But, I did work my way through so I would have much of a loan. Going to a public school helped. And why is it only a guide for young men?😉
I went to the military because I needed out of Ohio and away from toxic parents. I learned a trade there, worked it for years after I got out and then went to college to be a Project Manager in my early 40's. That being said being an older PM and with a skill set I could talk to management and to the trades and they knew I wasn't BS ing. The trades guys all understood the struggle with putting down the tool bag and picking up the clipboard. There is a place for both depending on what you want to do, but just being in the trades you have to push yourself to learn more if you want to be a Electrical Admin, or Mechanical Admin and make more cash. It's all a calculation but when the body gives out its nice to have other avenues
The military has been a rough experience. However, free college, and the va loan is a substantial benefit.
I know you aren’t a fan of the military, but I came into service with 0 college. I am 3 classes away from my bachelors. All complete paid for while active. I haven’t even touched my GI bill yet. 🤷
As a graduating senior going onto college, I agree. Im in the same boat as Jack, where I know exactly what I want to do and need to attend college for it. But if I didn't know, I would have certainly gone into the trades.
wise words cody
Cody, you are such an inspiration to me. Thank you.
I went to trade school in highschool been out for 2 years now using that knowledge and now im going to community college in the fall to get a business degree so I can run a contracting business more effectively
You and i grew from the very near the same exact outlook... probably our fathers doing.
Owned a truck at 14, job after school, hunt, fish were more important....and the girlfriend. Money in my pocket, moved out at 16, and barely graduated. But i knew stuff, even when young.
Joined the Navy @20. My buddy went to college, me to electronics and saw the world. He still does the same thing, works the same job, owns the same house and paid for the degree.
I paid in sweat equity.. own a $1M house, have a job like no other and was told I'd be nobody without a degree... they all can eat my shorts!
You do not need a degree.. your work and your word still mean something!
It's important to keep in mind opportunities. As a vet I get paid to attend school as I keep the difference between (financial aid + gibill) - tuition. So it makes sense to me since I also am not worried about work. I wouldnt recommend school to people who have to pay up front for it
Any of the Union Trades are your best bet! Free training as an apprentice! I am in the Bricklayers Union and have never regretted it!
Pick something A.I. can’t make obsolete
I agree to this with a caveat. I went to school to for welding I have a degree in metallurgy, Iv welded for years. Now that I’m older and know the path I want bouncing between law school and medical school. Iv started my new path with a clear understanding. If you ever think you may want to be a doctor or lawyer then my only advice would be get the bachelors degree young with a trade. Having the bachelors degree allows, you to only have to four years of medical school instead of eight to ten or go straight in the law school (3years) since most schools take any bachelors degree.
Any advice would be appreciated.
26 years old, leaving the army after 8 years and some change. I have my associates and am thinking about using the GI bill to get my BA. (I agree college is a scam). Am only considering this because of the GI bill. I want to eventually go into the DNR and a degree could boost my resume. On the other hand, going into the trades could help quickly fill the income I’d be losing. Thank you in advance to anyone who shares any thoughts. God bless
I think in your situation I would finish up getting a bachelors degree. As I understand, even if you are going online full time you will get tuition paid and some compensation, which you deserve to take advantage of for your service. Either start working and take classes online full time or if you are interested in more of a niche job, find out what degree is necessary and look for schools that are the best in that field. For example, the university I attended is in very close proximity to the headquarters of Tyson and Walmart. So a specific Agriculture degree at UofA lends well to getting great jobs in the corporate world of meat production. Same goes for certain Supply Chain degrees for Walmart at our business college.
I graduated from a top industrial design/art school 19 years ago. It hasn’t been a perfect career, but the loan is paid off, and it’s done us good so far. The roi was still borderline decent back then.
If I were to go to that same school today..it would cost something like $300k…it simply wouldn’t be worth it. The wages haven’t gone up in 20 years, if anything they’ve gone down.
I grew up working as a machinist and mechanic..and have fond memories of those days, but it was soooo boring, I have to be working on different stuff.
I’m not against education..but do your homework and find out if it’s actually a return on your investment.
I'm a self-employed locksmith of 16 years (in my late 40's now). I wish I would have gone into the trades sooner, but not only do I agree with what you are saying I also encourage young men and women to explore all branches of the military. My son who is in his early 20's is killing it in his career, is attending online college (paid by the military) to pursue his bachelor's degree, and has a family of his own. The bottom line is to think outside of the box, always leave yourself with options, and more so, don't just rely on schools to learn, watch videos such as yours, read books, learn from others. The world is your oyster!
Jack is a Good kid, if you have the money you should pay 100% of his education! Team Jack!
Only go to college if your career absolutely requires it (STEM, accounting, law, etc. those things that are highly technical).
Almost everything else can be learned on the job with very basic soft skills like good communication and a strong work ethic.
Trade schools are a great option too. They are typically shorter, 6m - 2 yrs, than a traditional degree and pay increases with experience. Plus you learn a valuable life skill and can do jobs on the side for extra income.
Cody, I went to a technical high school and spent half my time learning to be an electrician, that could've, and still could be an option. But my father works in academia, which means free tuition, and because of that im in college, now i dont know exactly what i want to do but im 100% committed to getting a mechanical engineering degree. Everybody's situation is different, you need to find YOUR path, and commit to it.
I work at a university and they offer tuition remission. If you can find a school that offers that try to get a foot in the door cleaning bathrooms or groundskeeping! It beats paying 50k+ a year!
there is definitely a benefit to having a trade skill even if you end up getting an advanced degree having hands on tactile experience and understand the functional importance order of operation procedures is extremely valuable and seemingly underrated