Other than it costing a LOT more to go to college now than it did 15-20 (or 30) years ago. No one is discounting that there are other jobs/career arcs available, but you continue to bring up anecdotal proof to justify being an grumpy old fart.
Not grumpy at all, just lovin life being active, healthy, enjoying kids & grandkids and spending way to much time on here like you. Are you a stay at home dad? or son?
Waaaaaay too long to read…..and filled with hypotheticals, coefficients and who knows what else that’s over the heads of mere mortals. That said, I still disagree with the premise and have not seen any real evidence to support it in my 66+ years of living. I’ve worked with/for people who held Masters degrees who were dumb as a rock and unhappy to boot. I have a friend with a PhD who looks back and wonders if he didn’t waste those years studying, rather than living his life. And if they are indeed unhappy in general it is because they were sold the idea that their education was far more valuable and important than it actually is. And when that realization smacks them upside the head, the mountain of debt they accrued to get that bill of goods looks even bigger. That takes a real big bite out of happiness. And one true fact is that ALL the formal education in the world does not bestow one ounce of common sense. That has to be earned the hard way. And a lack of common sense can virtually and effectively negate a formal education. I have literally seen that on more than one occasion. A two year degree didn’t make me happier or healthier. All it did was make my paycheck at little bit bigger and a little more secure (okay, so that made my wife happy, which made me happy). My health and happiness is…and always has been….a product of my lifestyle and attitude, just as it is with most people. But after reading as much of the article as I could manage, I can’t help but wonder if the author of the piece wasn’t working overtime (and perhaps stretching reality) to justify her own education and it’s cost…….
I think this conflates two things. Kids who get an education, find learning important, and are seeking self improvement DO tend to be healthier and happier. My issue is the argument that going to college is the same as education.... and therefore going to college results in a healthier happier life. 20, 40, or 100-years ago, college was the easiest and most efficient way to gain an education. In the past 20 or so years, things have changed significantly. I can research, study, learn, and collaborate and become educated on any subject that interests me. Meanwhile, the university systems have become factories churning out as many kids as possible. Standards have been slipping. More and more, the diploma is becoming a 'participation trophy' in the vein of youth sports.
That's a great viewpoint. My son tried college because my wife and I went through the experience. His personality did not match the routine. He is a hands on guy who is a carpenter for a large company who's portfolio consists of commercial and apartment building assets. He found his calling but I put a tempt into his head with Municipal or State inspector careers. Once he saw a young guy come into the complex he realized knowledge is the career asset. He took the Multiple Dwelling and Hotel License. He plans to retire with a pension and health plan when he is called on. Good for him! I work part time twice a week and make great money due the multiple licenses I worked to acquire.
People who go to college generally grew up in a better financial situation than those that didn't attend college. Takes money to make money!
The difference is that with a college degree you'll more likely be working in a nice air conditioned office while wearing clean clothes. Without out that degree, you're going to find yourself at times crawling under a house or in an incomplete building sweeping the spiders and other bugs frantically off your body. Then there's the cobwebs in your eyes and on your lips.
Some of that is true but look at how many college grads are wearing casual dress and making peanuts in the information industry. And there are many w/o college degrees that have nice offices because they worked their way up for companies. I know a good percentage of both and those that excel in an industry and develop skills usually do well regardless. My father and uncles were Columbia River Pilots & Tug Boat Captains, Zero college, all spent 40 plus years in the industry and made unbelievable money but they worked there way up through experience on the job. And Columbia River Pilots for years were required to wear coat and ties.
