Last week at work I found myself all alone in a debate about what kids should be looking to do after high school. To paint the picture I work at a precision machine shop. Majority of the workers are "un-skilled" they dont have a high school degree or if they do have their GED, its because of state mandated program that they have to "go to school" to continue to receive their welfare. If any do have college courses, they received it via this same program or while they were incarcerated.
Many have kids about the age where its time to decide what they will be doing when high school is over. A number of people said that going to college was a waste.They try and use me as an example because I have my B.S. in History and I work at a machine shop, however I am part of management and was made so after 90 days of being an operator. They dont know how much money I make because I think its unprofessional to do that, but they make it known what they make. I make more money than they do and many have been there for 3+ years and are still operators. I so badly want to use this as an example but never will. It's a prime example of why a college degree gets you places but they can't see the picture.
The others think trade school is the way to go, because it can place you in a job sooner. I dont think thats a bad idea because college isn't for everyone. I tried making the argument that when the economy is down, everyone is down. I see trade school as being a short term gain, but perhaps not a long term. Like college can be. Something else I said was the physicality of work, some trades are physically demanding jobs. Some love it, but it takes a toll on them later in life vs someone who doesnt have the physical toll and makes the same amount. I equate the latter with more long term gain.
Am I missing something here? Im open for discussion but I just can't see how telling your child not to go to school can be good. My parents drilled education on me and I am pretty successful vs my younger brother who was left to meander with whatever, almost didnt finish high school and is a drug addicted loser. We were both raised in the same house hold and given the same opportunities, I guess I just took advantage. My brother is also of the thought that college is useless.....
Curious as to others opinions because I know there is a fair amount of older guys on here who are more rich in life experience than myself. Been there, done that and would like to talk about it.
Many have kids about the age where its time to decide what they will be doing when high school is over. A number of people said that going to college was a waste.They try and use me as an example because I have my B.S. in History and I work at a machine shop, however I am part of management and was made so after 90 days of being an operator. They dont know how much money I make because I think its unprofessional to do that, but they make it known what they make. I make more money than they do and many have been there for 3+ years and are still operators. I so badly want to use this as an example but never will. It's a prime example of why a college degree gets you places but they can't see the picture.
The others think trade school is the way to go, because it can place you in a job sooner. I dont think thats a bad idea because college isn't for everyone. I tried making the argument that when the economy is down, everyone is down. I see trade school as being a short term gain, but perhaps not a long term. Like college can be. Something else I said was the physicality of work, some trades are physically demanding jobs. Some love it, but it takes a toll on them later in life vs someone who doesnt have the physical toll and makes the same amount. I equate the latter with more long term gain.
Am I missing something here? Im open for discussion but I just can't see how telling your child not to go to school can be good. My parents drilled education on me and I am pretty successful vs my younger brother who was left to meander with whatever, almost didnt finish high school and is a drug addicted loser. We were both raised in the same house hold and given the same opportunities, I guess I just took advantage. My brother is also of the thought that college is useless.....
Curious as to others opinions because I know there is a fair amount of older guys on here who are more rich in life experience than myself. Been there, done that and would like to talk about it.