Don't Forget Skilled Trades

[Fishindude77]

I see lots of threads on here where posters talk about their financial troubles, student loan debts with incomes that could be considered mediocre at best.

You don't have to go to college to make good money. For those willing to work hard, learn a skilled trade that is in demand, and go where the work is $50K annual income is easily achievable and $100K+ is very doable as well if you are willing to work OT, train, pursue the best opportunities, etc.

Skilled trades of all types are in high demand and you don't have to pay for 4+ years of expensive college to get into these jobs. It's a shame that working with your hands and learning a trade has been pretty much demonized by the educational systems for the last couple decades.

[ua_guy]

I see lots of threads on here where posters talk about their financial troubles, student loan debts with incomes that could be considered mediocre at best.

You don't have to go to college to make good money. For those willing to work hard, learn a skilled trade that is in demand, and go where the work is $50K annual income is easily achievable and $100K+ is very doable as well if you are willing to work OT, train, pursue the best opportunities, etc.

Skilled trades of all types are in high demand and you don't have to pay for 4+ years of expensive college to get into these jobs. It's a shame that working with your hands and learning a trade has been pretty much demonized by the educational systems for the last couple decades.

You've got a good point, but at the same time, I think a point is being missed, and I think that view is short-sided. Trades are great, trades are necessary, and in the right circumstances, one can make a very healthy income.

However, becoming educated is worth doing, "in and of itself" and becoming educated just to snag a well paying job is a relatively new concept--one that I think is hollow. It doesn't mean voluntarily increasing one's own knowledge isn't worth doing simply because of the cost, although I would argue there are a lot of people that are horrible at keeping educational costs down. The world needs well educated people for reasons other than generating income, and I'll leave it at that.

I will also say the general data on income distributions and income correlation to higher education isn't a lie. The fallacy is believing that the first job out of school is what you'll make forever, or that is the career path one must take for the rest of their lives, and that simply isn't true.

[greenskeeper]

My uncle went right into an apprenticeship out of high school. He is a machinist and has made his way ip to $150k/yr (55 years old). No college debt for him!

[rennigade]

Trade jobs are great. Most will always be in demand and you can pretty much find a job almost anywhere. Not to mention there is a lot of opportunity for side work to make extra $$.

That being said...certain trade jobs absolutely destroy your body over time. Its hard work. The conditions you work in can be rough as well. Just something to consider.

But...thankfully there are those who take a different path who attend undergrad then graduate school. We need people to create new medicines, find cures for diseases, operate on you when needed, etc. Some jobs require more than an apprenticeship. And dont forget...some grad programs pay YOU to attend their program...which eliminates more student loan debt.

[williamsnancy]

I see lots of threads on here where posters talk about their financial troubles, student loan debts with incomes that could be considered mediocre at best.

You don't have to go to college to make good money. For those willing to work hard, learn a skilled trade that is in demand, and go where the work is $50K annual income is easily achievable and $100K+ is very doable as well if you are willing to work OT, train, pursue the best opportunities, etc.

Skilled trades of all types are in high demand and you don't have to pay for 4+ years of expensive college to get into these jobs. It's a shame that working with your hands and learning a trade has been pretty much demonized by the educational systems for the last couple decades.

I completely agree with you. Thanks for this very insightful post!

[CashUp Sammy]

The "Higher Education" we all assign to ourselves, is not preparation/introduction course for a high paying job. There are plenty of indications that a college degree will earmark you on average for a higher income, it is not the purpose of the undertaking.

It's further education in a field of your choosing, and that only.

Many people have done well following different paths out of High School.

A young guy I knew (Troy) from the part-time college job, was my age. I was part time at the supermarket a few times a week, he worked at nights in the supermarket stacking shelves, having left school at 15 to do this.

He had two houses purchased by the time he was 21, having lived with his folks and saved a great portion of his income. I was in debt post University, and looking for a corporate job.

But horses for courses - i'd never have been able to stack shelves at night for years on end.

[randydrew6]

I went to college for 6 years and didn't learn a thing I didn't already know. You need to teach yourself or else you wont have a chance. Schooling is a joke

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Randydrew6, did you just not ever sign up for classes on topics that were new to you, or what? Or maybe you went to a school with really low standards and expectations?

[Bob B.]

I've heard some of Mike Rowe's (the guy from Dirty Jobs) thoughts on this topic. And, I've always agreed with what he's had to say from the perspective of the greater society. But, closer to home, I always think "He's right, but my girls are going to a four-year college!"

The truth is, there's lots of data that show that people who have a college degree live longer, and make more money over the course of their lives than people who don't have a college degree. Sorry, I can't cite any sources at the moment, but the data are out there.

On the other hand, we have two boys with special needs. The likelihood of them going to a four-year college is very small. Skilled trades might be an option for them.

[Retired To Win]

... You don't have to go to college to make good money. For those willing to work hard, learn a skilled trade that is in demand, and go where the work is $50K annual income is easily achievable and $100K+ is very doable as well if you are willing to work OT, train, pursue the best opportunities, etc... Skilled trades of all types are in high demand and you don't have to pay for 4+ years of expensive college to get into these jobs...

And I am pretty sure that you can get student loans to attend technical and trade schools. So it's made even more accessible that way.

[Fishindude77]

Mike Rowe is right on target on this subject.

Let's be honest ..... there are a whole lot of kids and young adults that just aren't wired for a classroom type education, and don't do so well in that environment. There is nothing wrong with these folks, it's just not their cup of tea. However if we can get them some basic reading, writing and math skills by the time they get through high school, they can do quite well working with their hands and will probably enjoy the work much more.

The education system has demonized blue collar work for the last several decades, so there is a serious labor shortage to fill these positions. Who would think professional educators would promote additional formal education huh ?

We need people to fix things, build things, make things, drive things, etc. Many of these jobs are paying better than ever, and come with great benefit packages.