Times were different. Now a college degree is often a step to getting an interview. I also see people my age, trying to go back to school, to get the degree they never started, or completed, so they can get a promotion or raise. Honestly, I think in a lot of cases, that is strange. One case is a guy who has been working at the company for well over ten years, and knows their operation inside and out. He is currently enrolled in classes working towards an associate degree, to move to a bachelors degree. I am sure he will be a much better worker for them, once he finishes his history class.
And, FWIW, my HS district does offer dual credit classes in association with the local community college in skilled trades. The idea is coming back.
The idea really needs to come back even more purposefully, as all do not need, nor want, to pursue any more education than they need for their target (not “Target” - although, there’s nothing wrong with that
) career.
Again, I’m not cutting down full-blown college at all. What I have a problem with is the current climate of thought that every single person in this country needs at least a 4-year college degree to be successful in life...many, many tech school trained plumbers, electricians, A/C, etc. folks making tons of money would beg to differ with that.
I have no beef with those that choose to persue higher education (remember my recent post about a brilliant family friend that worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory?), but, it’s simply just not for everyone, nor does it need to be.
People just need to think practically instead of with their emotions...just REALLY think about your initial end goals that you need to get your career started, but, also always strive to continue learning.
We all depend on different professions and trades for the way our world works.
For example, we have no architectural engineers in our office. That is taken care of by different engineering firms we work with. I design, but, there are simple concepts that I’m well aware of when I do...
Stacking load bearing walls is much less expensive than putting them in the middle of substantial clear spans, ‘cause there’s gonna’ hafta’ be an expensive beam to carry that load. And, if a client wants something cantilevered (and they often do), we tell them that the exposed cantilever will require, at least, double-depth support inside the structure...more money.
We know more than enough about structure to advise, but, the engineers specialty is to make the actual calculations and cost it out.
Again, education, especially these days, can be a tedious thing that needs to be approached smartly and not emotionally.
