The landscape has changed a lot in regard to post-secondary education in the last five or so years. I think work-experience accounts for more than a degree, especially in the tech sector, but some employers still require that piece of paper to get in the door.
Trades can be a really decent choice. Our son decided to become a licensed plumber. It was a real grind getting there. He had to go through a five year apprentice program and four years of schooling but when he graduated and was licensed he began making six figures with benefits and a nice pension. He makes almost the equivalent of my wife and my salaries combined when we were working white collar jobs. If I was a young person getting into the job market today this is the route I'd go.
I went to community college (Columbus State) and, luckily, paid quarter-by-quarter never having to take out loans. Back then I think my degree helped open doors that otherwise wouldn't have been. I think the debt load we're forcing on our young people to pay for college during their best earning years puts them at a huge disadvantage and is a real shame.
Yes, although it may have not been what my parents were hoping for, if I had it to do over again, I think I would have definitely went into a trade. While degrees in general are kind of losing their luster, do you feel that there is a gap between online diplomas and traditional ones?
Knowing what I know now I'd probably do the same at this point and get into a trade. I saw so much downsizing, increase in responsibilities, and reduction of raises/benefits/pensions in the white collar world from '95 to '17 it was a sin. I think the protection of worker's unions, although not perfect, are necessary in our greedy world. I agree with you, I think online degrees have contributed to the dilution in value of in-person degrees. I think all of the graduates (online and traditional) are now lumped into the same category except for the Ivy League grads—these degrees still carry more weight. I think if HR were to see Princeton or Harvard on a resume those people would still get preference.
Don't even get me started on the unions! :) I haven't had much positive experience with them though I know there is probably still some good out there. Basically they just use the union as a crutch to be lazy and complain. Thanks for the good insight on degrees. I kind of feel the same way, but it makes me feel bad for people who I know have worked hard to get those online degrees.
Oh, we hear those gripes from our son too! Some unions are more corrupt than others. Seeing the benefits he has versus what we had we still think his union provides more protections than we ever had. The main problem with his union is the apathy and lack of participation by the workers. It seems like the only people who vote on important issues are those who have certain agendas. Our son goes to almost every meeting though and we're proud of him for that, there just aren't enough workers willing to participate...kind of like low voter turnout in elections. You're welcome! I feel bad for those who get non-Ivy League traditional degrees as well. I just read a US government statistic released today—over 25% of unemployed people have at least four year degree.
Oh wow, now that's a depressing statistic!
It's insane really. It supports your original thought though.