What if you don’t want a degree?
What then?
I believe it is everyone’s right to decide whether or not to continue their education post high school graduation. If they don’t want to have more education, no one is forcing them.
Except maybe the job market. But even that is getting a little thin to demand a degree. I’m sure we’ve all seen the meme of a company asking for 10 years of experience in a new field, with a master’s degree and only paying $25K a year.
And the goods market. How are they going to pay for the lifestyle they grew up accustomed to?
This is not knocking trade school. Trade schools are very important and teach valuable skills that can be used to get a high-paying job. For example, plumbing. There may be colleges to teach plumbing. However, it is often learned on the job through an apprenticeship program.
Then, the student also has to know enough not to get scammed. Or how to do their taxes.
Yes, they are adults.
But this is the price of living in our society.
The economy is a crucible that heats you up and spits you out.
Post-high school college and trade schools are a kind of armor to protect people.
Goodness knows no one is lining up to protect anyone.
It is a way to protect yourself and maybe learn what you really want to do.
Dispatches from the Evening Shift 