Why a 4 Year College Degree Isn’t Right for Everyone, and Why That’s a Good Thing!!

[sjoes006]

If your child’s high school career did not result in them wanting more sitting in a classroom and learning from books, it’s often doubtful that college will change that They will also be uncomfortable sitting behind a desk all day in many cases.

We tend to think college equals success, and it does for many who strive to actively learn in this environment but it isn’t for everyone.

The fact is that these days, a college degree does not serve a purpose for some people and is robbing them of 4 productive years in which they could be learning a trade

Starboard engine of a 787 Dreamliner being taken under repair

Rotor inspection and replacement.

We all have different needs and ways to contribute.

For me, I was able to decide my own courses after finishing my prereq’s. But the entry Bio class that was required was a nightmare.

Imagine that being every class?

Then there are people who love working with their hands and learn quickly and make good money as a welder or mechanic in aviation. These take a more vocational job training but they make good money and feel a sense of accomplishment when done.

[bolverk]

Totally agree, I've not attended any university. Instead I served a four year apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering which included Welding (gas, arc, mig and tig), Bench fitting, Machining (lath, vertical & horizontal milling, vertical & horizontal boring, flat & cylindrical grinding, pedestal & radial arm drills), Basic electrics (in standard cable & mineral insulated), Pneumatics & Hydraulics, Pipefitting, on top of that I’ve added Wire harness assembly, non destructive testing of aluminium alloys to aerospace specs, and chemical etching of the same.

While doing this I’ve travelled round the world working with multinational companies and earned a good living with no college/ university debt hanging over me.
If I needed other learning such as for the non destructive testing of aluminium alloys to aerospace specs, and chemical etching I’ve gone back to college while still working (sometimes the oldest in the class)

If I had my time over again I wouldn’t change a thing.

[sjoes006]

Yep l, you’re a perfect example. But many in the younger generation don’t won’t to be taught the skills and earn the way up unless they are family
To you.

They take offense and don’t listen. I only know because I proudly insure people like you, at least 4,000 oil and gas welders. Only way to get in is through.

That’s why it’s so hard for outsiders to get in, stubborn youngsters that don’t want to take the time to learn the craft when they think they know better.

[bolverk]

Too true, most of the youngsters today are wanting everything now, but there's no guarantee that going to university will get them a job in the careerer they want , over the 39 years I've worked so far my speciality has changed at least 6 times and that doesn't count the work outside of my full time job, the only think that is constant these days is change.

[Bluemax]

Amen!

The problem is though that many jobs are increasingly requiring college when they shouldn't be.

There was a time when it was laughable to go to college to become a secretary. Now days in most cases it's required. In Korea and Japan, a four year degree is required to (get this) be a FLIGHT ATTENDANT.

I'll be honest. I was an elementary school teacher for 22 years. I was damn good at it, too. And I can tell you I could have done what I did and do it very well without ever having gone to college. Just put me in an apprenticeship (student teaching) for two years and I would have been good to go.

[morimeme1]

Yeah, but it can give more opportunities so it is crucial to weight all the pros and cons in every particular situation. My boyfriend never attended collage but it didn't prevent him from having a decent job. However he is very talented in IT so I have been telling him to consider it because it is a great career nowadays but he is reluctant because a lot of those things he already knows and just sitting at lectures studying things that are outdated and not used in the industry does not appeal to him. My mother is also putting on pressure as we plan to eventually move to Germany where she lives and there that piece of paper might come in very handy for him.

[sjoes006]

He doesn’t need to go to college and get a degree. No tech firm cares about this if you have experience.

College grads in Comp Science have a harder time getting a job. Electrical Engineers with a MBA are the only ones that have stronger footing in this industry.

[lightbulb27]

I agree with you.
A lot of college is an expensive waste, and I wonder why they do that... um... money, control the economy? Like... did I really need art history in college... not.

Some of these trades... be careful. plumber, I think is good. But mechanic... gotta buy $70,000 in tools and you don't make much. sucky unless you run your own shop.

Stay out of debt, get a job where you can earn a living and save, and then learn and do the other things you want to do. Or learn a skill from someone, and do that. For example, learn to mow lawns... people make good $ doing that with just a few pieces of equipment.

[LiteSide]

So... full disclosure I did attend a public college for one year (engineering). I dropped out and summers was working for an electrician. I quickly became a tradesman... Journeyman and then Master... started a business... lost the business in a divorce... but used experiences I had doing electrical and automation to work at a large chemical plant... as an automation engineer. Funny how I went around full circle on that... but now make close to $200k/yr in an area where median is $50k. I don’t think you need college to get where I’m at, but I think I probably would have got here sooner.

[ThisAndThat]

There are several reasons why a 4 or more year degree isn't necessary and may even be a disadvantage. Obviously it takes 4 years or more to get the degree. That means it take that long to get your life started and then even longer to get yourself established in what you're doing. Meanwhile colleges and universities indoctrinate their students along the way to think the way they want them to think which is 99% out of line with the way things actually are and work a lot of it against society and everything that's natural which is yet another disadvantage on top of the time it takes. Trade schools and even books will get you there many times faster and hopefully without all the indoctrination included.

[AndrewMG]

I went to University massively naïve, I'd just turned 18 and I moved over 100 miles from home with less then £50 in my pocket... Was a brilliant experience, but financially it took me years to get back on an even keel. I wish I'd taken a year or two out before I went to University, but in some ways it was a brilliant experience/struggle, financially at the time though it was so hard.

[Lindsey7618]

What about when you're not interested in a trade, but you aren't interested in college right now and the only college you want to go to is extremely expensive (70k per year, possibly a good chunk less with financial aid)?

[sjoes006]

Well, if you aren’t interested in college then reason would seem to follow that going to a college that is $70k per year probably isn’t a good idea.

That’s something like saying I don’t want to go to college to learn, I only want to go for prestige of getting into an elite school. You’re kind of making the point of some people who think college is a waste.

If you don’t think that going to Penn State, Old Miss or I don't know Texas Tech is worth it because they aren’t impressive then don’t go to college right now.

Go volunteer for Habitat or just travel or wait tables.

You learn more in college than what you want to do when you grow up. Many seniors realize they picked the wrong major once it is time to work in the field.

But that doesn’t mean all is lost. But paying $500k and learning nothing is a true shame.

[Waffles731]

I am planning on going back to school in January because i had to take time off because in September my life turned into an absolute shitshow.
Sometimes I worry that its simply too late for me and that I would be better off dead

[NatashaJ]

People older then 30 are still going to get their degrees Waffles that's not an excuse to not do it. You have no choice the better careers you need a degree for.

[NatashaJ]

than*

[Lindsey7618]

@NatashaJ that sounded a bit harsh in my opinion.

[NatashaJ]

@Lindsey7618 I am not trying to be the belief you can't get a degree over 30 is bs and anyone can do it if you believe in yourself.

[sjoes006]

You just haven’t found your path yet babe. Believe in yourself or no one else will. Waffles once you do that, the sky is the limit for you, my friend. I see your talent. I’m just waiting for you to do the same. Lots of ❤️

[elissa23Trans]

2 year college is always a win-win in my opinion. No degree at all means you are just a replaceable number. A degree shows skills

[sjoes006]

And I think you can usually build your 2 year into a four year with only 2 more years depending on what you studied.

Nursing degrees I know you often have to start over for a 4-5 year.

For me, I would t trade my education for anything. If I won the lottery I’d become a professional student. Lol but in the serious way.

To me t doesn’t show skill but it does show follow through. Your work history will show skill and talent.

But with AI and automation we are all replaceable to a degree- doctors, lawyers, accountants.

It’s people skills that will decide who can sink or swim. AI and data aggregating makes my job easier giving me more time to consult and put my professional knowledge and experience to the test.

Instead of research public records on 10 websites they are all aggregated into one. I can then spend my time talking to clients about factors that my influence them that computers can’t yet judge.

This is information based on my experience dealing with the people my clients will be working for and their contractual needs. You aren’t working for this person yet but do you plan to? Because here’s why they will require and my assessment of the cost.

[LuvAsh]

At least I'm knocking 2 years off by taking dual enrollment. I'm trying to get into nursing school so i need the 4 years ig🤷🏾

[Liam_Hayden]

I agree. I would also add that a lot of people are getting degrees in fields that do not really offer opportunities.

[coolbreeze]

Nice mytake. I think college is good if you can get a decent paying job from going

[Hurdleez-Swampede]

Exactly. College isn't for all. It depends what job you want.

[bigbang101]

Wanted to change my career from a civil engineer to a welder... Your article is just what i needed!

[Twenty2]

College sucks because the syllabus has been fucked up for a while, it's theoretical and not practical. Other than that, everything's fine.

[CURIOUShErE1]

Are you getting an A and P?

[Secretgardenblood]

Nice take