Colleges have ruined America (1 Viewer)

[jonessed]

If my daughter loved cars I would be fine with her learning to be a mechanic. I would encourage her away from being an artist though (unless she was immensely talented).

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

Is college not for 35% of other people's kids?

 

[chet]

A whole lot of stupid in this thread.

It's quite simple. There are too many college grads and not enough white collar jobs. The first half of this problem is in part caused by parents who want their kids to attend college and live the "American Dream". You can't fault the parents for wanting what they think is right for their kids but the issue is that college isn't right for ~35% of entrants. They end up high debt and no degree or a degree, high debt and no job openings commensurate for someone with their credentials. It's well documented that these people would be much better off at vocational school learning a trade instead of graduating with an expensive degree and having to accept a $10-12/hour job with no better job prospect in sight. I believe this is in large part how Occupy Wall Street was formed--from the frustration of 20-somethings who know in their hearts that they made a huge mistake and want someone to blame.

What would your honest response be if your daughter told you she didn't want to go to a university, but instead wanted to pursue a trade (beautician, carpenter, plumber, musician, artist, etc.)? Sure, I know your daughter is super-intelligent and goes to elite private schools, so there would be no reason to conclude that she'd be one of the college grads struggling to find a job (though I know quite a few ridiculously smart overachievers who are in that boat). But what if she just doesn't want to go, and instead wants to pursue a non-white collar occupation? Do you encourage her otherwise? Do you support her interests?

If I didn't think college was right for my kids, I'd be doing a disservice to them if I encouraged them to attend college. I can't imagine how disheartening it must be to graduate with no job prospects after four years of hard work and hundreds of thousands of debt.

Respectfully, I don't think you answered my question. Perhaps you answered the question you thought I was asking.

Tough one. I'd probably try to steer her to college but if she were dead set against it, I'd acquiesce.

 

[cstu]

A whole lot of stupid in this thread.

It's quite simple. There are too many college grads and not enough white collar jobs. The first half of this problem is in part caused by parents who want their kids to attend college and live the "American Dream". You can't fault the parents for wanting what they think is right for their kids but the issue is that college isn't right for ~35% of entrants. They end up high debt and no degree or a degree, high debt and no job openings commensurate for someone with their credentials. It's well documented that these people would be much better off at vocational school learning a trade instead of graduating with an expensive degree and having to accept a $10-12/hour job with no better job prospect in sight. I believe this is in large part how Occupy Wall Street was formed--from the frustration of 20-somethings who know in their hearts that they made a huge mistake and want someone to blame.

What would your honest response be if your daughter told you she didn't want to go to a university, but instead wanted to pursue a trade (beautician, carpenter, plumber, musician, artist, etc.)? Sure, I know your daughter is super-intelligent and goes to elite private schools, so there would be no reason to conclude that she'd be one of the college grads struggling to find a job (though I know quite a few ridiculously smart overachievers who are in that boat). But what if she just doesn't want to go, and instead wants to pursue a non-white collar occupation? Do you encourage her otherwise? Do you support her interests?

If I didn't think college was right for my kids, I'd be doing a disservice to them if I encouraged them to attend college. I can't imagine how disheartening it must be to graduate with no job prospects after four years of hard work and hundreds of thousands of debt.

But of course your kids are college material!