The other thing to consider: once you have a skilled trade, you will have it forever. Whether you choose to pursue that trade as a career or not doesn't matter, it will benefit you either way.

@evanharnois8686

15 күн бұрын

Takes many years to be skilled in a trade though…

@that1electrician

15 күн бұрын

​@evanharnois8686 not as long as one might think. I went to trade school for electrical back in 2018-2019. Did fast-track 3 semesters and got my certs. Joined an industrial apprenticeship at a steel mill directly after. Been doing industrial maintenance since 2015, electrician title since 2019. So about 5 years experience on the electrical side, making over 6 figures a year now as an E and I technician/ electrician. In 5 years, I went from making 25 an hour to 49.50 It can be done. It just takes dedication.

@sway696

15 күн бұрын

@@that1electricianthat’s how it’s done. 💪And that’s why guys like yourself that put in the time and effort when they were young end up being the owners of their own companies. Good for you man.

@evanharnois8686

15 күн бұрын

@@that1electrician so you’ve been an electrician for 5 years? That’s great! Keep it up but you still have a ton to learn…depending on the person and the people that teach you trades can be learned somewhat fast but…. You can’t fast track experience and maturity.

@David-vk5sv

14 күн бұрын

Same with an education

HVAC Automation Tech here, made $121k last year with rather minimal overtime & I’m 25 years old, we are paid the same wages as electricians in our area… it’s been a great career for me this far and I get to work with a lot of great people !

@ofrddriftr

14 күн бұрын

Commercial HVAC tech and I have been doing well for my family.

@isaacbarbosa_

14 күн бұрын

Just got laid off as an HVAC apprentice in Southern California. If anyone has work,please let me know.

@thatguymark8974

13 күн бұрын

What state do you live??

@UpstateMaveric

13 күн бұрын

@@thatguymark8974 NY

If you dyed your hair, eyebrows, mustache and beard white and wore a white suit you'd be Colonel Sanders.

@thejohnhend

14 күн бұрын

Bwahaha 🤣 Cody Sanders

@jakewalker4392

14 күн бұрын

I won’t be able to unsee that now lol

@johngooderham1732

14 күн бұрын

Pretty sad that this old man dyes his hair so he looks young lol

@all_invite_0hm

14 күн бұрын

​@@johngooderham1732 He isn't even that old, dude. I'm bald and often wear a hat... I'm just not ready to walk around as "the bald guy" lol.. Some guys aren't ready to be full-on gray.

@timmynormand8082

14 күн бұрын

@@johngooderham1732 no hair it's a WIG

Every tradesman I talk to is covered up in work and is priced accordingly.

Why not both, I got certified to weld structural mild steel while getting a electrical degree. So development of multiple skills isn't such a bad thing. I don't do either and run a business but I have other things I can lean on if needed.

@PolishX

14 күн бұрын

Exactly, working with a plan in mind to eventually use the manual labor to parlay it into another career

Got a 4 yr degree in biology and 100k in debt lol. Now I'm working as a union fire sprinkler fitter making a great living with benefits and pension. It's a great trade to get into.

Trades are the way to go. I’ve heard many West Coast men are working trades sewing dolls and knitting mittens.

@rogerpaulsen8321

12 күн бұрын

HeHe

Do whatever interests you the most. I'm a software engineer and would never be where I am without college. I love my job and super happy with the path I've taken!

@design2survive

13 күн бұрын

Yeah that’s the bottom line. I did the machinist and mechanic thing..actual aircraft mechanic. Good people, fun times..but once you’ve done it for a while..it just gets so repetitive. Do what you like..try something new. Not rocket science..unless it is.

You should do both, basic stuff at community college won't break the bank.

@westtexasprepper

15 күн бұрын

Agreed! Having trade skills and an education puts one ahead of the others....

@ryanhatzenbeller4327

14 күн бұрын

@westtexasprepper it also puts you on a track to being more then just an tradesmen, the knowledge with the experience opens alot more doors then just working for some company.

@benhess807

14 күн бұрын

In addition, most companies will pay for you to go to a community college for an industry degree

@neveser

14 күн бұрын

Good idea but the woke garbage is there too.

@ryanhatzenbeller4327

14 күн бұрын

@benhess807 and thats where the big money is, family friends had thier own comp, friends and fam only, cleared 3 mil over 3 years each with a contract at a refinery.

Utility Locator (for a utility company not contractor) currently hiring for $40/hr in Oregon. No degree needed and only a few weeks of training. (Start at 34 and at 40 in a year)

Been to college and have lots of paper. Learn a trade fellas! You’ll always have work, you’ll make great money and master your own destiny.

The majority of degrees are a scam, I agree. As someone with an advanced degree, Juris Doctor, I know that a trade would not have been the right path for me. I don't practice law in a traditional sense, but I used my law degree to jumpstart a career in corporate real estate development. I earn more than most attorneys my age (29) and work way better hours. The key is to have a plan before you start the process. Going to school for a degree without having a clue how you will use it is pointless. A capable man or woman who uses education correctly can benefit from a high paying career that doesn't beat down their body physically. I can earn six figures for the rest of my life (if necessary) putting in 5 hours of work a day. That being said, I spent 7 years in school instead of earning an income in my early 20s. In hindsight, becoming something like a commercial pilot within a year or two after High School would've probably suited my lifestyle better and earned me just as much money. I do respect the trades and I hope that a greater focus is put on vocations that best suit the person, require less debt, and pay well, instead of the one-size-fits-all 4-year degree path currently being pushed.

Everybody needs a KZread dad/grandad. Keep on keeping on

Couldn't agree more about the value of a trade. At 19 I went into the apprenticeship program for Sheetmetal. less than 4 years later I became a journeyman which morphed into HVAC service, design, fabrication, electrical, estimating. At 82, 14 years after retiring at 69 I look back on a 50 year career of interesting, challenging, and satisfying work.

HVAC technician industrial. Only 3 years in the field making 80k a year, zero schooling learned everything on the job.

Trade is better if you like working with your hands. Trades pay well too.

I’m currently working on my PhD in materials science engineering. Most engineering/science advanced degrees will pay you to do research for them and pay for your tuition. I am paid ~$30k, which isn’t much, but I also go to go to school basically for free.

@phosphate66

15 күн бұрын

These people think college is nothing more than the gender studies majors they see protesting on TV. Nobody sees or hears about us PhD students working away diligently doing research and securing funding....

Thanks for the advice ProhO

Best decision I made was trade school. Been a journeyman machinist for about 15 years now.

I graduated high school early , and finished college before I was even old enough to buy beer ...lol........felt the urge to serve my country and spent twelve years in a Mountain Infantry Unit , but at the end of the day I settled down with an Autobody Shop at my home , where I have done well for many years.......

There’s also a happy medium! I went to college for advanced manufacturing (a machinist’s degree). Its a $10,000 degree all said and done and I had all that paid for by an employer. I now make $110,000/ year at 20 years old and a healthy 401k

Cody is also right about something else... I work in the IT Field, and have for many years now. I'm sick of it, as it's killing my body. I went to 2 log home places, that build some of the most beautiful log homes in the country, and applied. Not only did I get immediate call backs, but got interviews and job offers at higher wages than they had offered anyone before me. I know NOTHING about building log homes. I asked "why".... and they told me they can't find good help anymore. They wanted someone who had a family to work for, and someone who wasn't on drugs. If you are a decent person... you can advance quickly. By the way.... both of these log home places didn't even look at my applications years back. They are getting desperate for good help.

@e.lectricity6396

14 күн бұрын

Good job brother. Big move. All the best.

@elgringoec

13 күн бұрын

I couldn't list all the places I applied and could have excelled at if treated well who didn't make an offer or made lowball offers due to overqualification and fear I might surpass those leading teams. They'd be chomping at the bit for me now but it's too late, I'm as busy now doing my own stuff as I've ever been. They all got what they deserved.

@IdahoEagle77

13 күн бұрын

@@elgringoec that’s true. Businesses need to be careful how they treat good people or it will come back to bite them in the butt.

Learn a trade, heck several. I was in the Army and learned a trade that way, but after I went to a private university and have a 75K student loan from living on campus, 4 years. This is before the new veterans benefits under the old GI Bill. But only go to university if the job requires a specific degree, like teaching or nursing. I work in a field now where I have to ask what people own and what they earn and the ones with trades have MORE, boats, travel trailers, own homes, nice cars and the student loan folks are broke and work all the time. Single vs married is a game changer. All my money goes to pay rent. I also worked as a college recruiter and the loans are just an industry. Get a trade.

The timing of this is very apt for me. Thank for the wisdom of your sage advice.

Devils Advocate: College can still be worth it; but the diference now is that you must be SURE to pick a PRODUCTIVE degree that you know is being hired for. Obscure or over generalized degree's are what saturated the market for the most part but just like trades if you persue a viable SPECIALIZATION you will stand a good chance to succeed if you work hard enough.

@wranglerstar

15 күн бұрын

MrsW here. Agreed.

Cody, I come from the flip side. I have two advanced degrees. I come from a family of doctors and lawyers. The advice that my single mom (Ed.D./PhD) gave me: "Unless the field that you want to go into requires a degree, get a marketable skill and make some money." I kind of wish that I had done that. I got the degree than ended up working in technology, not my major. I did circle back and get the degrees that I needed, but I think of how much further along I would be if I had gone straight into work instead of going straight to college.

Best video on youtube today that a young person could watch today!!! Spot on analysis Mr W.

I'm 18 and about to finish high school (home schooled). My dad is a licensed HVAC and Electrician contractor along with a journeyman plumbers license (hes eligible to get his contractor plumbing license). Needless to say I get to work with him quite a bit and thankfully its work that I enjoy, plus the pay is great. The only concern I have working jobs like these is the physical wear and tear on your body, not to mention the mental strain of keeping up with all the people who want your work. I really do enjoy this work but I don't want to be hunched up or broke down by the time I'm 50, rode hard and put up wet as they say.

i'm 32 and a commercial fisherman, the government and offshore wind is going to make small business fisherman like me extinct. sometimes i wish i had gone to a maritime academy so i could run a tug boat or something, but i dont lose sleep over it. my fallback plan if fishing goes under is to get a CDL.

@BulbBunny

12 күн бұрын

I just got my class A

I Joined the Airforce at 17 and I am a Aircraft technician. I have been doing it for 6 years now and for me it was the best decision.

Great advice Cody, very well balanced. To be honest, i was expecting more education bashing, but this was a very fair view

The STEM careers all require that degree... that said, from someone that got a science degree, the STEM careers no longer pay nearly what they used to compared to cost of living... they just haven't kept up. These days, the trades is where it's at for making enough money to set yourself up financially.

When I was 18/19 I went to college for accounting. Ended up failing out to later work at a factory. Through some good communication skills I managed to land a job at a bank and have since moved up to an advisor role. My brother went for plumbing and is loving it now.

Seeing this made me proud. Joining the Carpenters was the best decision I ever made. I learned so much in four years as an apprentice. Within the 20 years, I've had a solid career in a more focused field with very high demand and I love my job. With Love - East Coast Guy

Good parents I am very proud of how Jack has turned into a real man you two should be extremely proud of Jack too he is turning out great ! Prayers !

Good advice from Cody, as usual. There’s an interesting financial comparison out there, between an internal medicine physician and a UPS driver, starting from the end of high school. The doctor has massive student debt, works long hours in medical school and internships and residency, complete with headaches and stressors, medical malpractice insurance, has a successful career, with expenses. The other guy gets hired by UPS, no school loan debts, gets the usual salary increases and promotions. He works the same number of hours/overtime that the physician has to, during training, and during his medical practice. The UPS driver saves, IRA’S, etc. When they both retire, they were about a total of $1000 apart, total take home pay and retirement. UPS driver, also, has no need to take his work worries home every night. It surprised everyone. This was from a letter to the editor of JAMA, like 20 years ago.

You can go to collage AND learn a trade. Community colleges have amazing offerings. As someone who 'sort of' went the conventional route and now have a 'kush office job', I hate it. I get much more pleasure from doing work with my hands. I might be in a fortunate position to transition to repairing small machines and earning a decent living. But this is after 15+ years or being ultra hard working (60-90 hour weeks), very disciplined, etc.

A couple guys I know work for TVA and they're hiring journeyman lineman for close to $90k. With OT you can easily clear $100k a year. For a 19-20 year old that sounds pretty good to me. Provided you can keep your head on straight long enough to not get electrocuted or blow the money on a Camaro you wrap around a tree at 100mph.

Elevators is a great trade.

I went into the Marine Corps, after 1 yeat of college. Did 5 years, came out and worked for my dads family business (Water Well Drilling), then started feeling like it wasn't for me. A buddy from high school meved in next door, and he was a pipeline welder. When I found out that his welders helper was making about 3 times what I made at the family business, and that welders made about 3600-4500 a week take home, I was all in. Over the next 2 years I practiced and bought all of the stuff I need to break out welding on pipelines and I was hooked. I never made less that 170k a year, most of the years it was closer to 200k. About 7 years ago I started a Foresty Mulching business to get closer to home. My business does well and we are very grateful. God has always provided for our needs.

I 💯 Agree!! My daughter thought she knew what she wanted to do. After a year in college she decided that wasn't what she wanted. Well now she has a great employer. Working for an excavating company that paid for her CDL. Making good money and benefits!! No doubt and a marketable skill!

As a journeyman pipefitter and a college graduate I would look into the trades. As an apprentice you will learn how you to think , problem solve, plan and organize your work and build self confidence. I also earned 38 college credits that my employer paid for. Also I think that as AI becomes a bigger part of daily life a lot of these white collar jobs are going to become obsolete. People are always going to need electricity, plumbing ,shelter and maintenance on the things they own. People who can provide those services are going to be in demand and are going to be well paid.

This is excellent advice. My nephew barely made it through high school. He got a CDL, heavy equipment operator cert, and welding cert. Good combination.

Everyone should check out Mike Rowe on the season 3 premier of The Tuttle Twins where they cover this exact topic. It premieres next week.

one thing i can tell you is dont try to drift through life. yeah it was fine in my 20s, but now at 40 im in the same exact spot. although i guess the main takeaway, is just because its a family business doesnt mean you should stay lashed to a sinking ship

Jack said in a live he wants to be a lawyer, that's some studying he has ahead 👍👍

Amen, well said!

You and i grew from the very near the same exact outlook... probably our fathers doing. Owned a truck at 14, job after school, hunt, fish were more important....and the girlfriend. Money in my pocket, moved out at 16, and barely graduated. But i knew stuff, even when young. Joined the Navy @20. My buddy went to college, me to electronics and saw the world. He still does the same thing, works the same job, owns the same house and paid for the degree. I paid in sweat equity.. own a $1M house, have a job like no other and was told I'd be nobody without a degree... they all can eat my shorts! You do not need a degree.. your work and your word still mean something!

I just signed my son up for a summer carpentry workshop. I'm hoping he'll like it and learn a trade.

Excellent advice. College isn’t for everyone.

Good stuff Cody! This line of thinking will become increasingly more popular in the not-too-distant future. People are wising up to the college lie. If anything, know what you want to do FIRST and go to college if your chosen field requires it.

I’ve got a bachelor’s degree. I chose to come back home and work the family business. The time in college was good for me. I learned how to get along with and work with people different from where I grew up at. I probably could have saved the money and done just as well, but I’m glad I did it. I didn’t have to borrow money to do it in the ‘90s.

I have several of each both are worth it.... Journeyman carpenter, A&P mechanic, CDL driver, 4 year degree, masters degree, business owner.

Getting ready to go to community college to learn kitchen and bathroom cabinets I will be putting my way through school by working part-time and cutting lawns

Very true. I have been saying the same thing for a few years now. It's time for the working man

I spent $10K and two years in Paramedic school. I love my job. I am a 911 paramedic, FTO, Instructor, Supervisor, and special SWAT operations paramedic making $150K base a year. The company I work for will pay double time and a a half plus $250 stipend for any 12 hours Overtime shift you pick up.

I program CNC. Lasers(tube and sheet), press brakes, welders, routers. 20yrs now. My advice to anyone who is just starting out in this field is to get your own equipment and work for you.

Very well said!

I'm a self-employed locksmith of 16 years (in my late 40's now). I wish I would have gone into the trades sooner, but not only do I agree with what you are saying I also encourage young men and women to explore all branches of the military. My son who is in his early 20's is killing it in his career, is attending online college (paid by the military) to pursue his bachelor's degree, and has a family of his own. The bottom line is to think outside of the box, always leave yourself with options, and more so, don't just rely on schools to learn, watch videos such as yours, read books, learn from others. The world is your oyster!

Class 3 shortline railroad jobs, good pay, all the retirement benefits the big class 1's get and your home everyday.

Great video

I graduated from a top industrial design/art school 19 years ago. It hasn’t been a perfect career, but the loan is paid off, and it’s done us good so far. The roi was still borderline decent back then. If I were to go to that same school today..it would cost something like $300k…it simply wouldn’t be worth it. The wages haven’t gone up in 20 years, if anything they’ve gone down. I grew up working as a machinist and mechanic..and have fond memories of those days, but it was soooo boring, I have to be working on different stuff. I’m not against education..but do your homework and find out if it’s actually a return on your investment.

With all the best tools in the world and you've cocked-up!

I was working as an electrician who got hurt pretty bad, I decided to go back to community college and work my way into electrical engineering. Based off my previous experiences I've had good luck so far and like my college classes. Community colleges are the best option for people who want to start in post secondary (After high school) education. Everything from skilled trades to the technical and more complex.

Good advice, especially the debt free part, I'll be 55 this year and I've gotten on just fine living a debt free life, I've never had so much as a car payment, I've always planned ahead and paid everything upfront, even built my own home with my own money and with my own two hands. I'm sure it looks attractive to borrow into the future, but when the economy crashes like I've seen happen in the late 80s and in 08, it's good to be able to get your ducks in a row owing nothing.

I went to the military because I needed out of Ohio and away from toxic parents. I learned a trade there, worked it for years after I got out and then went to college to be a Project Manager in my early 40's. That being said being an older PM and with a skill set I could talk to management and to the trades and they knew I wasn't BS ing. The trades guys all understood the struggle with putting down the tool bag and picking up the clipboard. There is a place for both depending on what you want to do, but just being in the trades you have to push yourself to learn more if you want to be a Electrical Admin, or Mechanical Admin and make more cash. It's all a calculation but when the body gives out its nice to have other avenues

I agree to this with a caveat. I went to school to for welding I have a degree in metallurgy, Iv welded for years. Now that I’m older and know the path I want bouncing between law school and medical school. Iv started my new path with a clear understanding. If you ever think you may want to be a doctor or lawyer then my only advice would be get the bachelors degree young with a trade. Having the bachelors degree allows, you to only have to four years of medical school instead of eight to ten or go straight in the law school (3years) since most schools take any bachelors degree.

I had a specific goal in mind when I started college. I went to a community college for a Biomedical Electronics Technician Associates degree and got into the industry. Worked my way through jobs and got into a major medical device manufacturer. Had I not gone that route, I would go into Electrical…still might.

I'm a plumber, pipefitter, and pipe welder, and the trades are absolutely the way to go. A real Proho needs these skills!!!

Wranglerstar, Great advice! I was fortunate like Jack and had parents that paid for ~1/2 of my undergraduate degree in engineering. However like Jack, I had to pay for the rest through scholarships and working on my family's farm during the summer and on the weekends. I also was able to go to a good state school (Univ. of Arkansas), total my degree cost ~$45,000 (2015). 9 years later I make a very comfortable life @ $140k plus great benefits. I work for a utility and agree that going to school to be lineman is a great career option!

I could not agree more. You and I have very similar upbringing and family situations, but my son is going the trades route. He, too, was not long for formal education, and the colleges nowadays are insane.

HOTTAKE, but I did it where I got both. Started off after high school in the Coast Guard (I know not the real military), got my captains license when I got out (call it a trade or not), and went to school. Currently in hydrographic surveying, which requires both my trade (captaining boats) and my college education (Env Science/ GIS). It gives me the option to pursue a career that requires a degree and my trade, and being able to do lucrative side work. Obviously not everyones path, and if it wasnt for the GI bill I WOULDNT have gone to school, but if it wasnt for my trade AND my degree, I wouldnt be where I am today and Im grateful I did both.

If you want to be a lineman go to SLTC in Trenton, GA. It’s a lineschool that can teach you how to climb and basics of linework. That’s where I went and I’m workin in substations all around the country getting to travel. If you live in TN, you can go to SELCAT and learn there(TN Promise will pay for you to go there I think). Linework is everywhere and always needed.

The military has been a rough experience. However, free college, and the va loan is a substantial benefit.

I barely graduated high school as well. Had it not been for a couple amazing teachers, who took interest in me, I'd have failed out by the time I was a junior. Since then, I've done several different manual labor, skills trades, and now I can basically call my shot. I do a lot of work for people, by the day, week, or month sometimes. Simply because they can't find help and they're getting older. I weld, can do construction, concrete, basic electrical, mechanics, ranching, machining and tree work. Sometimes, people just need an extra set of hands and when they're boomers that were handed their wealth, they pay well, to get that extra set of hands. I make my own schedule and pick my own jobs and wouldn't have it any other way. All it takes is some drive and ambition and some knowledge.

Any of the Union Trades are your best bet! Free training as an apprentice! I am in the Bricklayers Union and have never regretted it!

Well said.. you get it!

Im 34 drive truck, i make good money. But i don't get much home time. I dont know what to do to get the same pay. I make 105k a yr but I want to be home

@MrAllmotorB

15 күн бұрын

Why can’t you go local?

@Juancarlosq676

15 күн бұрын

@MrAllmotorB local pays around 20 25 a hr. That's about a 50% pay cut

@BulbBunny

12 күн бұрын

I just got my cdl class A I'm gonna work otr

@Juancarlosq676

12 күн бұрын

@BulbBunny good luck bud, be careful and understand every one Is looking for a lawsuit. Your going to face alot of dangers ice and snow. Try to keep out of the pack of trucks it's safer to drive faster than be around other trucks on the ice. Get your experience and move into a better company or try to get in a company like Abf where you get a retirement.. I don't know how old you but definitely put money in your 401k especially if they match some of it.

@MrAllmotorB

12 күн бұрын

@@Juancarlosq676 I understand but I think it’s easy for people to live out of your means in general I’m just saying being on the road can be very lonely I would rather make less and be home in the evenings doing hobbies and things that I love and be tighter on money seriously think about it not sure if you have kids or a family I’ve done both just my 2 cents remember Cody said in one of his last videos about how important time is with yourself and not working for the man,

I work at a university and they offer tuition remission. If you can find a school that offers that try to get a foot in the door cleaning bathrooms or groundskeeping! It beats paying 50k+ a year!

I went and got a degree in what at the time was called Mechanical Engineering Technology, and what is now, more aptly, Precision Manufacturing Technology. I spent many years paying the bills as a production machinist and being a sponge for anything that came my way. Now, coming on 20 years post college, I have had my hands on hardware for everything from the bottom of the sea to the surface of Mars and am currently working on developing next generation space vehicles. You don't need a fancy degree...you need an iron will and a good work ethic, beyond that, the only limit is your imagination

I always wanted a custom bobcat or dozer to cut fire-line. Think that would be exciting as heck. 👨‍🚒

Cody’s right. I’m a 28 year old heavy duty diesel mechanic specializing in transport refrigeration. I made just over 90k last year and should be a little over a 100k this year. Our new guys with little to no experience are starting out at 27-30 dollars an hour. Learn a trade and specialize in something others don’t want to do and you can name your price. I live in NC.

Union journeyman mason here. I can go anywhere in the country and make top dollar plus benefits. I've always encouraged kids out of high school to enroll in our apprenticeship program. 4years job placement and no debt.

Another option that does not require a college degree is sales.

Pick something A.I. can’t make obsolete

wise words cody

You offer good advice, Trades are great, collage can be good if you have a path, but don't dismiss self education, I self-educated from 17 to 19 and got a 60K a year job at 19.

Here's my own experience and how you can graduate with no student loans like I did (2 days ago.) I have no steak in this, but I'd recommend joining the national guard. I realize today the current military is not look upon very positively, however we are misunderstood. We are 95% bluecollar who also wanted to serve. I've met some of the greatest (conservative, family-oriented, trustable) people in the Guard. It paid for my school and gave me a stipend throughout and now I have the ability to make 70-85k starting with a solid savings. I don't often hear people giving this advice but it has done me extremely well because I knew how to use it.

Loke Cody said even if you invest a little time into something and you decide you dont like it ,well no big deal find something else. You have your whole life ahead of you. And yes Cody you are a mentor to more then you know. Thanks for the video.

The shelf face behind you.. you could move the face up as to be even with the bottom then you get the extra clearance and it also keeps items from falling out

I know you aren’t a fan of the military, but I came into service with 0 college. I am 3 classes away from my bachelors. All complete paid for while active. I haven’t even touched my GI bill yet. 🤷

Didn't really know what I wanted to do when I was in high school just knew my dad went to school for collision tech. I remember thinking "cars will always crash and everyone has a car" I was always working on something not always cars but using my hands to fix or make something. I will tell you it's hard work and years of failing upwards but it's so much fun cashing checks grown men can't even attain while you're in your early 20s. I can tell you trades will outpace damn near any current college student in income in the coming times. I am 29 now and have made over 6 figures since I was 23 I OWN over 100k in tools and get to drive vehicles others can't because they'd have to pay someone else to fix them. You can be a normy who goes to college makes 45k till their 30+ has to have a car payment because they can't afford to pay someone for repairs, or you can bust your ass learn to work on things others can't and afford to have things others wouldn't dream of. By the way you don't have to own a business to make great money you just have to have a work ethic that is borderline psychotic.

I went to trade school in highschool been out for 2 years now using that knowledge and now im going to community college in the fall to get a business degree so I can run a contracting business more effectively

Jack is a Good kid, if you have the money you should pay 100% of his education! Team Jack!

Well said

I would highly recommend learning a trade prior to or while your getting your higher education. In fact you should consider it in high school, it will put you ahead of your classmates coming out of college. Look for getting licenses that only have minimal requirements as well. You can get a real estate or insurance license just by passing a test.

Right on, Cody. And don't forget: if you are a naturally arrogant person, try the electrical trade. Perfect fit!

Journeyman pipe fitter. I’m making $45.65 an hour. Most places are paying $5.00 incentive an hour on top of that. I went to college before getting into the trades. My only regret is my major. After I graduated I was a wrangler for a summer and then wasn’t sure what to do. The old man told me about a welding programs starting the next Tuesday. Haven’t looked back since. Good money if you got what it takes. And at the end of the day I can say I actually did something.

You laid it out pretty well in the begining. It simple. If you want to be a doctor, teacher, lawyer, scientist, engineer, accountant, etc you have to go to college. But, there are options that don't require a degree and the trades are a noble calling and will always be needed no matter what I do believe for at least 2 generations now our education/indoctrination system and in some cases parents have been putting way to much emphasis college. Our schools really need to be helping our young people and explaining alternatives. I chose a career that required college. For me it was the right choice. I didn't start out thinking it would evolve as it did, but I ended up working for one company for 42 years until I retired. Not doing the same thing all those years but it was great run. No regrets. But, I did work my way through so I would have much of a loan. Going to a public school helped. And why is it only a guide for young men?😉

Trade school is the best way for a career. Mike Rowe is the best advocate for the trade school.