I went to college and then one semester of med school before I realized I was chasing someone else's dream - which cost me $90k in total. I'm 29 now and a steamfitter apprentice - 3 years through a 5 year apprenticeship. I work with a guy who's 30, but he started in the trade when he was 19. He's already got $300k in his annuity and 6 years left on a 30 year mortgage. Granted, he did a LOT of overtime, but now he's basically set for life and has absolutely zero financial worries.

I remember at my high school it felt like all they really cared about was that you went to college and they preferred it was a big recognizable name so they could keep their statistics up and brag that like, "we sent kids to Harvard" or wherever. No one really cared about helping kids find direction or what's best for them. And NOT going immediately out of senior year was viewed as being a complete failure. It's a shame really. I'd hope it's less like that now.

If you have a background in a trade you will always have a job.

College Degrees have had the most amazing marketing campaign for the past 60 years which has lead us to the current student debt crisis with a bunch of under/overqualified degree holders without any experience or opportunities. The best advice I can give to people is to not think college is the only path. Love this one Carl!

I got a degree from The Ohio State University. Take my word and go to a trade school!

I went to a four-year school for three years before realizing I wasn't cut out for that kind of work. I was miserable studying for hours and in professors offices struggling to understand certain concepts. I'm a hands-on person and it just wasn't for me. Switched to a trade school and loved it. All the classes pertained to the trade and I had a job in the field within one month. It's a real benefit to learn at school as well as on the job at the same time. I just finished a two-year machining program and am making $22/hr. I think it's a shame how trades are sometimes looked down upon. If you are a hands-on learner, a trade is an excellent option. As far as the inconveniences in the trades, it really depends on the trade and your employer. I'm a machinist and I work in a clean shop with nice facilities. The company I work at really cares for its employees.

If you’re going to do something very specialized (and hopefully decent paying), do college. If you have no real idea, do trade school or community college for basics and find what you like.

I just want something that can get me money without debt, I’m well rounded and can learn quickly. I really just want to start my own business, eventually.

In Germany there is a saying: „Handwerk hat goldenen Boden“, which when you turn it into an English rhyme means: ”With a trade in hand, you find gold in every land“. And I believe that‘s true.

I teach high school English and used to work at a vocational school. I think the fact we don’t have more of those types of schools in this country is a huge problem. I used to hire former students to help me with jobs around my house all the time. They simply had skills I wish I had at their age. The fact we don’t respect trades in this country is a crime and that’s coming from a guy with many years of post graduate schooling.

I studied engineering in college. It was very transformative for me, it taught me how to learn. I had to grasp completely foreign, mathematical concepts and then apply them quickly. It taught me how to detach myself and see things in the abstract. I’ve benefited from that professionally and I appreciate learning new stuff more than before.

If college was more affordable. You could get an electrical engineering degree and go to trade school. Learn the subject formally and informally. Gives you an edge.

Been to college and finally finished with a Master's in Criminal Justice. I learned two things from college: 1. College is a racket 2. It should be illegal for colleges to offer Criminal Justice or Criminology as a major If a person wants to be a cop and go to college I strongly suggest getting a degree in another field other than criminal justice so you have something to fall back on if being a cop doesn't work out. Also I would push someone towards trade school before college for the previously stated reasons. This message coming from a Law Enforcement Officer, hopefully it helps the future LEO applicants.

I feel like Trades can act like a good stepping stone. Since it can be physical demanding work, do it while you're young and in good physical health, set aside some money for a while, then later go into College if you'd like.

I am 17 and looking at the military, college and trade school But my end goal is to become a entrepreneur

Being in trade school set the foundation for my future and with a background in the trades you take that knowledge and apply it anywhere

Great topic! College is in such high demand they can charge anything they want and people would still be lined up to go. I wrote a book on Amazon called "College Debt Slavery" and I think we need more entrepreneurs.

This video really helped me out. I'm in highschool right now and I work part time as an apprentice for a company that does work on industrial burners, furnaces, etc. and I love getting my hands dirty but feel like I'm being chained down everytime I go into one of my classes knowing that I'll never use the information that I learned. I've learned so much more from being out on the field interacting with people and using my hands than sitting at a desk listening to a middle aged man who isn't happy with his job blabber on about geometry. With all the points you brought up I am leaning torwards going to trade school and getting licensed in being a boiler technician. Anyway thank you for making this video and quite possibly helped me find my way for the future!

I'm currently in trade school (Columbus Technical College). I've received my Machinist certificate and a diploma in CNC technology. This is my last semester and then I'll have a associates degree in Applied Science (technical studies). My job pays for my expenses and I was already in the field that I'm going to school for. I went just to get my paper work and to increase my pay rate. I make $23.64 and still getting raises every year. I highly recommend Trade school. Good luck

I've just graduated High School and now taking an Hvac class at a technical college. I couldn't agree more with you on this topic💯💯

Learning about trade school gave me so much hope for my future. I really suck at highschool and my family struggles enough to pay the electric bill. My dream is to go too college but my biggest fear is that I wont ever be accepted to any due too my grades in highschool, or I would have to take out a student loan and be in dept forever like my mom and grandparents. I never knew what I wanted to be so the pressure of my family was always getting to me, and its unbelievable that I'm only a freshman and worries over how I can live or go to college in the future. That was until I heard about trade school. I only heard about trade school a couple days ago and my anxiety was literally turning into hope. Trade school basically is everything I hope for that normal colleges were trying to take away. Trade school doesnt care about my highschool grades or sat scores, and allows me to get the education that normal colleges give out for way less tuition fees and time taken up at school. Im the type of girl who cares more about working and having money in my pocket. So when I heard that you could a job right outta that gates after trade school I was stoked. I decided I wanted to be a dental assistant or hygienist. (I'll find out after i complete highschool) Because i want to help people feel confident when they smile. I know I'm smart, I just needed a little bit of hope to help me see that I am. And even though I'm often times an air head, when I put my mind into something I love I do wonders. (Sorry this was so long and kinda unnecessary.)

Thank you for this video. I had my own cleaning business for 20+ years right out of high school. Did go to an expensive college for a business management and marketing degree. I'm not using it (white collar work was something I wasn't interested in). My job did ok for me and my family, being able to go on field trips with my 3 kids, be home when they left for school and when they got home. But after a divorce a few years ago and being unsatisfied with my life, I finally entered the trades. I'm a second year apprentice as a tinner. I'm almost 44. I am loving it. I get a good workout almost every day, finally have a retirement and good health insurance. Even a vacation account. And I work with some awesome people who are willing to pass on their knowledge and be patient with me. The trades are not interesting to my daughters, but my son, he might be. He's only 13, and I only figured out my life a couple years ago, so I'm not rushing him. But, this video might be a good watch for him.

Taking biology right now. When he said "Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell" I literally laughed out loud. Thank you for making this video. I appreciate your insight, as I am struggling with the issue of direction right now.

Excellent breakdown, you hit the nail on the head. A real look at the pros and cons of higher education is not very common today. I have had a very similar career to yours, and seen both sides of the workforce as well. In addition to being in the military. Your videos continue to be a source for inspiration, keep up the good work!

There was a guy in college that found out the holy grail. How to go to college without quitting because your broke! He saved up money for years then when ready quit his job left his apartment cut bills etc and moved in a homeless center. Slept there at night, took classes at day. He had most of his money going to college and was able to make it! Blew our minds back then!

Being in the class of 2021 this helps a ton. My family has always told me I have to go to college because my parents didn’t so all I ever thought about career wise. I wanted to be a vet for a while but I didn’t want to be in school for that long which, then I thought maybe I could be a nurse or doctor as I was more passionate about thta and I was willing to go to school for that long up until I learned I could just be an EMT without college which was more interesting too me but it wasn’t college so that was out the window, and most recently was paleontology I absolutely adore this hobby but that’s just it it’s a hobby that I can do without college so what’s the point. Started looking into the navy purely out of intrigue but I’m so severely color blind I could never be in the military among other medical issues. I actually felt something different when I looked into the navy, I felt relief that maybe I don’t have to go to college to be happy and successful. I work best with my hands and I’m starting to look into trades. It’s gonna be hard to break this to my family, my grandparents have had my entire college fund paid for since I was born which I mean made not worrying about college easier but it doesn’t help that i honestly don’t want to go to college that much. I know my grandparents especially my grandmother are gonna be pissed that they have all this money saved I might not even use it. I’ve always felt pressured to go to college I can’t blame my family for wanting that for me because my dad went into the military and could never find a good job once he got out and my mom got pregnant with me at 19 and dropped out after I was born.

I am an apprentice electrician on commercial construction sites, and can definitely relate to this video. I agree that people should stop trying to push others into college when they are nowhere near cut out for it, or whatever job they get from college.

Rather earn as I learn than spend refund checks on beerpongs and a night out

Currently working towards a BA in forestry. Interesting path as I’m essentially using university as a trade school because everything I do is specific to my industry. I definitely see fellow students who have gone tens of thousands in debt for a degree with hardly any market value whatsoever.

Trade schools are highly underutilized in this country I wish they would put them into low income neighborhoods( Baltimore) and maybe change the narrative of always encouraging people to go to college

I’m 16 years old, my parents having me help them with their home renovations and my job at a grocery store have made me realize I enjoy more manual labor oriented work rather than sitting all day, which is what I do at school all day. I love problem solving and moving around and getting stuff done. I plan to go to technical college when I graduate and become an electrician and eventually I would like to be a contractor or project manager.

I’m going to my local community college, originally majoring in kinesiology but I’ve changed to Park Management. It’s the perfect mix for me with hands on learning/classroom learning. One of my classes will teach me basic plumbing, carpentry, dry wall, concrete and painting skills. Then I’ve got a EMT level wilderness rescuer class. If you learn applicable skills then you are set! Federal/Trades are the best jobs to go into. If I work for my county or federal agency as a Park Ranger there’s so many great benefits. Sure you will make less then the private sector but I will not have the stress of feeling like I will be laid off, and retire at age 55.

Wow, this was a video I didn’t expect from you but really needed. I’m currently struggling deciding between working a year and going to a college/tradeschool, or just jumping right in. I want to have enough money to spend on things I need but I feel like the longer I wait the less motivated I am.

Thanks a ton for this video, I'm 18, just finishing up high school and feeling really confused about my next step, kinda the way u were in the first 9 min of your video but your point of view I found really helpful. Again thank you for taking the time to make this video it really helped me clear some things up.👍👊

I want to say thank you. I'm only 15 but I already have anxiety about my future. This video helped me so much in figuring out what I want to do.

Thank you for the wonderful video. Superb advice regarding hidden and not so hidden costs associated with post-high school education presented in a non-biased and realistic manner. I went into medicine because I was kinda smart-though really through 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration if truth be told...I studied like a dog literally all the time-and frankly felt more comfortable staying in school rather than joining the “real world.” I managed to get my BS under full academic scholarship but lived at home, and my MD with only $150,000 debt. This was in the 80’s and unheard of today with guys coming out of med school owing $450,000-$650,000 in some cases. Unbelievable. I have had a superb career filled with helping people at their most vulnerable times of life, but have “burned out” three separate times during my career. Thankfully I was able to do a wide range of jobs with my MD-first as a primary care doc, then as a hospital based doc, then reducing clinical responsibilities and directing a hospital based group of docs, now finally giving up formal medical practice entirely and becoming a health care Executive. It’s been an extraordinary ride filled with meeting and working with some of the smartest and most interesting people on the planet. But I gave up a lot-my youth for one thing. When I finally got done with school and residency, I was “old” at 29 and had unimaginable responsibility for peoples’ lives who depended on me to help them. And the rigor of prescribed class work left no time for other interests for me. I gave up studying French, music-I was a violinist-and math, though am now studying all three with private instructors. Probably a reflection of my mid-life crisis(!) This path has been financially satisfying. I have made “lots” of money, and have never had to worry about health insurance, injury, or making ends meet throughout my entire life. But money doesn’t necessarily equal happiness and stress is a killer. Dad told me to become a doctor and that’s what I did. It would have been nice to hear your advice when I was a kid though. I may have chosen another path deriving equal satisfaction without so much self-sacrifice. I do kinda resent never going to parties in college and medical school. And my “burn out” periods were extremely dark and psychologically painful, not to say they wouldn’t have happened to me in other careers as well I suppose. Thank you again for the wonderful video and I hope you continue to reach younger guys with your sound advice to get folks better focused on their paths earlier in life. You are a superb mentor. Steve K.

After just watching the first 2 minutes of your video, I couldn't relate to you more man

I was both in the trades and am a university graduate. I think the trades are a good place to start. I completed my university while working full time. And to your point, I think I would have trouble working in the trades now that I am an old man. There are many professions that dovetail with certain trades, e.g carpenter/architect, electrician/electrical engineer, etc. Appreciate this video, BTW.

I am graduating in 2021 from High School and this video definitely helped. I am in the same spot you were in and part of my thoughts are similar to your tips and advice. I appreciate the video a lot. Thank you.

I can relate to your message. I am currently in college for a mechanical engineering degree because I thought it was a good field, future proof from automation and pays well. Now my junior year in college I regretting my decisions of choosing a college. I am not passionate for my degree or about school which kills a lot of drive for education. I find more fun in looking into the business stuff in my business classes like the finances, what makes a company run, how to drive their income higher. I personally have had a bit of experience working in Amazon's warehouses and I do not enjoy it, but I enjoyed the people I worked with and the fact that I got paid while I was learning. College for me right now is a huge waste of time and potential and a whole lot of debt when I graduate I will be over $100k in debt. If any high school kids are reading this, take a gap year after you graduate and work. Figure out what you like and if you want to invest in higher education. You can read books, take a mentor, trade school, and many other things instead of college to further yourself. If you do plan on going to college look for one that is either cheap or one that helps you find a job or internship. Do not overpay as I did, I knew about colleges that are cheaper and offered internships with the 4-year program, but I chose this school I am at now. One key part is your outlook on money, do you want expensive things or are you ok with cutting cost in areas like your home to drive a nicer car. Living below your means will help greatly if you plan on working right out of high school and investing it will give you a huge head start compared to those who graduate out of college with a $60-80k job.

Thanks for this. I’m a Union Electrician in NYC. 30+ years and super close to retirement. I’m listening to this after being laid off on Friday which can be a drawback. I play stocks I’m laid off and I’m here listening to you tell my story. I’m subscribed and looking forward to checking out some more of your content. I found this both interesting and intriguing. I haven’t heard any lies! ✊🏿

This has answered all the of questions I have had and explain exactly my struggle in figuring out what I want to do

im 28 right now almost a blue belt in marital arts, i have my own small business selling apparel for martial arts , started playing guitar, but every time i talk to people they tell me to go to trades school i have done welding, construction, in high school all were boring to me, and your right my dad worked at a burger joint years ago i work at the same burger joint for years now but at a different location i think im ready to move on but in high school they would never encourage me to try hard or push my limits i never had a chance to take stuff like physics in high school they said it would be to hard and the only 2 things i could do in college would be construction or cooking 2 im not interested in any of that

I used to do electrical work full time now I'm a heavy equipment mechanic eventually got my cdl I still do all 3 both trades have served me well

My goal one day is to be a spokesperson for this issue and to bring more awareness to the benefits of going to trade school

22, 3rd year in College, never really liked writing essays or talking about a book with other people. I like to focus on the job, get the job done, etc. Now doing computer science , too mathematically intense. Considering trade school..

I love the transparency of Carl's contents.

Carl, You Sir, provide far more insight and real-world experience than many individuals pitching their ideas as solutions. Well done Sir.

Good information! It’s interesting to hear this coming from a blue collar - then white collar worker. Your story is also my story pretty much. From working in a factory as a tool & die maker to working in banks, insurance companies & pharmaceutical companies in IT. As for me, I much prefer an office environment.

I was very thankful I was exposed to shop, agriculture, JROTC, and college in high school. And it is disappointing to see HS to push college only in some locations. And Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs showing people who are enjoying the jobs. Great video sir!

I got a diploma in business after high school, but back then I was terrible at office job and was no good at it, chance of office jobs were so slim to me that I could only find work in warehouse work. but then I found hope in that warehouse I was in, they were looking for apprentice for appliance repair, at first I thought I will hardly fit in, but with years of effort and some good journeymen showing me the way around, I got through and became a licence technician in appliance repair. I love what I do and now I bring home about 80k yearly. (about 5 years since my apprentice days). Trade did work out for me, but at the same time, I also have friends who got their CGA designation in accounting and doing well for themselves. at the end of the days, you have to look very deep into yourself and see if it is right for you. getting into the trade has it's downsides too, it is not just all sunshine and rainbow to be in the trade, there are many moments when your brain is hurting to find where the short for the unit is or trying to clean off really dirty machines. trade jobs are there, but you need to have a strong character, smart brain and good hands to excel in it.

My son who is 25 today has done it right. He's made $100,00+ for each of the last three years because of overtime opportunities. He has no debt, owns his own house and has almost $200,000 in investments. He will be a multimillionaire before he's 45. When he graduated from high school he worked full time as a construction helper while attending community college. He took a few normal college classes and also trade classes: welding and blueprint reading. From there he went to Newport News Shipbuilders as an apprentice welder. That did it. Automatic raise every 3 months. Full benefits. Journeyman after four years. And they pay him to continue going to college. He's two-thirds of the way through a bachelor's degree - (math and economics.) By far the most important thing when he looks back on his life will be the lack of debt and his investments. If he never saves another cent for the rest of his life and his investments grow at 12% when he's 65 that $200,000 will grow to more than $18 million. As a dad, that is by far the biggest thing I can tell all of you out there: save and invest. Sacrifice. It's worth it a thousand times over. My son has skrimped for almost four years now. But most people are kind of poor in their early twenties anyway. All he's done is live like a normal twenty-something year old, despite earning good money. But now he doesn't have to even think about his retirement years. What he's working on now is making it so he can retire in his forties as a rich man. And all without being in management, without owning a business, "just" be a welder at a big corporation that has good benefits and always has overtime opportunities.

Yoooo I appreciate you speaking on this topic I was in trade school for Plumbing while I was in high school. I was able to get certified as an apprentice plumber and then after high school I applied for community college. So now I am working as an apprentice plumber(one more year and I’ll be a journeyman) while going to school

Even if this video is more than a year old, this video has given me a great deal of info that...relieves a whole bunch off of my own nerves. Thanks Carl.

I really liked the cons about blue collar jobs. You are being realistic asf and not selling a fake dream. BC job is what it is. They are heavy, dirty, muscle demanding, and sweaty. But that's a good way to get the foot on the door and financial independence.

Even if you take college classes that have nothing to do with major, the papers you have to write strengthen communication and writing skills. If you want to do more than grunt work you need to be able to communicate effectively. I have never been to trade school and I don't know the coursework, but college does help in that department.

Good morning . Just want to say thank you for putting this out!!!, as for a single parent mother I can see my 18 year old son in a better position on what he want to go towards, thank you 🙏

I also started with electrical apprentice work in CT. I didn't follow through and get my license, but I did end up in another trade. And I managed to buy my house through private sale during the pandemic because I met homeowners doing side work. So even if it isn't your main source of income, having a skill opens so many doors.

I think one of the overlooked perks of a tradesman is that because they have knowledge of how things work, tools, and ability to use their hands they often do not pay someone to work on their house appliances or cars. There is something to be said for one knowing where to get the best pricing for materials and the know how to install them. If the white collar guy has to pay 15 grand to have his roof put on, and the blue collar guy buys his shingles at auction for 500 bucks, has 40 pounds of nails sitting in the garage left over from jobs, and puts his roof on over a weekend, the blue collar guy increased his wages by 14,500 dollars that year.

I am currently attending Silicon Valley Career Technical Education and I am learning HVAC and I am a senior in high school I think I’m going to pursue this trade then maybe think of going back to college later

Trades are awesome! There isn't any field that doesn't have trade schools you could go instead of college.. beauty, construction, medicine, mechanics, computer &tech, cooking, real estate, business fiance, education, animals, bartending, art& Cinema etc. the list goes on there are trades for all fields something for everyone

great video. im 22 now and doing pretty good with trade but i wish i saw this when i was 17 agree with pretty much everything

Im the only mason in my family, I'm going to a trade school rn and this video was mad helpful

28 year old debt free welder. I will retire early and do a lot of hunting and fishing!!!

Wow your experience of school and all has struck a similarity with my experiences. Thankyou for the insight.

I go to a trade vocational high school and i am going to going to collage

This was brilliant! More young people need to see this

I did HVAC for a few years and got paid fast food wages. going into trades isn't a life hack. it's a gamble no different than college. The reason why theres a shortage is because its a very inconsistent industry, anytime you can be jobless. Unless it's a union dont bother.

Watched the video without stoping it! Great video bro, very helpful. Now I now what I wanna do after I graduate from HS

I think the problem with college in the US is how it is marketed and sold. It's very expensive and is promoted as a necessity. I'm currently in my first year studying mathematics. The tuition is $700 per semester (that's on the high end here). Granted I live in a developing country so prices tends to be cheaper, but for illustrative purposes I have an online shop and can pretty easily pay for the tuition myself (some of my friends do this or work part time to pay theirs as well). Other than that, maybe the programs in the US isn't tailored to prepare students to work. Here the first two years are for learning, but the third is pretty free. We have the option to study different subjects, work as an intern at a partner public or private company (paid as well), etc. So essentially we have more freedom in deciding whether we want to study the subject more deeply and go to academia or prepare for work in the industry. I think it's because my country lacks the people for some white collar jobs, so college is made to prepare you for actual jobs.

Thank you for this video . I’m graduating class of ‘21 and as a 16 year old I’ve been having trouble deciding what to do with education . I appreciate the help very very much and I’ll try to use it to make the best decision come June .

27:00, "halfway through my life" whoa, that just hit deep.

I’m about to graduate high school, and I’ve been so lost in what I want to do. This video was really needed, thank you!

I was very interested through my sophomore year in high school to take this college site management program, about a year later everyday I realize more and more how much worth it trade school would be over the college program. I kinda struggle in school so there’s I chance I wouldn’t even graduate the college route

I love videos like this! I was always involved in trade but yet so many people always pushed for that college degree. There are several opportunities out there for you that are not limited to just trade and college. Live your dream the smartest most efficient way possible. Love the vids Carl hope to see more insight on topics like this in the fufure👍

I agree with 95% of what you said, but there are many trade programs that do not require working outside or offsite. I know you are speaking from your experience and I respect that, but some may misinterpret that part of the video. $30,000 + for a diploma or certificate seems super high to me. Most AAT programs in Washington State only cost $10,000.... Great video! Thank you for taking the time to make it!

I was way more towards working with my hands and learning a skill and didn’t want to go to college and i decided to join the Marines after high school and going to a trade school afterwards fully paid for

I thought it was a great video! I’ve often wished I would have learned a trade first, centered my brain closer to what I ACTUALLY wanted to do and then go get that 4 year degree. Instead of leaping blindly and missing the job market. Great information!

I grew up doing mostly doing construction. I left home with and 8th grade education and tried to get into the Marine corp and geting my diploma. Got rejected and had to figure whats next. Ended up getting a manual labor job full time. Best decision I've made so far.

Soooo many young kids/men need to hear this! Where were you in 1985? Kidding.

I worked at a retail plant nursery in high school. As I started to get into that trade (gardening/landscaping) I realized that getting a college degree was going to help me increase my wage especially in that field. I ended up doing 3 years in community college while working and another 3 years in at a State University (a school that I won’t have gotten into with my high school grades, but could transfer into as junior). I got a good union gardening job for a municipality and with a relevant college degree have been able to advance into supervision and eventually management. I have found that having a blue/green collar job gives me a valuable perspective that white collar workers don’t have. Along with the confidence that blue collar workers have because they know that they are capable of accomplishing physical tasks.

If you have a desk job, all it takes is a program to automate what you do on that computer. If you're working with your hands and doing physical labor, they'll have to build a robot(s) with as much physical flexibility as you, which will probably take much longer to be cost effective. Robotics will have to develop a bit more. So blue collar work is actually HARDER to automate simply because it's so hands-on. Robots are usually built for one specific task. Tradesmen have several tasks per job usually.

I also went to college and training that would be considered trade school. Nowadays, there are many options. There are colleges that specifically gear towards a vocation. It is not one or the other.

Pretty much what I went through, right after high school I was on my way to the military but plans change and now I’ve been a trucker for 8 years, living in California pay isn’t that great for CDL drivers unless you own your own truck, at this point I’m back in night college , trucking was just not a passion I see myself doing in the long term

I went to college and I was never really that interested or engaged the entire 4 years. I played baseball, so it was basically free which was the only reason I stuck with it, I figured since it’s not costing me anything I might as well. I got a degree in biology which I’ve never once used in my life. I have no idea where it even is lol. Immediately after I graduated, I fucked off to South America for 6 months, came back and started working for my buddy’s dad as a carpenter. Never looked back. Now I’m 27, I’m about 6 years in and I bartend part time too. I’ve made myself into a valuable enough employee that my company is willing to be very flexible. If there’s weeks I only want to work part time, they’re happy to accommodate, they’re good about giving me time off to travel pretty much whenever I want, and I’m never stressed. I think I’m in a much happier place than I would be in if I had pursued a career in biology after college.

I just want to point out that the point of the core curriculum - the classes that don't directly help you with your career - is to round you out so that you're able to speak to people who work in those fields with a basic competence that allows you to understand the core concept of what they're doing, and how you can help them in your work. And, for courses like history, philosophy, and literature, the idea is to make you a better citizen and give you more material to draw on in your thinking as you live your life. It doesn't feel like it matters while you learn about it, especially if you're not interested, but when you find the opportunities to draw on that knowledge later in life you tend to look back on it as a worthwhile commitment.

I started doing physical jobs then got hurt and am now in constant pain, so I can't really do the trades, and I can't afford college so I'm just screwed.

Keep in mind too if you choose a trade and focus on residential work. A decent amount of people will not let you use their bathroom even when you are in the middle of a city leading to you having to bring your own "facilities" to use in the back of the van or truck. Also some customers you can definitely tell they look upon you as a second class citizen for working with your hands, but if you have a good attitude you can enjoy knowing that no matter how much they don't like you or think you're just a dirty tradesman, they will always need you. And the customers who are engineers are the worst. Best lines from them "I am an electrical engineer, I could install this furnace and heat pump myself but I just don't have the time" all while trying to "help" us while we are working.

I’m a college student, never been a great student always very average. I’ve always preferred working with my hands. After 2 years at school I’ve lost all motivation to graduate, don’t wanna chase a meaningless liberal arts degree.

I'm 17 and going into my senior year and everyone in my family has always said college is a must my whole life and I'm just now realizing trade school might be for me. I just can't see myself not doing a more hands on job.

Dropped out of college at 25. I was half way though a Hydrology degree when I realized I wanted to be a Diesel mechanic. Make over 100k year. Been doing it for 20 years. Our field has a huge shortage of mechanics. Most mechanics are my age mid 40s. We have a bunch of early to mid 20s starting out at 23 HR. 10 years ago when the demand was low it would have been 15hr. Kids these days don’t want to do manual skilled labor. Their parents want them to go to college and not work a job in HS. You will always have a job as a mechanic. It’s recession proof. Sure it’s hard at first. But after 10 plus years you make top pay and have a lot of respect.

I knew that college was not an option fresh out of high school so i enlisted but the Marine corps did not take me because of health concerns. I eventually got a job driving taxi and one of my riders suggested i get my CDL. I looked into it and got my class c at 19 my b at 22 and my a at 30.. no matter where i go in the us i can work. I own a home i have good credit and small manageable debt. My friends that went off to college are still in school 22 years later and piling up debt

As a 2018 graduate this has really motivated me to get into a trade

Yo bro I graduated last week and this video has helped me decide. I will do HVAC Apprenticeship.

At 15:00 you described my exact schedule lol. Municipal laborer.

I graduated high school, went to college for 1 1/2 years, fucking hated college and now I go to trade school and I’m loving every day of it!!

i went through the IBEW apprenticeship and we all had a grant that paid for the first 2 years and gave us a voucher for all the tools we needed. name brand stuff too not the cheap stuff. so trade school for me was a very small fraction of the cost of a university. I can go anywhere in the country and get a job.

next year is my senior year and i dont know what to do. I can tell my parents want me to go to college but I dont know if I want too. I want to pick up a trade but I dont know yet.

Awesome video on a very important subject. You should start a separate channel on this "self-help from experience" kind of stuff.

Thanks for putting this video out.