College Is Worth It: The Tortoise and the Hare

Daniel, a 17 year old from Valley Regional High School in Connecticut, had been immersed in Tik-Tok videos regarding college. He was resistant to going to college.  His parents are from the new-but-flawed-good-parent-playbook of parent as a friend were deeply concerned but did not want to confront him.

So it was my job as part of a post-high school career counseling meeting.  This has become more common, given my career counseling books and work developing Career Counseling Connecticut

To be clear, I do not think college is for everyone.  I also believe there are many good alternatives to college generically.   But… here’s the catch: most 17-year-olds- at least from suburban Connecticut- do not want to do these alternatives.

Adults who think otherwise have simply never worked directly with young people.

“Why doesn’t Daniel consider the trades?” said a friendly Uncle.

Well… because Daniel is not interested in the trades.

As always, I led with the trades as a viable alternative.  Plumbing? HVAC? Electrician? Auto mechanic?

Zero interest. Daniel is not handy and has no interest in doing anything mechanical.

“I hear welding is a high-paying trade.” Said a friend of the family.

Surprise – Daniel – like most normal people – is not eager to spend his day with a metallic covering over his head, wielding a loud machine with almost zero social interaction while doing the job.

I often ask adults who make these suggestions if they have ever looked up the actual work:

“Welders and cutters work in varied environments, including outdoor areas, tight spaces, underwater, specialized facilities, and other locations.

Welders may work for extended periods or overnight shifts in certain situations, such as when working on an oil rig or during intensive production periods.”

Do you want this work?  If you do, fantastic and if your child does, great.  Most don’t.

How about the military?

Very viable option.

No interest.

What else?

Oh… you want to be a Tik-Tok influencer, like the guys who dropped out of college and now claim that college is a scam while making a few hundred dollars a week (if lucky) living in their parents’ basement making videos.

Spend a moment: look at the research.  College pays off in the long run.

There is some truth that those who specialize make more in the short run.  So, sure, work construction, landscaping, etc.

But after a few a years, college grads catch up and easily surpass most that did not go to college.

Tortoise and Hare.