The “NOT” College Problem

By General Education Advice

“College” as the predominant means for upward mobility and good life is having a bad moment.  Some part is fully deserved: the cost is out of control.  Other parts related to politics are really just same-same historically (take a look at the 60s -70s, related to Viet Nam and Civil Rights, the 80s related to divestment from South Africa etc.)  We just “see it more” due to media.  And other parts are somehow not really what we are paying for but weirdly what we also want for our children: wild parties and other fun.

Some parts of college should be properly lauded: is there any other transition to adulthood in the history of humanity that is anywhere nearly as good?  Becoming soldiers/beginning to work full time on the family farm/being married off to some older guy from a different village or just starting work at the factory/mine can not compared to being placed with other vibrant young adults in a place of learning, enrichment, and fun.

But this post is not on the greatness of college but on the deep challenges of not going to college.

I work with many 18-25 year olds who mostly had interrupted college.  Most were not particularly good high school students so most had limited college choices. For that reason, they just went to a college that accepted them and half-heartedly tried to make the most of it.  The challenge of “not-college” is that the world is not kind to most 18-25 year olds without college degrees.

Restaurant, retail and other low level task jobs with little future, less security, and low wages provide the vast majority of available work.

The most practical options – the military and the trades – are typically not embraced by suburban Connecticut young adults.

This leaves NOT college being a regrouping period for most.  But without structure, this creates an enormous challenge.

My work with young adults – mostly young men – in this situation has been life changing for some as they got their act together and moved forward in life.

I’d rather meet your children when they in high school so that they can either fully embrace college or have a distinct and sensible plan if “not-college” is their option.