Here it is in black and white: I don’t care ONE bit about my kids going to college after high school.
I’ve been on this earth a few years now, and, quite frankly, I believe college is a racket. I mean, obviously, if my kids want to be a doctor or an engineer or anything, I am 100% on board with them going to college one day. But here’s the deal: if they don’t NEED a college degree for their chosen career, I’d actually tell them NOT to go.
WHY???
1. Careers change.
Brandon went to college and got his degree in teaching. At the time, a teaching degree in Michigan took 5.5 years (including one semester of student teaching). I went to college and got my degree in psychology. He’s not a teacher, and I don’t have one ounce of interest in the psych field. So many people go to school for one thing, spend 14.2 minutes doing their chosen career, and decide on something totally different. We’re not the anomaly–we hear and see this all the time. So why waste 4 or 5 years?
2. It’s expensive.
College tuition is only rising at this point. Our student loans make up a significant portion of our monthly budget, and I don’t wish this on anyone.
3. Employers don’t see things the same anymore.
It used to be that a 4 year degree, in any field, was basically a MUST for a good job. The thought seemed to be that a degree proved your worth in the workplace. But that’s not the case as much anymore. Experience, work ethic, and attitude are arguably more important than the fact that you successfully sat through 4 years of classes. And obviously, I say this with the understanding that certain professions DO require the bachelor’s degree or beyond.
4. That entrepreneurial spirit, though.
The problem with college is that it doesn’t do a THING for those who think outside of the box. College teaches conformity. It teaches doing what is safe. It teaches to the test. Even getting your degree in business doesn’t actually help prepare you for owning or operating a business. I’m not saying my kids need to be entrepreneurs. What I am saying is that if they happen to be, college won’t really help them much.
7. Not going to college does not make you an idiot.
When I was in high school, it was almost this unspoken thing that only the dumb kids didn’t go to college. Fast forward to 2019, and I’m thinking that “they” had it right and “we” had it wrong. If I redid my life, I’d skip college and just get a head start on my career. I’d have more experience and less debt, and I’d be doing THE EXACT SAME THING I AM DOING TODAY ANYWAY.
What are your thoughts? Have I lost my dang mind, or do I have some valid points here?!?!
