Supply and demand may have an effect. In Connecticut, where I live, you need to have robust personal connections to get a painter, carpenter, electrician, plumber, landscaper (teenagers don't mow lawns here) to even answer your call. And we gladly pay rates that were unthinkable in my parents generation. My high school guidance counselor pushed college on every student in my graduating class, even those who struggled in high school and would eventually drop out of college (with debt). 2023: We are recognizing the value of the trades and paying accordingly. Reminds me of the old joke "What do you call a guy with a PhD in Chemistry?" "Waiter"
Supply and demand may have an effect. In Connecticut, where I live, you need to have robust personal connections to get a painter, carpenter, electrician, plumber, landscaper (teenagers don't mow lawns here) to even answer your call. And we gladly pay rates that were unthinkable in my parents generation. My high school guidance counselor pushed college on every student in my graduating class, even those who struggled in high school and would eventually drop out of college (with debt). 2023: We are recognizing the value of the trades and paying accordingly. Reminds me of the old joke "What do you call a guy with a PhD in Chemistry?" "Waiter"
“Educated,” by Tara Westover is a gut-wrenching case study in some of the excellent points you raise. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻