As a 44-year-old still grappling with student loan debt, I often reflect on my own college experience. Despite receiving a scholarship and my mother’s support, I graduated with a hefty amount of debt—a reality that many of us faced. The truth is, college tuition has skyrocketed since the early ’90s, and I don’t want my kids to be burdened by the same financial strain. I envision a future for them free from the stress of monthly loan payments, where they aren’t forced to make tough choices between basic necessities like food and household supplies due to educational debt.
Take my lawyer friend, for instance. She’s constantly anxious about her substantial student loans, believing that becoming a lawyer would make repayment manageable. Now, with teenagers eyeing college, she’s uncertain about how to support their aspirations. In contrast, I know a carpenter who never went to college and boasts zero debt. He built his own house, pays for it as he goes, and enjoys a life free of financial worries. He has the flexibility to share his earnings with friends without the weight of loans hanging over him.
I feel fortunate that my ex-husband is skilled in plumbing and can teach our kids those valuable trades. Although our marriage didn’t last, he opened my eyes to the idea that a college degree isn’t the only route to a successful life—a belief I held for far too long. Of course, if my children choose college, I will support them wholeheartedly. However, I want them to understand that happiness and success can be achieved through alternative paths, like the trades, which have been overlooked for far too long.
In the ’90s, pursuing a trade was often stigmatized, but the reality now is that we desperately need skilled tradespeople. According to NPR, many trade positions remain unfilled because kids are being nudged toward traditional college paths instead. The skills my kids are learning from their father highlight that there are multiple avenues to a rewarding career.
The average student loan debt for a four-year college graduate reached $28,650 in 2017, and it keeps climbing—outpacing wage growth at an alarming rate, as reported by Forbes. With three teenagers who aren’t particularly fond of school, I find it hard to believe they’ll want to pursue an additional 2-4 years of traditional college. To be honest, I hope they embrace careers in the trades.
Last summer, my oldest son dabbled in the trades while working with his dad. He earned enough to buy the car he dreamed of since he was ten, plus some extra cash. He enjoyed the work, felt fulfilled by helping others, and was never bored. At just 16, he’s already accumulating hours toward his plumbing license so he can eventually start his own business. If that doesn’t sound like a dream gig, I’m not sure what does! He loves staying active and working with his hands. He’s even calculated that if he works 40 hours a week, he could afford his own condo while still having money left for food and fun.
Trade schools offer a more affordable alternative to traditional college, especially with the growing demand for skilled laborers. I want my kids to find joy in their careers and not feel pressured to follow the crowd into a costly educational commitment simply because it’s viewed as the norm.
I genuinely believe that a career in the trades would suit my kids best. Plus, I can’t wait for my son to fix my broken kitchen faucet this weekend—talk about a win-win situation!
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In summary, I hope my children find fulfillment in the trades rather than following the traditional college route. With the rising costs of education and the stress of student loans, I believe pursuing a trade could lead to a happier, more financially stable life.
Keyphrase: Kids in trades instead of college
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