As a 44-year-old who’s still juggling student loans, I can’t help but wish my kids consider the trades instead of following the conventional college route. Despite receiving a scholarship and support from my mom, I graduated with a considerable amount of debt, which many of us can relate to. The cost of college has skyrocketed since the early ’90s, and I don’t want my children to face the burden of endless loan repayments when they reach adulthood.
The thought of them struggling to manage student loans while trying to afford basic necessities or even choosing between groceries and toilet paper due to debt keeps me up at night. A close friend of mine, Sarah, who is a lawyer, often finds herself anxious about her financial situation stemming from her educational expenses. She believed that once she became a lawyer, paying back her student loans would be manageable, but reality has proven otherwise. Now, her teens are considering college, and she’s unsure of how to support them.
In contrast, I know a skilled tradesman named Mike who didn’t attend college and has no debt. He built his own home and paid for it as he went along, living a stress-free life without the weight of student loans. He’s able to share his success with friends and enjoy life without financial worries.
I’m grateful that my ex-husband, who is knowledgeable in plumbing, can teach our children valuable skills. Although our marriage didn’t last, he helped me realize that a college degree isn’t the only path to a successful, fulfilling life—a notion I held onto for far too long. I grew up believing college was the only option, and anyone who chose differently faced stigma. Back in the ’90s, the discussion about pursuing trades was almost nonexistent, yet today, the demand for skilled tradespeople has never been higher.
Moreover, the opportunity for my kids to learn a profession like plumbing from their father has been invaluable. It illustrates to them that there are multiple avenues to achieve happiness and productivity in life. According to a report from 2017, the average debt for a four-year college graduate was approximately $28,650, a figure that continues to rise, outpacing wage growth at an alarming rate.
I have three teens, none of whom have a particular affinity for academics, and I doubt they’ll want to commit to another 2-4 years of traditional college. Surprisingly, I find myself hoping they pursue careers in the trades. I want them to acquire skills that will serve them well throughout their lives, regardless of whether they later opt for further education.
Last summer, my eldest son, Jake, got a taste of the trades working alongside his dad. He earned enough to buy the car he’d long desired, with some cash to spare. He felt fulfilled, enjoyed helping others, and appreciated the financial reward. Now, at just 16, he’s already logging hours toward his plumbing license, with aspirations of running his own business. This sounds like a dream job to me!
Jake thrives on physical activity and enjoys building things. He envisions working 40 hours a week and being able to afford his own place while still having money for food and leisure activities. Trade schools present a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional college, and with high demand in the trades, there’s potential for significant earnings. But above all, I want my kids to find happiness and not feel pressured to follow a conventional path that may lead to financial strain.
I have confidence that my kids would thrive in the trades, and personally, I’m excited that Jake is set to fix my leaky kitchen faucet this weekend—there’s definitely a benefit for me too!
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In summary, I genuinely hope my children choose to pursue trades instead of feeling obligated to attend traditional college. With the ever-increasing student debt, a skilled trade could provide them with a fulfilling and financially stable future.