Gaudeamus Janitor

[Locutus]

The Department of Labor tells us that only 20% or so of jobs require college degrees. We have 115,520 janitors in the United States with bachelor’s degrees or more. Why are we encouraging more kids to go to college?

Ach...turn on, tune in, drop out...man.

Gaudeamus Janitor | National Review Online

 

[EagleSmack]

Not sure.

At my sons HS graduation just about every kid was off to college as they announced their plans over the speakers when they got their diplomas. One kid was off to start his plumbing apprenticeship that summer. I thought to myself that he probably will do better than most off to college.

His friend chose a tech school over college. After one school year training he fixes vending machines for Coca-Cola for $56K a year.

Not bad at all.

 

[petros]

Skilled labour is the future of jobs.

 

[EagleSmack]

Skilled labour is the future of jobs.

Kids getting out of college with a liberal arts degree or communications degree (etc) and $100K debt with no job are wondering WTF happened.

They think any kind of labor is beneath them. Any kind.

Skilled labour is the future of jobs.

Fixing coke machines for $56K. He's 19. Brilliant!

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

Kids getting out of college with a liberal arts degree or communications degree (etc) and $100K debt with no job are wondering WTF happened.

They think any kind of labor is beneath them. Any kind.



Fixing coke machines for $56K. He's 19. Brilliant!

There are some degrees which aren't worth much.

 

[petros]

Kids getting out of college with a liberal arts degree or communications degree (etc) and $100K debt with no job are wondering WTF happened.

They think any kind of labor is beneath them. Any kind.



Fixing coke machines for $56K. He's 19. Brilliant!

And he's secure. In Canada there are waiting lists to get into trade school.

There are some degrees which aren't worth much.

I got mine at the perfect time when geosciences were transitioning from analog to digital. I rocketed up the ladder past the dinosaurs who were struggling to write an email.

 

[Zipperfish]

I would imagine a significant concentration of those janitors are new immigrants. Here in North Van, half the cab drivers are engineers or doctors from Iraq or Iran.

 

[EagleSmack]

And he's secure. In Canada there are waiting lists to get into trade school.

.

No kidding? Is there a lack of trade schools or so many young Canadians are seeing the light? Meaning they realize that degrees aren't always going to guarantee a job.

By trade schools do you mean simply construction/mechanical trades like plumbers, electricians, HVAC etc?

 

[#juan]

My grandson is just starting his third year at UBC. I'm worried that he will end up with a BA but no job. I've been trying to talk him into switching to education.....They always seem to need teachers.

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

My grandson is just starting his third year at UBC. I'm worried that he will end up with a BA but no job. I've been trying to talk him into switching to education.....They always seem to need teachers.

I remember when I was in university (back when dinasours roamed the earth) there were people who were about 10 years older than me working on their 3rd or 4th degree ... all BA type (French Studies and other ridiculous degrees). They fit in so nicely in the university culture that they never felt the need to leave (until mommy's & daddy's money runs out no doubt).

 

[EagleSmack]

I remember when I was in university (back when dinasours roamed the earth) there were people who were about 10 years older than me working on their 3rd or 4th degree ... all BA type (French Studies and other ridiculous degrees). They fit in so nicely in the university culture that they never felt the need to leave (until mommy's & daddy's money runs out no doubt).

And many MANY have never held a job... at all. Many are dumbfounded when they get out of college.

 

[Dixie Cup]

There are some degrees which aren't worth much.

Yet people still persist on accessing them and Universities still provide them i.e. Batchelor of Arts Degree - I have yet met a person working and who has this degree, have anything to do with Art!!!

Yet people still persist on accessing them and Universities still provide them i.e. Batchelor of Arts Degree - I have yet met a person working and who has this degree, have anything to do with Art!!!

LOL

 

[petros]

No kidding? Is there a lack of trade schools or so many young Canadians are seeing the light? Meaning they realize that degrees aren't always going to guarantee a job.

By trade schools do you mean simply construction/mechanical trades like plumbers, electricians, HVAC etc?

Technical too and there is no shortage of schools.

 

[#juan]

I've invoked the "grand dad rule". If grand dad pays, grand dad picks the courses. Grandson will now take courses that lead to a job at the end of four or five years. Grand dad's popularity has slipped a bit but it will come back eventually.

 

[petros]

Is that the "undecided" grandson with the lazy streak? I hope you picked something he'll enjoy.

 

[#juan]

Is that the "undecided" grandson with the lazy streak? I hope you picked something he'll enjoy.

My feeling is that the degree should be something that helps a career or helps find employment. He's not lazy. All he needed was some motivation. Philosophy is great but how many jobs are there in that field. He has professed an interest in teaching and that is likely where he will end up.

 

[petros]

Good on him. Education is a good career and if he wishes, he can specialize.