Is America brain washed into going to college?

I make 35k a year. This is starting salary. I do pest control. I work like 5-6 hours a day and I get 3 months vacation in winter by default. However people making less than me with college degrees are telling me to go to college. I don't get. I will make 40-45k next year.


I read these "average salary" surveys. They say average salary of some one with a 2 year degree is around 32k 5 year 40k and masters is like 50-55k.


I mean if I went to college for 6 years. Probably cost 100k to do that+ the loss of 6 years pay of not working. So the total loss, assuming in 6 years my 6 year average salary is 45k a year, would be 370k not including interest. I am getting the impression that people with college degrees, hate people who are successful without a degree. I don't even think people care how much I make. Will I ever get respect without a degree and a G.E.D?


What if every American went to college?


40 million poor people in USA 40 million crappy Jobs. Would they dissapear? NO

Is America brain washed into going to college?
Here's the real question you have to be asking.In five years after your friends graduate who will be making more money.Now I will not state that they will,but chances are they in fact will be.That being said,some jobs with 4 years exp.(while they were in college) you will come out way ahead.Then in some jobs degrees are required (doctors,engineers,et,all)Remember Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard and he seems to have done well.Most service jobs and sells jobs dont require college.But most technical jobs do.So depends on what you want to do.By the way I have a degree and no one gives me respect because of it, mainly because who cares if I went to college.It doesnt usaully come up.
Reply:Yes.





Americans are unhappy because we believe the grass is always greener on the other side.





We believe if we go to college, we'll land a job we love, and while that sometimes is true, most Americans hate their jobs. The businessman with a Bachelors degree who makes $40,000 a year is just as miserable as the construction worker who makes $38,000 a year. The standard of living is too high for most Americans regardless of education and job title.





Any moron can get into college in 2007, so looking down at someone without a college degree doesn't happen often anymore.
Reply:I don't think you are getting as much disrespect as you think you are. You make a salary that are a pleased with, and you don't mind the job that you have, that is what matters. You can afford the lifestyle you want to lead. You don't want to go to college, don't. I also do not agree with the fact that you say people who spend time in college must be jealous of the people that make just as much without college. Some jobs can only be reached by going to college, and some people go simply for the experience and to meet new people with similar interests. Throughout your rant you state how people are "predjudice" against you because of your lack of G.E.D. and college background, yet it sounds to me more like you are the one "predjudice" against people that do go to college. While college is not for every person, it is hardly a waste. You can improve a skill, and put it on the back-burner if that is not what you want at the time. Some people don't want to work in pest control ... if every person thought the same we would have no variety in the world. So stop worrying about what people think of you, stop complaining, if you are content with your like that is all that matters.
Reply:Looks like that bug spray is affecting your brain!





It's not all about the salary. What are you doing to change or impact the world? Will people remember you after you are gone because of the wonderful contributions you have made?





That's the way you get respect. Look at Mother Teresa. Very little income, but very big in respect. Nobody even cares if she had a college degree.





Think about it.