Labor Day - Believer

I have seen Mike Rowe at work and heard his testimony that the people with some of the "Dirtiest Jobs" are also some of the happiest people he has ever met. He recognizes the fact that plenty of people are not suited to the college environment and would instead prefer to spend their time outside doing extremely hands-on activities. This is not to say that education itself is not vital to success and happiness in the financial world. The article states that those who obtain financial success without a college education spend many years perfecting their craft and moving up in the industry that they have chosen. In the years before a college education was readily available, this strategy was the norm for people who wished to prosper economically but who could not afford to attend a university. In this economy, it may still be the best way for people who do not wish to spend a lot of money to pursue an education that would be optimal for their career path. In fact, it may be the only way to avoid spending thousands of dollars setting yourself up for failure. For example, my uncle is an electrician with a high school education who, though he wishes to advance career-wise and financially would not thrive in a four-year university environment. However, he does happily attend certain classes and obtain certifications that allow him to achieve his goals of advancement. Though a college education is the quickest, most efficient, and most socially acceptable path to financial prosperity, it's not the only way!