Mayan Apocalypse Six Months Late?

I agree with Michael Bloomberg.

Speaking on his weekly radio show on Friday,  Bloomberg suggested that ‘so-so’ students might want to consider going to trade  school and becoming a plumber as a better economic bet than obtaining an  expensive undergraduate degree.

Hang on, I have to find something to disagree about…

‘Compare a plumber to going to Harvard  College – being a plumber, actually for the average person, probably would be a  better deal.’

Bloomberg’s reasoning is that plumbers make a  good living without having to pay off college loans.

‘You don’t spend… four years spending  $40,000, $50,000 in tuition without earning income,’ he explained.

The fees quoted by the mayor are typically  those for elite schools, many students could get a good education at a much  cheaper university, but the mayor said being a plumber had other advantages  too.

They don’t have to worry about their jobs  being outsourced or being replaced by computers.

‘It’s hard to farm that out… and it’s hard  to automate that,’ he said.

Nope, I still agree…

There are plenty of kids who aren’t really ready to go to college right after high-school.  There are plenty of jobs that don’t require a college education to do effectively.  I’d agree that some jobs are easier to get with a college degree.  Heck, there are many places where even my four-year degree isn’t enough, and I can’t get considered for a job without an MBA.  20+ years in business still says I don’t matter.  So sure, it’s unlikely that you’ll get a research scientist job, but does everyone want that?  There are great jobs that give a person time to make money and start a family if they want, and college can come later if that’s in the plan.

It bothers me when I hear a certain class of people say that you’re not a contributing member of society unless you have a BA in Art History as opposed to a job doing electrician or plumbing work.  For once, I hope someone listens to Bloomberg.  I just hope they don’t legislate on whatever he says.