Is Attending University Still Relevant?

In the contemporary job market, the landscape of employment opportunities is undergoing significant transformations. Jobs are increasingly dividing into two categories: skilled jobs and unskilled/less-skilled jobs. To succeed in the modern workforce, an individual must possess a certain level of skills or expertise. While many skilled jobs can arise from attending university, the middle ground of jobs is eroding or becoming less lucrative.

The Evolving Job Market

Historically, highly skilled jobs such as those within the automotive industry provided substantial financial benefits, with union workers earning up to $30 per hour, adjusted for today's monetary standards, around $40-50. However, this era is now behind us. Long-haul truck drivers, who once enjoyed annual salaries of $75,000, are facing the specter of automation, with driving coast-to-coast tasks being automated within 15 years. This shift will reduce the role of drivers to transporting trucks to and from staging areas near interstates, leaving fewer drivers involved in local distribution.

The future workforce will likely consist primarily of low-paying service sector jobs, such as flipping burgers at McDonald's, cashiering at Kmart, and janitorial work. These positions pay modest salaries, often around the poverty line or just above it. However, there are still skilled jobs that do not require a four-year college degree. Examples include auto technicians, plumbers, and electricians, who can earn salaries ranging from $75,000 to $150,000.

Enhancing Skills Through University

While it is possible to live a functional life without a university degree, it becomes increasingly challenging to secure higher-paying positions. Many new fortunes are built by entrepreneurs who start their own businesses, requiring only drive and initiative rather than a degree. Well-known examples include Bill Gates, who famously dropped out of university to co-found Microsoft. However, entrepreneurship is not a universally accessible route to success.

Without a degree or a thriving business, securing access to higher-paying positions becomes significantly more challenging. Many better-paying jobs are off-limits, and the chances of achieving a stable middle-class income are significantly lower. On the other hand, pursuing a skilled trade, such as plumbing or electrical work, can still open doors to lucrative opportunities. These trades do not require a degree but often offer competitive salaries and job security.

The Importance of University for Creativity and Challenge

For those seeking positions that require creativity and a nuanced understanding of complex issues, an university degree can provide a significant advantage. College education not only equips individuals with professional skills but also fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Graduates often have a more refined ability to analyze and think through issues such as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, or the implications of global warming, compared to individuals whose jobs do not demand deep cognitive engagement.

Conclusion

Despite the changes in the job market, an university degree remains an important asset for those seeking positions that require creativity, challenge, and analytical thinking. While it is possible to succeed without a degree through entrepreneurship or skilled trades, the barriers to entry for many higher-paying and more secure jobs persist without additional education. In conclusion, while the landscape is evolving, the value of a college education in certain sectors remains undeniable.