There are very few options for a high school graduate in today's America.
I just don't believe that. Just factually not true.
Now it is true that people with only a high school degree do in fact tend to struggle, but that is more a function of them not wanting to do what is required to succeed, more than a lack of 'options'. There are millions of options in this country.
You can start driving a tractor trailer, in 4 weeks, and start off making $30,000 a year, and be making $50,000 a year by the end of the year.
There are millions of jobs that you can make a middle class income. But it takes effort and hard work.
1-800-GOT-JUNK, was started by a high school kid and $900 pickup truck.
But picking up junk is hard work, and thus most people don't want to do it. But that's how you end up with a multi-million dollar company.
A dozen of my relatives all don't have degrees, and they all make really good cash. One works on electrical systems under the city. Of course it's hard work, and climbing down into the disgusting tunnels and holes under the city is not fun, so most don't want to do it. But he's making almost 6-figures.
We had a guy come and do brick work on my parents house. He never went to college, he just learned how to lay bricks. He's making $22/hr roughly based on the job. (self-employed) But you are outside under the sun, and you are working.
The problem isn't that people don't have options. The problem is people don't want to work.
I myself have no degree whatsoever, and I'm not struggling. But the difference is obvious. When I'm at work, I'm working, and working hard. I get my stuff done. I come in, work from that time I start, until the time I leave. When needed I skip lunch. When required I don't go to break.
I watch people come in all the time, and they sit around from 7:30 AM, until 8 AM doing nothing, but talking. And they never miss a break. Never miss a lunch. And they leave right at 4 PM, like the place was burning down.
Who is going to promote someone that lazy? Who is going to give that person an opportunity? Doesn't matter if they have degree or not, they are not going anywhere. They'll be struggling with their low wages until they die.
That's the problem. The problem is work ethic. You get these people to work, and they'll stop struggling so much.
Heck, you can buy a $50 lawn mower, and double your income. But you have to get your butt mowing. You have to be out in the heat, and getting the job done. It really is that simple.
