The decision to go college must be a business decision
By scheng1
@scheng1 (24650)
Singapore
June 5, 2016 6:05am CST
Many parents and students are just too naive.
They think that as long as they follow their passions to study what they want, they can get a secure and happy future with money rolling in.
Actually, the decision to go college and to decide what to study must be a business decision.
That means they have to take into consideration the cost of the college education, and the potential return of the qualification.
If they can study in a subject with low fees, and yet earn high salary, that is the best choice.
If not, they might as well learn a skill, and not go to college.
10 people like this
13 responses
@youless (112175)
• Guangzhou, China
5 Jun 16
In fact the education fee can be a big budget for a family. It really costs so much. I even doubt how long the child can earn this money back after they graduate from school. Even though, most parents are still willing to pay as more as they can for their children. This is the love from the parents to their children. They don't mind even if this business can not make a profit. At least they try their best for their children.
2 people like this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
6 Jun 16
@youless Yes, all these are good as hobby, and unless the children are extremely talented, they are better of learning business or engineering or medical science.
I think if the children are really talented, they do not need to major in writing or music in the university.
They would be talent-hunted long ago.
I doubt the top earning fiction writers graduated from a writing major in the university.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
6 Jun 16
If their children decided to major in history or languages, their parents will be very disappointed.
The job opportunities are limited, and the degree has not much practical value in the real world.
In this economy, it is still best to stick to business, banking and finance, medical and science.
At least the job prospect is certain.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
6 Jun 16
At least those who are engineering students, banking and finance students and medical students can find jobs easily.
Those who major in history or language or translation will have a tougher time.
I think it is a waste of time and money to get a degree, and then you cannot find a job.
They might as well learn cooking or dressmaking or take up a professional course that leads to certain license, such as tour guide license.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
7 Jun 16
@LadyDuck If they want to remain as cook or mechanic, then there is no need to get a degree.
If the mechanic wants to become an engineer, he can go back to school to get a degree in mechanical engineering.
It will be easier for him since he works with the machines all the time.
If the cook wants to open a cafe or restaurant, he has to get a business degree.
He has to know about managing people, sourcing for suppliers, and do the accounting.
All these things will be taught in the business course.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58444)
• Philippines
5 Jun 16
Agree with you here. A college degree isn't a guarantee to a better life. Picking out a college degree is tricky. You have to balance passion and business perspective.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
5 Jun 16
Many people study whatever it takes to make money, and when they have enough money earned, they will go back to study for their passions.
I have seen many people who do that.
They left high paying jobs because they do not need the money already.
Some of them take up teaching job that is about 30% of their last pay.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58444)
• Philippines
5 Jun 16
@scheng1 I wish I was already in their position. So far, I'm still grinding. I have made my current work my passion so I guess it is still a win-win situation for me.
1 person likes this
@cherriefic (10400)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
Education is important for some people. It's not always to earn more money. It's to gain more knowledge.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
7 Jun 16
There is no need to go for an expensive degree course just for the sake of gaining more knowledge.
Learning is an ongoing process, and a library is a good place to start.
Unless the family is rich, and can afford to let the children study whatever they want.
Most families do not have this luxury.
@ilocosboy (45157)
• Philippines
5 Jun 16
well it depends if the kids are really interested into that course because if it's not it won't work it's just a waste of money
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
5 Jun 16
If the kids are interested in the course, and they cannot make a good living by studying, that is a waste of money.
Many kids are like that, they want to take up something that is not in the mainstream but then they cannot get a job despite having a degree.
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45157)
• Philippines
5 Jun 16
@scheng1 yes it's true many kids make their course but they did not succeed in living but many dont take their course but they succeed in life.but still you have to take your diploma
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (48542)
• Mojave, California
5 Jun 16
You are right. I really do not agree with the system, but I guess that is how we have to do it since they made everything about money. Either be poor and a prisoner by not having money to do anything or be a slave by doing something you do not want for a while so you can have the money to do what you want.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
5 Jun 16
Some people make a career switch when they are in their 40s,
By then, they have paid for their houses, and they can do whatever they want for the rest of their lives.
It is still better than studying for something that you like, and getting into debt for it, and later on, not getting the job to pay the loan.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
6 Jun 16
if she studies for a practical degree, that is good.
I do not think studying for a degree in language or translation or history is going to help with job prospect.
If she likes to study medical science, she will have a good future ahead.
There is always a demand for the specialists in medical science, even if they are not doctors.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
5 Jun 16
You have to think about the cost, unless you have rich parents who pay for everything, or you have a scholarship.
Most students do not find a job that they study for.
Many law students end up taking up air steward or stewardess job or they sell insurance.
@ourlot (982)
•
6 Jun 16
Trying to force yourself through a degree that you hate won't work. We are better at things that we like. And in any field, really any field, you can make money. Add to this that if you enjoy your work, you are not working, but having fun.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
6 Jun 16
The problem is that many students study for a degree that meets their passion, but they cannot find jobs after that.
Those who study history, literature, languages and others will have problem getting a good job.
They might as well just read books on it, and then use their time to learn a useful skill.
Most people have many interests in life, so it is not hard to find something to learn that is both interesting, and useful for a career.
