[zx10guy]

Just saying some general things. Seeing some of the replies here shows how misguided society's emphasis on higher education is. Many think that just because you have a piece of paper showing you went through 4 years of college entitles you to something, is part of the reason why we're in the mess we're in. No one looks at a getting a college degree is part of a plan to get somewhere. Not the main solution at that goal. When it comes down to it, it's YOU that dictates how successful you are.

I say this with having gone through the expectation as an Asian kid to get that degree and be "successful". The degree I got isn't just some "useless" degree. It's a BS in Materials Science Engineering. Also from a very well respected engineering college. But I don't covet that because I have this piece of paper makes me superior to someone else that doesn't. Many that have a degree don't have the ability to think outside of the box or to apply all that book learning they did. I know so many people that don't have degrees in very technical fields that can run circles around college graduates. To me telling someone that is having problems finding a career or a job they wake up in the morning eager to tackle the word is to blindly get more education is a total disservice.

I graduated during the 92 recession. Couldn't find a job in my field of study and was stuck geographically because of my family obligations. I wasn't so proud that I took very basic jobs to get some income in. I signed up at a temp agency and did assignments through them. I even had a client of the temp agency extend a permanent job offer. I declined it because I knew it would be a dead end for me as I didn't want to go down that path. So I took a gamble and found a summer intern position at an environmental sciences company. The staff I interviewed with told me I was way over qualified and that the job was only for the summer paying peanuts. I didn't care. Told them I wanted to do something intellectually challenging so I wouldn't just waste away. I got the job and then later those two petitioned management to make a full time perm position for me which they did. All totally unexpected on my part. I had another career milestone where I made the decision to go to night school to get training for this thing called Microsoft NT 4.0. It was the MCSE track. My current employer at the time wouldn't pay for it. So I made the conscious decision to float the expense on my credit card. Doing that alone didn't set me up for success. I chatted/networked with someone in the class that happened to be there because his employer sent him there....Lockheed Martin. Others were handing their resumes to him so I also did. Don't know if the others got the call but I got the call for an interview which resulted in a job offer. This set me up for the career path I'm still in now which is IT. I made these conscious moves because I knew I loved IT and it would be easy for me to put the work into making something of it.

I know this reply is long winded. But hopefully makes sense and provides another perspective. Higher education can be valuable if it makes sense in your career goals. I don't put a whole lot of weight on college degrees (even while having one). With my daughter I will not ram down her throat that a college degree is some magical thing she has to get to have any success or worth in society. The only thing I'll push on her is to find something she can be passionate about and that will provide a means to support herself. But with that said, I have been saving into a 529 for her so she has options.

[soldes]

Trying to stay away from politics, but a few of the rationals were as follow:

- Higher tariffs will prompt businesses abroad, to establish a presence in the US ==> no tariff, reduces the prices of those goods, more jobs for American workers

- Higher tariffs may prompt the reconsideration of those countries, to buy more American products and good ==> more production, lower prices for Americans as well as more jobs.

- The stock market, which doesn't give 2 hoots about politics, have reacted to his policies by climbing up, instead of the pessimistic approach, that these measures will hurt our economy.

You saw his announcement yesterday of the new AI businesses that are going to be established here in the US.

Just a few observations, from a non business savvy citizen, but time will tell...

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by Watching The World Burn

From everything I read, his main plan seems to be tariffs which will actually increase the cost of household goods? Is there something I missed which will actually lower the cost?

You missed how everything is so energy and fuel cost dependent.

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by soldes

Trying to stay away from politics, but a few of the rationals were as follow:

- Higher tariffs will prompt businesses abroad, to establish a presence in the US ==> no tariff, reduces the prices of those goods, more jobs for American workers

- Higher tariffs may prompt the reconsideration of those countries, to buy more American products and good ==> more production, lower prices for Americans as well as more jobs.

- The stock market, which doesn't give 2 hoots about politics, have reacted to his policies by climbing up, instead of the pessimistic approach, that these measures will hurt our economy.

You saw his announcement yesterday of the new AI businesses that are going to be established here in the US.

Just a few observations, from a non business savvy citizen, but time will tell...

Excellent post

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Just saying some general things. Seeing some of the replies here shows how misguided society's emphasis on higher education is. Many think that just because you have a piece of paper showing you went through 4 years of college entitles you to something, is part of the reason why we're in the mess we're in. No one looks at a getting a college degree is part of a plan to get somewhere. Not the main solution at that goal. When it comes down to it, it's YOU that dictates how successful you are.

I say this with having gone through the expectation as an Asian kid to get that degree and be "successful". The degree I got isn't just some "useless" degree. It's a BS in Materials Science Engineering. Also from a very well respected engineering college. But I don't covet that because I have this piece of paper makes me superior to someone else that doesn't. Many that have a degree don't have the ability to think outside of the box or to apply all that book learning they did. I know so many people that don't have degrees in very technical fields that can run circles around college graduates. To me telling someone that is having problems finding a career or a job they wake up in the morning eager to tackle the word is to blindly get more education is a total disservice.

I graduated during the 92 recession. Couldn't find a job in my field of study and was stuck geographically because of my family obligations. I wasn't so proud that I took very basic jobs to get some income in. I signed up at a temp agency and did assignments through them. I even had a client of the temp agency extend a permanent job offer. I declined it because I knew it would be a dead end for me as I didn't want to go down that path. So I took a gamble and found a summer intern position at an environmental sciences company. The staff I interviewed with told me I was way over qualified and that the job was only for the summer paying peanuts. I didn't care. Told them I wanted to do something intellectually challenging so I wouldn't just waste away. I got the job and then later those two petitioned management to make a full time perm position for me which they did. All totally unexpected on my part. I had another career milestone where I made the decision to go to night school to get training for this thing called Microsoft NT 4.0. It was the MCSE track. My current employer at the time wouldn't pay for it. So I made the conscious decision to float the expense on my credit card. Doing that alone didn't set me up for success. I chatted/networked with someone in the class that happened to be there because his employer sent him there....Lockheed Martin. Others were handing giving their resumes to him so I also did. Don't know if the others got the call but I got the call for an interview which resulted in a job offer. This set me up for the career path I'm still in now which is IT. I made these conscious moves because I knew I loved IT and it would be easy for me to put the work into making something of it.

I know this reply is long winded. But hopefully makes sense and provides another perspective. Higher education can be valuable if it makes sense in your career goals. I don't put a whole lot of weight on college degrees (even while having one). With my daughter I will not ram down her throat that a college degree is some magical thing she has to get to have any success or worth in society. The only thing I'll push on her is to find something she can be passionate about and that will provide a means to support herself. But with that said, I have been saving into a 529 for her so she has options.

I'm not really saying that just because I have a 4-year degree I'm superior to others. In the end, it's somewhat of a useless piece of paper that won't matter once I get my foot in the door. Honestly, I wasn't very good at school to begin with. I missed a whole year of high school due to health conditions. Graduated high school with a decent GPA. But, I didn't know what I wanted to do after I graduated.

I went to my local community college in hopes of pursuing a business degree. Then my dad's friend said I should get into computer science. Tired a couple of computer science-related classes that just didn't spark my interest. I ended up skipping class and going to work. I was working at a dealership as internet sales at the time. I had a long conversation with my folks at the time about my future and what I'd do without a degree etc. Even got threatened to be booted out of the house if I didn't get a higher education. Which was wild.

So, I gave community college another try. This time I decided since I am into cars, why don't I give mechanical engineering a try? I took some prerequisite classes. Couldn't get passed the math classes. Long story short, the old sales manager from my previous job became the GM at my local Ford store. He called me up and asked me to work for him. I was a salesman for a couple of months and then became a used car manager. Was making close to 6 figures so I said, "Forget school I'll be fine doing this".

A couple of months after, the store closed and I found myself at the bottom as a salesman someplace else. I ended up attending an online school and getting a B.S. in Technical Management in 2023. I just want out of sales. I've had some good opportunities. Just no luck. Maybe I'm being too harsh on myself? I think for a 26-year-old, I'm way ahead. No loans. Paid for school out of pocket, car is paid off. I just want to make my parents proud. I don't think they are proud of me. As an Asian, if you're not a Doctor, Engineer, IT guy, or lawyer, you're a failure... sad truth

Sometimes I think, "Maybe I should give Mechanical Engineering another try". But, it would have to be all online. I don't know if there is an online school that has a mechanical engineering course online.

[floridaorange]

Part of growing up is learning that your parents will be proud of you if you get a job that you are proud of and continues to provide you with independence from them and gives you a rewarding challenge worth getting out of bed for each day. The sooner you get over meeting the perceived expectations of your parents regardless of ethnicity the better. And stay off Reddit

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Part of growing up is learning that your parents will be proud of you if you get a job that you are proud of and continues to provide you with independence from them and gives you a rewarding challenge worth getting out of bed for each day. The sooner you get over meeting the perceived expectations of your parents regardless of ethnicity the better. And stay off Reddit

Reddit? Man, I've never visited that site. A bunch of NPC kids on there

[Tommy-G]

Mosaud, we have spoken over the years about the auto world and this is what I am seeing.
With the push from manufacturers to go more to a Tesla like business model (limited inventory, less options etc) the need for salesman has diminished.
I also am seeing a HUGE move out of Illinois and Chicago from all auto positions due to the high taxes and crime. It's a tough gig but you have to keep trying. Maybe make some cold calls at dealerships and not just what you see advertised for open positions online.
I love the life my Auto career has given me over my 20+ years but no doubt you have to put your time in and make a name for yourself. I can go to any state in the country and likely get a job based on the past experience on my resume.

You're young, if you can hang in there then do it but if you need a change, now is the time to do it when you don't have a mortgage, a wife, a girlfriend and kids with both.

Life is tough man.....give it hell

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Tommy-G

Mosaud, we have spoken over the years about the auto world and this is what I am seeing.
With the push from manufacturers to go more to a Tesla like business model (limited inventory, less options etc) the need for salesman has diminished.
I also am seeing a HUGE move out of Illinois and Chicago from all auto positions due to the high taxes and crime. It's a tough gig but you have to keep trying. Maybe make some cold calls at dealerships and not just what you see advertised for open positions online.
I love the life my Auto career has given me over my 20+ years but no doubt you have to put your time in and make a name for yourself. I can go to any state in the country and likely get a job based on the past experience on my resume.

You're young, if you can hang in there then do it but if you need a change, now is the time to do it when you don't have a mortgage, a wife, a girlfriend and kids with both.

Life is tough man.....give it hell

Oh, trust me, the car business was fun, etc during Covid. Now, it's a crap show. Selling cars under invoice or for triple net. I want out of car sales. It's been so slow, you either work 9-7 hoping for a soul to walk in the doors. If someone walks in the door, you hope they are buyers and if they are buyers, you hope you make more than $200 (Mini). I'm not even applying at dealerships. Maybe I should look into engineering school again?

My thing is, I can't sit around and just do nothing. I have to move around. Sometimes I go and help the detailers detail cars if there is nothing to do.

[B58-M340iX]

I started my career working at an ISP, laid off, another ISP, laid off, and now have a stable IT engineering career. It can take time to stick the landing. Keep at it and keep savings up for those "valley" times.

Originally Posted by floridaorange

And stay off Reddit

What do you mean? I'm 9 years old and just bought my first mansion, have 1.5M in my 401k, and $375,000 in savings.

[wizardofOz]

In this current climate, I'd say have no expectations, I'm not young by any means and have had some high moments during my younger years..Currently in a low moment and starting from scratch all over again...probably on a lower wage than you..

Apply to whatever interests you and if you get your foot in the door...Great! Use it as experience..If not..Try some free online courses to see how it may help you get into another industry..Figure out a way that you feel comfortable with to deal with all your negative thoughts that your brain will 100% (guaranteed) feed you..You need to manage your mental health to keep yourself sane during this difficult period..

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by soldes

Trying to stay away from politics, but a few of the rationals were as follow:

- Higher tariffs will prompt businesses abroad, to establish a presence in the US ==> no tariff, reduces the prices of those goods, more jobs for American workers

- Higher tariffs may prompt the reconsideration of those countries, to buy more American products and good ==> more production, lower prices for Americans as well as more jobs.

- The stock market, which doesn't give 2 hoots about politics, have reacted to his policies by climbing up, instead of the pessimistic approach, that these measures will hurt our economy.

You saw his announcement yesterday of the new AI businesses that are going to be established here in the US.

Just a few observations, from a non business savvy citizen, but time will tell...

it's important to point out... that like you said politics irrelevant... this entire country no matter who is in charge always gives priority to the Oligarchy, Asset owners, the wealthy and Corporations... in other words, everyone that drives the market... the normies always get screwed and no ONE really fights for them... that being said, no matter who is in charge, i don't see that changing unless there is a huge labor revolution where everyone unionizes, there are walkouts etc and more employee protections are passed...

as of right now we see the reverse... and w AI and tech booming, it should be the first thing regulated but during all administrations, it never was... not for the last 20 years or so

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by ASAP

it's important to point out... that like you said politics irrelevant... this entire country no matter who is in charge always gives priority to the Oligarchy, Asset owners, the wealthy and Corporations... in other words, everyone that drives the market... the normies always get screwed and no ONE really fights for them... that being said, no matter who is in charge, i don't see that changing unless there is a huge labor revolution where everyone unionizes, there are walkouts etc and more employee protections are passed...

as of right now we see the reverse... and w AI and tech booming, it should be the first thing regulated but during all administrations, it never was... not for the last 20 years or so

Except we're not in an AI bubble...

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Except we're not in an AI bubble...

no one said we are in a bubble... i said it needs deep regulation and asap as the consequences of it could be huge

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by wizardofOz

In this current climate, I'd say have no expectations, I'm not young by any means and have had some high moments during my younger years..Currently in a low moment and starting from scratch all over again...probably on a lower wage than you..

Apply to whatever interests you and if you get your foot in the door...Great! Use it as experience..If not..Try some free online courses to see how it may help you get into another industry..Figure out a way that you feel comfortable with to deal with all your negative thoughts that your brain will 100% (guaranteed) feed you..You need to manage your mental health to keep yourself sane during this difficult period..

I wonder if a Mechanical Engineering certificate would come into use. It's about $50 for a 1-3 month course and a certificate from Georgia Tech University vs spending $50k~ and getting another B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

[Alfisti]

I'd like to respond but you've not given enough information. Are you currently employed at all in any sort of role or full unemployment for a year? Any dependents? Any debt that needs servicing?

You're only 26 but shit about to get real, tbh if you want a family you need to start getting a jiggle on.

If not employed you need to get your foot in the door at an industry you're interested in asap, literally doing anything. Don't write off sales as a career, I was an Ops guy for 25 years and within 2 years of sales i have doubled my income. Not having staff to manage has been bliss. If the auto industry is a dead end, i'd take a long hard look at healthcare sales, your system there is ripe for making tonnes of money off healthcare and the population is ageing.

[wizardofOz]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I wonder if a Mechanical Engineering certificate would come into use. It's about $50 for a 1-3 month course and a certificate from Georgia Tech University vs spending $50k~ and getting another B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Can't say I know much about that field unfortunately..Maybe some other folks on here can answer that..

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by ASAP

no one said we are in a bubble... i said it needs deep regulation and asap as the consequences of it could be huge

What negative consequences are you concerned about?

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I wonder if a Mechanical Engineering certificate would come into use. It's about $50 for a 1-3 month course and a certificate from Georgia Tech University vs spending $50k~ and getting another B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Can’t hurt - that’s for sure. I think anything that puts you in the arena toward your goals or calling is good. You are the answer to someone’s problem - just gotta get in front of that someone - in the meantime control the controlables.

[Jack White]

Bio-med is always hiring technicians, engineers, and other skilled workers. For me, I always focused on specialized knowledge, such as electronics/ mechanics. I don’t have a degree but have always had a job in a highly technical field. Have a look at technical jobs, if you’re interested in that type of thing. I’ve yet to see a job market that isn’t hiring technically skilled people. If I were to do it over again, I’d go for a trade school program or technical degree.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

What negative consequences are you concerned about?

significant loss of jobs comes to mind

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

...
You should also consider joining the military. Free training, see the world…

Join the Navy, they said. See the world, they said...

Yeah? Well the world is 75% water and I've flushed plenty of it!