My First Rant About The Worthlessness of College

indemandcareer.com - These thoughts will be channeled into higher quality, shorter videos in the future but today I just felt like speaking directly to high schoolers about the lies and bullshit their teachers and parents are teaching.
My goal is to provide inspiration and provoke actual critical thinking for young people in the midst of this insane, insipid mindless pressure to go to college without examining the value of the degree or what you will actually be learning.
I will continue to promote these materials as much smarter, more powerful and effective ways to educate yourself for life than anything they are teaching in school. I have a long list but you can start with:
Better Than College by Blake Boles
The Education of Millionaires by Michael Ellsberg

[@everlarkstars243]

Parents need to stop pressuring their kids into college. Kids end up starting college just to make people proud.

[@sethjared]

Absolutely. Did you have an experience with that?

[@everlarkstars243]

Hello, Thank you for the reply your video had very good points and yes currently going on actually. I'm 17 about to graduate this June and my mom is already planning for me to start at community. She thinks it's the best option since she went straight to work and didn't start with college so she thinks I should learn from her mistakes..do you have any advice on how to tell your parents you don't want to go to college?

[@davido825]

My parents pretty much forced me to go to university. I did 2 years community and 1 year in a state university. Last semester I finally had enough of it and just completely stopped showing up. I felted like college was wasting away my limited time and I got depressed. I haven't told my parents because they are going to think I'm the biggest disappointment ever. But I finally realized I had to stop living my parents life and focus on myself. I'm on my journey to start my career in digital marketing. I plan on telling my parents about me quitting school after I land my first job. I just don't have the heart to disappoint them right now.

[@sethjared]

Hi Everlark - that is a good question and I will be doing a video on that some point in the future. My personal advice is that that more research and exploration you do the more confident you feel in your own decision. And that confidence is what you need because Parents and Teachers are almost like religious fundamentalists when it comes to college - many times they will not listen to facts they are so caught up in their own emotional beliefs. So you actually have to be more mature than them. Especially if a parent wants you to do something to "fix" what they did "wrong" which is all their issue not yours. I am launching a new blog - go to millennialmoneymaster.com and read those first articles tell me what you think. I call it the "Millennial Money Master Boot Camp". My thinking is this - the problem is you never studied money in school so it's a big vague unknown. Once you start understanding all the different options you have to make money and support yourself, and that college is the least productive, you can start making a plan for yourself and feel solid in your decision vs. just saying you don't want to go to college. The blog isn't fully up yet but there's already a lot of content, let me know what you think. Now that I think about it you can come up with a series of questions to ask your Parents and research the answer on your own. 1. Why do you want me to go to college? If they give you some emotional answer like "I made the mistake of not going" make them get more specific about why they think it will be a mistake for you not to go -- 2. Get specific - show them the Underemployment numbers for college grads. Ask them if they know that more than 50% of college grads are working jobs that don't require a degree and the average starting salary is under $20K year? www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/research/staff_reports/sr749.pdf?la=en - go to page 49 show them the under employment rates. I have more detailed info at: millennialmoneymaster.com/the-shocking-truth-about-college/ 3. Basically find out if their fear is that without the degree you won't be able to get a basic entry level job. If so show them this study: millennialbranding.com/2014/multi-generational-job-search-study-2014/ Where 6 out of 10 HR Reps said they would consider people without a degree. 4. Tell them you categorically will not take on debt to aimlessly wander through college, that it is fiscally irresponsible. 5. Lay out your own plan, don't expect them to come up with something for you. 6. If they talk about people with degrees making more money refer to the article: millennialmoneymaster.com/the-shocking-truth-about-college/ And understand that all of those statistics are not scientifically conducted.

[@zak3ria]

good luck with that mate! wish you all the best

[@jorgepadua5802]

Colleges need to shift their focus from teaching useless bullshit and putting students on the line to the work force. No one goes to college to become enlightened, they go for the degree to get a job.

[@Diego0wnz]

In the past college was for gaininn knowledge, now since its mainstream its just a job

[@drop_messages6226]

I can see someone going to college, only for the education/enlightenment, if they already have a great job lined up (they have connections). but for them majority of people, it makes more sense to get job training ASAP.

[@jaredgagnon7342]

"School is not a place for smart people." -Rick Sanchez

[@coffeebreak7264]

Give me thousands of thousands of dollars and I give you a promise that in 4 years you may get a job ...maybe...

[@sethjared]

That's basically it!

[@aaronpegany]

"Critical thinking is questioning all the bullshit you've been taught" That's what I spent my entire first year of college doing

[@speedracer72va]

I just retired a few weeks ago. If I had to do it all over again, I would have skipped college and become a welder, plumber, or diesel mechanic. Those guys make a fortune working for oil companies or other industrial type companies. ESPECIALLY overseas or offshore.

[@RETROKING101]

Hell yeah i know a couple. Even truck drivers make more than mba do. Which blows me away lol

[@drop_messages6226]

People who are pro-college will say "but they got an education". What is high school then, just a bunch of busy work? I went to college, hated it, never used my degrees. I only did it because I knew nothing about the job market (I was raised by hippies) . It took me awhile, but eventually I became a self taught programmer. I learned more studying on my own, then I learned in college.

[@sethjared]

That's a great point - 12 years of studying in primary and high school and that isn't enough? It's pretty sad to study anything for 12 years and still not be proficient in something.

[@wildghost6897]

For engineers it's kind of pointless learning all of the complex math problems because all the software we use does all the math for you.

[@TrueReverse74]

That's an oof

[@MrUnknownuser164]

Software eventually takes your job too at some point. One engineer with a computer is more productive than a whole team with paper drawings and slide rulers. Kind of hard to get a job for every graduate with only one job opening at a time...

[@TheLightShines]

Wow

[@innerguardianXIII]

OH, you mean calculators and eyeballing it?

[@MrUnknownuser164]

@@sleep4life812 you have a fair point. I was just making a general statement about technological unemployment. Also, getting experience is very difficult before graduating.

[@heyitzmon]

As a parent of a 19 yr. old, my husband n I encouraged our son to learn a trade. Anything from an electrician, hvac, plumber, welder, etc. It's A LOT less than a college degree, but it's also practical skills that he will learn n use on the job. We didn't want him to graduate with a ton of debt. We also feel that College is a money making business, and takes advantage of people. The amount of money u make, n the job u work does not define who u are as a person. We feel that living a simple life. n within' our means is much less stressful! Spending time with our friends n families, n enjoying life is what brings us happiness! Thank U for keeping it REAL...😊👍 Digital Marketing, n web development are some careers we will have our son look into as well....Thanks again 😊

[@sethjared]

You're welcome! Trades are great. Kudos to you for thinking differently for real. It's amazing how some parents have this ego trip around their kids getting a degree, like somehow they or their kid is "less than" without this dumb piece of paper. To just start out life without all that debt is a great gift from you.

[@davesmith1574]

heyitzmon, I learned electronics in the Air Force and now do field service for GE Healthcare repairing medical equipment. I make over $90,000 a year with an associates degree from the military + pension, 401K, full benefits, company car, etc... GE has lots of internships for 2 and 4 year college degrees. This is a growing field that is considered a 'blue collar trade' Community colleges also offer 2 year degree in electronics. If he likes technology, he'll be impressed with the Da Vinci surgical robot.

[@heyitzmon]

Dave Smith Thanks for the info, and ur comment. I'll definitely have him look into it! 😊👍

[@marksymbala8368]

heyitzmon no trades people can make more than a for year stuck-up.sanka ur welcome.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

He can study engineering in college and earn more

[@thelostjournalofmystifying354]

I wish I would of dropped out of high school to get my GED. It was such a waste of time . I was never bullied by the kids in high school , I was actually bullied by the teachers . lmfao ! Was thinking about it this morning and got pissy about it . Now that I think about it , I never had a teacher who was genuinely happy . All of them were miserable , none of them were passionate about their subjects , and they all hated their lives . College kids who think they are "better" haven't realized that what they are learning has no use in the workplace or real life. people who don't fit into college are able to see past the bullshit

[@nicholasgrandfield8168]

I'm feeling the same whay as you are right now.

[@juliaarambula3153]

Exactly!! All my degrees are honestly pieces of paper. You crammed to finish assignments and study just keeping your head above water. You’re not prepared to literally step into a job and apply any learning. We are taught so much useless BS.

[@darkwolf6122]

I always felt college was not for me. ever since I was in highschool teachers always told me you gotta get a degree if you want to be this or that, and you'll live happily ever after. I mean what is a piece of paper going to do to define who I am. There are jobs out here that can help you make it without a degree. I just hate how society is so stuck up/ acting like they are better than everyone because they went to a school and learned something I could find on the internet for free.. One thing I learned is that money is truly the route of all evil..Every where I look I can see that pride is the biggest sin in our society now. We are so quick to judge a person based of their occupation and look down on them because they aren't making as much as you. Money is only but a piece of paper.. in the end our graves will all be the same size.

[@sethjared]

I agree with some of the things you said - the pressure to go to college is insane. And out culture is obsessed with money, but money is not the root of all evil at all. It's just a tool, it's all about how you use it and it can be very wonderful and nourishing if used properly.

[@12eveal]

@dark wolf | So did you not go to college at all then? What do you do for work now?

[@user-zj9kw9lh1i]

@@12eveal how are you 2 years later ?

[@g.sebastiangarces2003]

Just a little story: My girlfriend went to get an associates degree on medical assistant, graduated top of the class with about 8 awards for keeping a 3.8-4.0 average GPA. After school, no one would take her and it's been about 4 years now since she graduated and she has gave up trying to get into the medical field. Now, she works as a Spanish bilingual rep for a Japanese company here in OH making 45K. Not much but it just shows that even with a degree, multiple awards, it means nothing. Every position she ever applied for asked for 2-4 years of experience for an entry level position. Makes no sense. Now she has a 21K student loan. Thank god, I decided to skip college, joined the military, and even with that I'm not using my post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Instead, I learned how to make money for myself and without student debt. My parents don't even understand how I make most of my money because they always thought if I didn't go to college, then I would be living in the streets.

[@Bobxchen333]

I think she got the wrong major. If she had gone into nursing, got an nursing degree (associate) and pass the board certified nursing exam. She would definitely find a job. And if she wants to advance her career she can go to a RN to BSN program and get a bachelors degree in 1.5 years.

[@nickpastorino5370]

What's a medical assistant? Is it like a physician assistant because those guys make good money.

[@georgiahoosier]

You are fortunate to have found this wisdom at a young age. To compound the problem look at how many graduates are hitting the job market burdened with tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars of student loan debt. The system seems more geared towards creating revenue streams for institutions of higher learning than actually providing useful work skills for students.

[@sethjared]

+georgiahoosier Well said!

[@thestrawberryshogun8373]

georgiahoosier I wish I saw this earlier

[@sb4040]

I've been a writer since I was 14. I've gotten by on odd jobs, all low-paying, so I could continue to write. Today I'm 61, and I've never had a career, and what college I attended (I have a B.A. and some graduate work) taught me little to nothing. Life is good, fun, and an adventure. Don't destroy your life.

[@dcabral00]

I always thought that when parents rant the "you are going to college!" that it was just an easy and lazy cop out. They themselves either did not know what college was about or if they knew but are spewing the same crap they were fed, again just being lazy.

[@DocNinini]

It's called "Boomer Syndrome"

[@chadmorgan9593]

So true dude. The bullshit curriculum stifles the individuality and creativity of students, forcing them to have a one-track mind that steers clear of personal interests. Everything that was thrown at me in high school is totally irrelevant to what I'm pursuing today, go figure, aye?

[@12eveal]

What are you pursuing today?

[@AshED65]

If I have kids they are not going to college. Instead I want them to work and build up their work experience.

[@moisbitan5146]

trade school would be good, but i wouldn't put off college unless they wanna be accountants or med school

[@mynamesnotrick]

This is what I've been feeling for the last 4 years...

[@sethjared]

Sorry to hear that man.

[@terrymylove9410]

People also go to college just to be "something" to have an identity: " I am a . . . . . fill the blank (doctor, accountant, lawyer, etc)

[@gundam5281]

This is exactly what young people are being brainwashed to think. I agree, this whole strive to be something is utterly idiotic and unrealistic in the modern society.

[@Shiro642]

yes, it is a lack of guidance or clarity towards a path. if you take a 15 or 16 year old and show them how to get what THEY WANT, that kid would be a force in the marketplace by their mid 20s

[@freebee95553]

When I was young between 10 years old to 17 years old, I always knew inside my heart that college/university were all just a big hot air balloon. However at the same time because my mother, teacher, media always told me that college is important AKA brainwash, I still attended college , but i did something clever as well. Instead of going straight to college after high school. I did the most important decision in my life that benefited me for years to come. I firstly got a job as a DATA ENTRY for trucking companies and from this beginning position i grew experience in DISPATCH, BILLING, ACCOUNTING and knowledge in some of the biggest industries in exporting and importing goods. But here is a sad truth, even though i have 5 years experience in my field of work; even though this field can relate to many types of work, I still had moments of unemployment for some lasting 8 months. You just gotta hang in there, and my advice if you ever make enough money invest in starting something that will generate profits for yourself.

[@sethjared]

Thanks for the comment - you have the right idea. The missing element, and I am about to do a video on this, is understanding exactly what skills are in demand and getting those. Data entry and billing and accounting and good skills but can ebb and flow in terms of demand. The reason I teach digital marketing is that right now these skills are highly in demand so it is much less likely to be unemployed if you learn to master them. But hanging in there is key, and good for you for bringing your own insight in a world where these silly people want to tell you what to think.

[@freebee95553]

The best paying job positions for high school teachers are colleges and universities, some high school teachers do mean well when they want you to be educated and well literate, because why wouldn't they promote the idea of college and university being a key factor to a stable life? In contrary, teachers in their right mind want to believe that their job itself as teachers are stable, by convincing you AKA non-intentional brainwash; tell you that whatever major you decide will land you a stable job. Now depending on what college you go to, if you or anyone can find a college or institute that will teach you real hands on experience AKA Trade skills, then you found gold, because you just learn how to catch your own fish. I can imagine every high school teachers checking online on how much professors make a year, because its their bottom lines as teachers to increase their weekly pay check.

[@annebeck2208]

While this is a really old post, I'm sticking this in. My husband and I went to college long enough ago, that it was affordable. We didn't go into debt and we learned a ton, but not from every class. Many classes were hoops to jump thru, not places to learn. My husband had 1/2 hoop classes and I was fortunate to have only 1/4 hoop. As I homeschool our kids, I notice that even many homeschool classes are hoop classes, which is just crazy!!! Our time it too valuable to waste on hoops. I don't need my kids to be part of the education machine that turns them into little hoop jumping cogs, in hopes that they will have a life cared for by the federal government as they fill out form after form, doing what they are told at all times.

[@sethjared]

Thanks for the comments. What do you mean by "hoop" classes - are you talking about irrelevant required courses?

[@SimicChameleon]

I think they are describe general eds class that isn't germane in their goal. @@sethjared

[@sweatyearth7458]

I 100% agree with this rant, great job

[@nancyg.ahmadzai2546]

I always advised my children to major either in the health or education field, there's ALWAYS a need for people to work in these fields, THEY did, as a Bilingual teacher myself, they went into the teaching field, (music teachers) and they both got good jobs right after college here in Texas. My daughter is a Mechanical engineer, and also got a very good job in Seattle, she attended STEM since middle school, and that helped her a lot. Had no idea this was going on with so many college graduates.

[@12eveal]

What do you mean your daughter "attended STEM since middle school"? Did she take STEM related classes in middle school and high school, is that what you meant?

[@MrDatkidceddy]

Someone who actually gets it thank you

[@joshray2117]

I've had this thought for a while since reading the book "What's wrong with University" by Jeff Rybak. I'm 17 and it's becoming clearer to me to take a year off. This summer I started doing a lot of online courses (Lynda/Edx/Coursera) and recently got involve into a local club that promotes public speaking. Any advice you wouldve give to your 17 year old self?

[@sethjared]

Hi Josh - Good to hear from you. Also read the $100 Startup by Chris B I can't spell his last name. Google it. And I would also recommend getting trained in the digital marketing skills I teach. Also don't think that your job or money makes you who you are. There's a lot more to life than that. I am making a more in depth video on that right now.

[@jl-dc6dt]

I joined military at my 18, now I am in the pipe trade. They pay me 40/hr

[@penelopebush6751]

Bruh you’re hilarious!! I love this so much

[@bvalenz4526]

We need more trade based high schools. The trades in this country have taken the biggest hits.

[@sethjared]

Yeah and building/construction. With everyone being herded into college a lot of people who would really enjoy the trades and more practical skills are stuck in a classroom learning BS.

[@nicholasskific4795]

With my future engineering career I should build a time machine and tell my younger self to join a trade instead of suffering

[@edwinnochebuena1214]

we have too many lawyers in the USA.... they are unemployed/underpay or underemployed... learn a trade they pay a lot more than many BS or MA

[@edwinnochebuena1214]

Im still going to school to finish my last two years of my BS in mechanical engineer while working in my trade.... only because my work will pay for it... i think that actually is the smart way to go.. having great benefits, a stupendous salary and free education and on the job experience.... and finish with zero student debt

[@MindyFan]

This was surprisingly quite a thought provoking video for me! Thank you so much for posting it because recently I have had thoughts along this line. I am currently a sophomore in college and studying elementary education + secondary math. I always did well in all school subjects, but coming into college, I literally had NO IDEA what I wanted to major in or where my passions were. I just chose teaching kinda randomly (and cause I do love kids) and then stuck with it. One lie that they told you in high school was that you have time to decide your major.. that's true only if you don't mind graduating much later!! i really wish they had emphasized figuring out your life BEFORE you entered college. I'm at a point now where I'm wondering if teaching is what I really want to do. I want more freedom than what comes with being in a public school system, but I'm lost about where to go from here. I can't drop out or switch majors this late, but I feel like while I enjoy my major, I don't see myself doing it. Thanks again for this video and reading my comment!

[@sethjared]

+Mindy Fan Hi Mindy- and thank you for the thoughtful comment! It's insane the amount of pressure to go to college without preparing you for what's after. It's like telling someone they have to buy a BMW even if they can't afford it and can't drive. The good news is that the major doesn't define you - and also, you can teach outside of the public schools and have a lot more fun and make money with it. That's what I do by teaching online. New sites like Udemy and Coursera are making it easier than ever to package your knowledge, help people and be paid for it. But in general don't feel like you have to "figure out" your career - what is ideal is to acquire skills so you can make money. But you don't have to "be" a "teacher". OR "be a lawyer". That's the worst thing about what kids say "When I grow up I want to be a politician" or what not --- I would say now "when I grow up I want to be happy, self expressed, and engaged with life... and do work potentially in law, or in marketing, or film, or something like that". If you have any questions let me know.

[@alphaomega5202]

+sethjared Hey, Seth. I was intrigued by the video on Engineered Truth's channel. Im a mechanical engineering student that will be graduating next summer (2017). I am also very interested in digital marketing. I wanted to ask you if you know whether recruiters in the digital marketing industry have a preference toward highering people with BS degrees in more technical fields, like engineering, for example over people who majored in liberal arts or familiar fields. Also, I know not all digital marketing companies let you work from home, but for the ones that do, how many hours a day does it take up of your time? Is it a job where you have to constantly have manage your Adword (or similar software) account every minute of ever our. I ask because if the work schedule is flexible, I would love to do digital marketing as a part time gig once I start working fulltime as an engineer. Thank you in advance.

[@alphaomega5202]

+sethjared Also, sorry for the typos.

[@sethjared]

+L C Hi - Frankly the degree doesn't matter at all -- though some postings may say they prefer a Marketing major. It's all about your skills and experience. And as I mention in the video I have friends doing very well with no degree at all. As for the workload, here's the skinny. If you find your own clients and freelance then yes you can make it flexible - for instance I have a client I only work on a few hours a week after the initial account setup. But if you work for an agency, they are basically bringing in as many accounts as possible and want people working a full week managing anywhere from 30 to 100 accounts monthly. In my experience the need is so high I meet people socially tell them what I do and they want me to work on their accounts. If you find the topic interesting then these are good skills to have.

[@SakumaSpanner]

+sethjared - So all you need skill and experiences, my plan is going to 2 yr community college for programing(A.S) so i can do software engineering (full time) and at the same time doing digital marketing(will take your course on it in the future) as freelance or any type freelance work and never go back to college ever again.I'm high school senior(whose graduation May 2016) what you think of my plan and if i need a skill i can look it up or take udemy/coursera class please and thank you.☺ PS:love your work and engineering truth,how to teach us the real word keep up the good work!

[@LocalLialec]

comment for algo - was going to write a long comment but I'll say I just appreciate this video and your course. It really helped me out!

[@jessyjc551]

I'm Glad I Found This Video From Now On Im Going To Work I Need..... A New Start

[@torsupersuccess2296]

it was great to hear , like a breath of fucking fresh air

[@Bobxchen333]

This is very helpful. I have 2 kids, they are still very young in 3rd grade and preschool. I will show your video to them one day. The real problem is my wife. How do I convince my wife to not push our kids to college.

[@ebbsoul6721]

I totally agree however i had an excellent literature/english teacher and i really felt it created pathways in my head and was a good choice of subject before i knew what i wanted to do. But chemistry and these sorts of subjects are not useful unless you know your going down that path. But it's true people could save a lot of time and bullshit if they had more choice and could get skills in their chosen career early...there is a lot of hours wasted commuting, 'learning' and testing, etc...Even time wasted at uni but to a lesser extent (on trivial things). I swapped to online uni to cut cost and 'build a fulfilling' lifestyle. I did this at 19 and online is so flexible its making me design the life i want to live which is cool. Its cheaper too, and although i am studying elementry education its not that expensive and i have so much free time to get real world experience and start doing business, entrepeneurial and digital marketing skills in case i want to change careers in the future or start a teaching entrepeneur website/business after i have worked in the classroom a while. I considered highschool teaching but the education system is not perfect and elementry was better suited to me and the basics are essential.

[@sethjared]

Good insights. And yes there are often outliers, great teachers who make a difference. Unfortunately it is a random and seldom event. I even had that in college - paying obscene tuition to play a weird kind of "Teacher Lottery" --- you get 9 terrible teachers and 1 good one. No other business could be run in this fashion. As for your entrepreneurial pursuits, keep at it! I consider myself a teacher and a businessman. Teaching is fantastic if you do it the 21st century way --- directly to people who need knowledge and not through some outdated institution.

[@painexotic3757]

Nailed it! Luckily, I dropped out after a month and dont regret it.

[@gabematthews4993]

I'm in the UK so education here is different to the US, however: My teachers in school: you need to have at least 95% attendance, good grades in your exams and go to college or sixth form and get good grades in order to even be considered for jobs in the future. Me now, nearly 18: attendance has never been higher than 90% in school or college, only scraped passes in GCSEs (I didnt even get to do them due to covid) and I've practically dropped out of college now, and I've been offered apprenticeships and had a recruitment centre call me today saying they saw my CV/resume and asked if I'm looking for jobs. I have no experience other than retail

[@sethjared]

Well said. Nobody, and I mean nobody, cares about your grades. The only thing they are good for is getting into graduate school.

[@chrisbailey7384]

Speaking of lecture halls, they are so bigger than IMAX theaters or big as a football stadium that you will need a pair of binoculars to see the board and alot of acoustics!

[@sethjared]

Yup. Ridiculous. In every hall there is a collective $1Million+ in student loans sitting there learning very little.

[@themastagunner_-8507]

I’m doing college but I want to drop out already it’s been frustrating me so much I need advice on how I can tell me parents to let me drop out of college

[@sethjared]

If you're over 18 you are an adult - it's your life, do what is right for you.

[@DocNinini]

You should get like a full time job or go intro trade, or do something your passionate about. I went to college, and I failed most of my classes bc I was getting taught a bunch of bullsht that I wasn't interested in. Show your parents that your passionate or interested in a new job/hobby and hopefully they will understand. I quit school and got a full time job and I was actually making money and doing something useful instead of wasting my time. Good luck

[@themastagunner_-8507]

@@DocNinini your right thanks

[@JonathanBell-xl4dl]

lol. i went into my current engineering degree expecting to build shit and all we've done is theory. we have to wait until FOURTH year to even build anything, and it's probably going to be lame.

[@sethjared]

Sorry to hear that - it's absolutely insane.

[@JonathanBell-xl4dl]

@@sethjared and all the debt too ... i feel like i've been lied to and i've just grown very bitter. all this wasted time.

[@gradwillngobeni2680]

We needed sme1 who wud encourage us abt such facts hidden in plain sight. Instead we were only encouraged abt only one option/way which is a degree, nd thus we were inspired but afraid/unbelieving to persue radical means to What we wanna archieve.

[@yushaq2434]

I can see how this rant would resonate with a lot of people. People by nature want an easy way out. It's like introducing a new weight loss scheme that doesn't involve exercise. Surely, all would be in. And it is statistically proven that people with college make more money on average than those with no degree, even accounting for loan debt. I do, however, agree with some of your points. Not everyone needs to go to school, but a significant amount of a population should. I would also agree with you that after high school kids should take a break and get some life experience first, but I wouldn't say ditch the idea entirely. I, personally, learned a tremendous amount in college. People interact with and interpret the world based on reference points of knowledge. The more expansive these reference points are the more effectively they will deal. Raw life experiences give a person context, but focused learning and education give one the language. The two support each other. Studying history has given me proof because the results have been revealed, complex literature has honed my comprehension skills, algebra and most college math has given me the tools to problem solve real issues where some factors are unknown, and science has improved my relationship with God by understanding the intricacies of the creation around me. Disparaging college would deprive a person of many of these advantages because most people won't study deeply enough outside a formal learning atmosphere. By the way, learning a trade or practical skill, too, is education, and even in that there is a lot of fluff and redundant information. I have a college degree and a trade, so I have an idea. And regarding the job market, what about the countless job ads that specifically state a college degree as being a requirement for consideration? College is still valued by the job market. They just want some proof of application as well, so it's up to students to get out there and try to get some experience as well.

[@sethjared]

Appreciate the thoughtful response. But so intellectual. Focused learning is not limited to a college classroom, as most of what I have learned in my life has come after college in the form of self study and seminars. I've heard similar thoughts before, to which I say this: who are you to tell people what they should do? It is incredibly pretensious to determine what the path of "the masses" should be based on your own experience. Why "should" a significant segment of the population do anything, much less funnel their life savings into an outdated mode of education? College as an indirect means of socialization is done. If you really think people need to spend 4 years in a classroom to learn how to think or interact with people, you are living in the stone age. Also, you may learn a lot in college and that is great, but it is no longer the ONLY place to learn things, and in most cases it is the least efficient, slowest, and most expensive ways to do this. Regarding job postings, this is also a common flawed argument. Hundreds of my students with no degress have started careers in digital marketing because they possess skills. The mantra of the future is "skills, not degrees". If you talk to any temporary agency recruiter they will tell you that in the workforce a large percentage of workers do not have degrees even if the hiring listing said so. The reason? A degree is meaningless, and while some employers use it as a qualifyer, they are much more concerned with workplace fit and skills. Really the degree requirement is a leftover from a time when a having a degree was a major distinction - now with over 70% of high schoolers going to college it means less and less. If you can demonstrate to a potential employer that you are smart and driven the degree means less and less. Even so, this is a fight to evolve consciousness. Even if employers are still putting the goddamn degree requirement on their postings, it is my duty to stand for some semblance of common sense and inspire people to be couragous and disregard it and know their value is not determined by this stupid piece of paper. I'd rather do that than cower and tell people "Oh, you need a degree to get any job, get one or you are screwed!" Our society is conitnuously evolving. We've passed better laws for the environment, we discovered smoking is bad for you, you shouldn't drink when you are pregnant. Now we are realizing that college is not for everyone nor should it be, and in a few years this will finally catch on. Better to be ahead of the curve than get into debt by following the herd out of fear.

[@user-zj9kw9lh1i]

@@sethjared AMEN!

[@laurennicole7098]

Thank you

[@itsaykay7935]

I wish I saw this video two years ago... 😩

[@degdeg6702]

I’m so stressed right now my parents are pressuring me so much

[@sethjared]

Did you see my book "Skip College for Success"?

[@user-zj9kw9lh1i]

take it easy dood

[@scarlettmclaren9011]

Same here .... Same here and I'm in college too I hate it with a passion

[@emmy4537]

Same

[@gradwillngobeni2680]

Valuable discussion..i guess sucess takes wisdom

[@LukeAvedon]

amen brother. (Accountants also use basic algebra)

[@valescosharmaynemariea.1560]

first year college rn and i got my first zero in years. Is being different a bad thing ? i made a code that is not so simple because the catch of the activity that if you have the same problem or code as another person you'll get a zero. How tf should I know that 500 students have the same problem. me and my friend made something a bit different, not to be a brag but we have a bit more knowledge about that certain subject. i gave up a lot of things this first year college, I left my gaming, I left my time to read fiction books, I left a lot of things. just to focus. i sleep at 2 am just to make sure that I gave it my all. Yes, its expected for students to give effort, but the fact that he didn't count it or gave a wee bit of point is annoying. now I know why my friends and the people I know quit college.

[@pranavyeole102]

I have to do something about this. FUCKING KILLING ME INSIDE

[@st5656]

Can you elaborate what you mean at 2:16 when you say "if you want to be a school teacher, good luck." Can you explain what you mean by that? thank you!

[@sethjared]

I was being sarcastic. Basically saying that yes, if you want to teach in a public school you will need to go to college, get a degree, follow that system. And then you can deal with the public school system for the rest of your life, so good luck!

[@User-qu7pq]

sethjared Not only that but shame kids when they tell you you’re not going to college ! Don’t forget to tell them enjoy your job at mcdonalds the rest of your life either !

[@seanclinnin7710]

What the heck did ya do in high school. I agree that high school should be balanced with practical application of life skills, like managing money and a basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical or trade related skills but also.......College is for learning and building a solid educational foundation. In depth, intense reading of important books, writing to develop your rational thought in a coherent manner, studying history, mathematics, learning about money/economics/small business operations, ect. I graduated in the early 80's with a University economics degree with no job prospects, no offers. I "figured" I'd go to law school somehow and got a job at a law firm in corporate investigations..ie gofer boy). I was surrounded by young attorneys working their asses off to maintain their job, working 10 hr days, Sat too! I got that job because I had a good education and could write a concise, informative brief as requested. After deciding...screw that, I ended up getting my real estate license...starting learning about real estate, construction, selling properties and eventually bought several of my own. It all was part of a learning process, lots of failures..at times...but I kept at it and became successful and retired at 60.Read more Show less

[@KemiAdorin]

where were u when i was in high school? im already in college and got my associates in arts (not that i was expecting it but i took it with a grain of salt)

[@12eveal]

What do you mean exactly by "associate in arts"? What classes did you take?

[@stephaniecrothers8482]

My mom always wanted more for her kids than she had for herself and pushed us to go to college. My one brother became an electrician. He was smart. My other brother did 1 year if IT school and dropped out. He became store manager of pep boys by 30. I went two years at Penn State and freaked out not knowing what to do and realized I had 28,000 in debt to pay off, so I dropped out. I had two kids got married, paid off my student loans and then bought a house. Now I'm a lunch lady 😁 so I can be home with the kids after school until my youngest starts 6th grade. Then I'm working full time. I'm gonna take the Google Certificate for Digital Marketing or UX Design in 2 years so I'm ready to hit the job boards. I'm not finishing my degree. It's not worth it. I wish I'd listened to my dad who warned me not to go to a 4 year college because I didn't know what debt was. He wanted me to go to community college because it was so much less cheaper. But I did what I was taught to do. Waste time and money in college. Learn nothing. I AM happy I didn't go all 4 years or my loans would have been 60,000 or 70,000. My daughter is in 6th grade and I'm already teacher her that college is only for becoming a teacher, nurse, doctor or engineer. If she doesn't want to do that, get certificates online or become an apprentice in the trades. And to travel while she is young and free!

[@sethjared]

Good work on teaching your daughter. I've heard stories like this more often than I would like, but thanks for sharing, I think it will help other people watching the video understand the reality of the situation. Also I recommend checking out my book Skip College for Success for free at skipcollegeforsuccess.com

[@JermaineSam]

I still hate "classic literature." Or at least still hate being forced to read it. In my current class we had to read Julius Caesar. I watched the movies and still was so disinterested.

[@666ImI666]

thank you for this vid nice to know there are people who think like me. i get it but its not a rant its frustrating seeing all your friend and family fuck up there life on knowledge that is easily attainable online. ps love the doctor analogy

[@sethjared]

That's a good point - it really is frustrating to be sane in an insane world.

[@talkandedit8714]

This is more true today

[@js-ed4lv]

Andrew Yangs freedom dividend would allow new types of work to arise. creating path forward to those who don't want to go to college while creating opportunities to let people do what they want to do for work.

[@user-qh7rw5gy5i]

Especially language majors. Huge waste of time i dont even understand why thats a thing. People who graduate with language majors dont even end up fluent and they wonder why they cant find a job as a translator because theyre competing against people with no degrees that have ACTUALLY immersed in the language and showed how good they are. I used to preach the uselessness of language classes but thanks to this video it made me realize its more broad and the problem happens in most other fields too

[@Hav3n]

feeling seen and heard and also sad

[@amkdance-ww8bv]

i couldn't agree more, i made a video on this too and you basically summed up everything i said/ thought good job~

[@jacobramseyer5275]

Well said sir well said

[@trumpsurrogate618]

love this video

[@battlestarmarc]

This video is correct.

[@nathanielcava4128]

Trades are great. Have you ever seen a broke plumber? It’s not about what you do its, how hard you work and your willingness to put in the hours

[@A__Mina]

10 seconds into the video and I already agree. They brainwashed us fr.

[@mrbass093]

Very true.

[@MsCardio1]

so how have things gone the last 4 years?

[@Bobxchen333]

Is an Associate degree good enough? If I go to community college and major in computer science/information system and get 4.0 gpa and then go to online coding boot camp and learn some really skills, would that be enough to convince my potential employer to give me a chance.

[@user-zj9kw9lh1i]

how's it going bud

[@ShivanS]

Literature like Shakespeare is important for us to understand the world and critically think. A lot of what is told in school is foundational to learn practical skills. Higher education is needed for society but maybe not for the highly motivated invidual.

[@sethjared]

Did you actually put any critical thought into this comment? Critical thinking is the act of an individual questioning how things are based on their own cognitive process and observations. It is not accomplished by the mass memorization and regurgitation of works of literature or state mandated courses. It blows my mind how many people, like a chorus of mindless sheep, will say "college is needed for critical thining" without actually understanding what critical thought is or how studying "A Midsummer Night's Dream" actually provokes critical thought. It doesn't. I read Shakespeare, Hawthorne, Jane Austen, Kate Chopin, Dickens throughout high school and college, and it was a complete waste of my time and energy. They are STORIES. They are interesting, entertaining, and they may stimulate your imagination, but they are not the foundation upon which one builds an adult life in the 21st century. When you add in the financial liability of college, you're essentially saying "18 year old, you can't get a business loan but you need to take out a $100,000 loan to learn to think critically." And if the 18 year old exercises actual critical thinking and says, "I don't know if that's true - let's discuss the pros and cons in details," they are shouted down by parents and teachers!

[@vietnamemperor123461]

Even if you become a doctor you still sadle with six figure of debt while the salary of physicians are declining. A law degree is devalue in the last couple of years ago. There are still some newly laws graduate struggling to find jobs.

[@sethjared]

True! My Dad is a Judge and he always talked me out of law school for that very reason. And being a doctor... dear God the pressure, the insurance companies, the debt, the 40 hour shifts. Definitely not an easy path to six figures lol.

[@nickpastorino5370]

Um, lawyers struggle to find jobs now too... I don't think that college is completely a scam, I think the real problem is that colleges accept way too many students and there is a limited amount of jobs out there so competition has become immense.

[@Reaper1947]

I think the Millennials are the first generation to feel the full brunt of the outsourcing and trade deals phenomenon along with the over 50 crowd who were displaced in 2008 . I feel for all of you , maybe you'll start a movement that votes differently ? TheReaper!

[@Tyree101]

I wish I saw this video four years ago.

[@bxgheri]

yessir this is facts

[@assomeoneelse2275]

As a dyslexic my counselors have been pestering me to go to college I just want to work my minimum wage job and invest in the stock market. I have made thousands of dollars and I will prove the world wrong.

[@DocNinini]

Keep going

[@justincarroll1313]

I graduated from Harvard (undergrad) a little over 10 years ago with a degree in economics, and NO employers I applied to after I graduated cared at all about the name of the school I went to. They were kind of like "whatever." I was really surprised. They wanted work experience much more than the name Harvard on a diploma. If you go to a top school like Harvard or Yale, Wall Street banks and consulting firms will be impressed with the school you went to, but the name alone is not going to help you much with getting a job anywhere else. Employers value *work experience* much, much more. And Harvard offered me virtually no help at all with finding a job. There's no hand-holding there. I ended up moving back home after graduation and getting a job, and the requirement for that job was either a college degree (from ANY school) *OR* 5 years of work experience in the field! So a person could have been working those 5 years, earning money during that time, and still have gotten the same job I ended up getting. I'm just really blessed that I managed to graduate with no debt (Harvard does have really generous financial aid, I worked part-time during school, and my mom helped a lot). I would tell high school kids to not care about getting into these elite colleges. They're really overrated UNLESS you want to work in investment banking or in consulting immediately after college. You don't need these elite schools for med, law, or grad school either, because it will probably be harder for you to get a high GPA at Harvard (where the competition for top grades is something fierce) than at State U, and Harvard Med and Harvard Law admit tons of people every year from State U. It doesn't matter really where you go to undergrad as long as you have a very high GPA, very high test scores, etc. And where you go to grad or professional school DOES matter much more for your career...undergrad really doesn't matter.

[@marksymbala8368]

ya we need more stuck ups out there

[@SharuyanAllegiance]

The whole pandemic made it hard to work with great recession, most middle class now are working these 9-5 jobs to keep up with bills!

[@Topg1]

I think primary school should teach life skills. For example accounting classes should be mandatory. You need to learn how to create a budget and pay your taxes (especially if you can't afford an accountant). Also computer classes should be mandatory. A foreign language should be taught a kindergarten so people can be bilingual. Reading and writing are still necessary for business. I'm high school there should be trade classses. They got rid of them.

[@sethjared]

Yes, those are all practical ideas. I'm writing about this in my new book "Skip College for Success".

[@moca1992]

It's all true.

[@innerguardianXIII]

I know a Lady who was about to be hired by Studio Ghibli as a background Artist. They found her art and went to her to talk about hiring her...she doesn't have an Art Degree. She didn't get hired. I can't help but call incredible bullshit to that because THEY were impressed by her style. There was clear visual evidence she had what they wanted. She did that without the degree and what use would a piece of paper saying "I can do this" have anyway? Work your arse and wallet off to get a degree in something complicated. Get the same chance as if you didn't get it. Be naturally talented in something but do NOT have a degree, no chance of hiring. What in the fuck? Also, you're right. Nobody uses Algebra. The only people who do are pretentious assholes who want to appear more intelligent than anyone else. Algebra is technically Math, but needlessly complicated. It's looking smart for dumb people. I'm sure it was code back in warring times that was supposed to be not so easily decipherable for "the enemy", but now that humanity is a little bit more united, just spell it out simply and translate it.

[@TheBattlefieldPro97]

I'm really late but, as a Computer Science major I have to take a religion class, how useless is that and I went to a Texas Wesleyan University orientation and as if it were magic, one of the guides brought up the BS "College graduates earn more than $1 Million more than non college graduates" scheme and I swear he sounded like he was reading off a script, and he even point out that he "only" had a masters degree compared to his co-workers who had PhDs, some of these people live by their $100,000 certificates. I know I'm on a bloddy rant but one of the advisors I talked had her degree plastered up on the wall saying "Bachelors of Friends & Family therapy" yes it's an actual degree she majored in and now does counseling for the same school she went to, what a waste of 4 years.

[@sethjared]

That $1 Million figure is so misleading it really is consumer fraud. I have more info on this in skipcollegeforsuccess.com - But it's good you can see through that and I appreciate you sharing that specific instance. I know that happens on college tours orientations etc. but it's always wild to hear specific instances.

[@TheBattlefieldPro97]

@@sethjared By the way I started your Digital Maketing course on the 1st of December 2018, I'm letting you know because hopefully and very soon I will be able to let others know that your course is full of useful knowledge and doesnt take years to understand and put to use, thanks for the course by the way.

[@ApexWR9]

@@TheBattlefieldPro97 How has the course been since then?

[@TheBattlefieldPro97]

@@ApexWR9 finished it a month and half after starting it, and have a job now as a digital marketing specialist for a small company and I've been working there for about 4 months now, I'm likely about to get a new higher paying position real soon, I've been having a lot of companies call me in for interviews, and I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty damn good at interviews, I'll update you, I have like 4 interviews in the next couple weeks

[@waedjradi]

He makes load of sense at 08:41

[@jessyjc551]

I was Recently Academically Dismissed But Im Not Going To Let That Stop Me

[@sethjared]

Good! Meaningless term anyway. It's like getting a frowny face in Kindergarten.

[@everydayfun9531]

I just think the idea of College is Bull**** and as an Entrepreneur I don't Really like College in general cause it does not Promise me a Great Return and I'd Rather focus on Building my Online business and Run it and Make some passive income.

[@Uytrghh]

I fucking hate college, but I don't have an alternative. I can see right through it, it's ridiculous and I feel cheated and lied to. Shot in the dark, but do you have any advice. I want to develop useful skills but balancing that and the demands of college is like wrestling against myself constantly.

[@sethjared]

Good to hear from you. My whole channel is about getting digital marketing skills, you can also read my book Skip College for Success at skipcollegeforsuccess.com - I don't know what you mean by not having an alternative, you can literally just stop going, get a job, or sit in your room. The pressure your describing, I sympathize completely, but it's just social conditioning. Like nobody is actually physcially forcing you to go to classes, pay tuition etc.

[@SUpersaiyajinjerkbag]

College is overrated for the paradoxical reason that goal-setting and reading are actually underated (but people don't do as much of this as they think they do, so they wind up going to college instead.) Reading classics and quasi-classics are good education; goal setting and journaling are "magic pieces of paper" that well help process what you want and how to get there. (obviously reading books and become a good planner isn't going to work overnight; but one can get very good at it compared to the amount of time and money it takes to finish college). So yeah, one reason to go to college is to look busy.....

[@dansuds9785]

All this has been true for a century. You get a degree in history, art, sociology, it is going to be rough. Get a degree in electronics, medical technician, toxicology, sciences, getting that first job will be easier because of need. Every hospital needs employees in their field. For those people, the degree is essential, and it has much higher worth in society. All degrees are not the same and have never been. Having said that, any credible degree from a university has exceptional value in the long run. Why? Ever expose yourself to elderly or even middle-aged people with little education? Even if they are monetarily successful, their struggles with life can and often are monumental. It is difficult for them to fit in into society. It is difficult for their self worth and their identity. For a degreed person, you have that piece of paper and no one can take it away from you.

[@gerardparker4220]

This is definitely an overstated rant.. college isn’t for everyone but it is for future white-collar professionals..

[@pranavpillai7778]

Liberal arts degrees are fine if you have practical minors and/or graduate degrees in practical areas.

[@sethjared]

What do you mean by practical areas? The only even remotely practical majors today are Engineering, Computer Science, or Accounting. For coding/computer programming jobs, you can learn on your own and employers care more about practical skills and ability not the degree. For Accounting or Engineering, you usually can't get a job with just a minor. This is the exact kind of unexamined thinking that causes 20 year olds to get into $70,000 or more of debt. The idea that "hey the degree is fine, just get it and worry about how you'll pay it off later" is irresponsible. More than 40% of college grads are underemployed, meaning they work at jobs that do not require a degree. The majority of grads work in 3 fields: customer service, adminstrative (office jobs), or sales.

[@pranavpillai7778]

@@sethjared if you minor in computer science, business, or accounting and have great experiential learning you can get a job. Also, a liberal arts degree can be fine if you went to law school, MBA, medicine,etc. Basically, any professional program.

[@pranavpillai7778]

@@sethjared you can get a job with just a practical minor. I’ve seen people who have done it.

[@pranavpillai7778]

@@sethjared degree does help in IT. Ergo, not a complete waste of money as you would think.

[@romeoreyes1770]

lawyers are having a tough time too

[@nickpastorino5370]

Spent a fortune and 8 years in college? Fries! I can't even imagine how hard that must be. The real problem isn't college, it's the fact that everyone can get a degree now and there aren't enough jobs.

[@waynerobinson2301]

College is not worthless it could be. Very beneficial for some individuals . College should not be attended without aptitude and necessity unless you just want to wast your time and money partying and drinking beer . Trade school as in joining Ironworkers union and going to three or four years of school two nights a week after work for three hours is also training that not everyone should go to . I did go through my apprenticeship and worked at my trade for thirty years , retiring on union pension and social security . For me it was a good deal but i can attest to the fact that not every man is well suited to working iron . Only a very small narrow band are suited to that work and those men can be tough to get along with . Each person is an individual and should not buy into the democrats shit about all the money you will make if you go to college . This crap about higher education to be qualified for all the new jobs , i would challenge anyone to show any jobs that were developed by Democrats . Don't be fooled by a forty hour a week job being turned into two twenty hours a week jobs as job growth that is just shit talk from president Zero really . Democrats can not grow the economy the only jobs they can make are government jobs by more and duplicate regulations and compliance officers . This is all no Democrat can grow the economy as principles used are anathema to Democrats they want more government higher taxes and less jobs . Their support base is dumbed down people getting by on welfare at poverty level . These people do not have enough sense to know they will never be a success while government takes care of them .

[@BrendaBaBoom]

Yeah, great rant! 😡

[@craigelliott5406]

In Scotland. You can choose your high School majors or minors to suit your needs. Different system i guess. But you are right. It's all bullshit! I feel sorry for the younger generation. My generation were right royally fucked! But the millennials are screwed without a hope. I'm 31. Got my BSC. ect. Back in the day. (when weed was grass) No jobs in the U.K. I get payed more in Thailand. ( including the cost of living) Than i would in the U.K. I'm one of these assholes who always said. " if you don't like your country; then get the fuck out" And.. So i did. Never looked back.

[@littlewn9280]

College is only useless if you are poor...Only wealthy students succeed in college because they are there on scholarship moneys....which means flexibility and they get treated differently from other students...they don't have to waste time and money taking general education courses that they don't need...and are also guaranteed housing.....most people forget that when you use grants/financial aid government money,, they set the curriculum for you,,and pick what courses they want you to take..., the gov then decides whether you are eligible for housing or not..only if you can keep grades up, etc.... as it is impossible to attend college homeless..no student should have to worry about such a thing...but that's why college sucks,, everyone is not going to be treated the same.

[@lexiblaes909]

I appreciate this a lot because I literally just ranted the same thing!

[@buckmeat]

DUDE, YOU'RE MILO FROM ATLANTIS

[@maxmartinez8774]

Too late for me I’m fucked