University!

[Radio Storm]

Once upon a time, a high school diploma was a signifier of a truly intelligent and sharp minded individual who was capable of "going places" and having a great life. But then, everyone started earning high school diplomas, effectively rendering them completely worthless.

Now, we’ve got everyone and their sister going to university. So what does that tell you about what will eventually happen to the value of a university degree? Nevermind. Don’t think about it. You’ve got finals to study for.

Statistics say university graduates make twice as much money (or even more) as those who only have their high school diplomas. But at what cost? University graduates end up with ridiculously high student loans to repay. They typically work significantly longer hours, always chasing after that elusive promotion or coveted corner office.

And should they come to realize that they absolutely despise the work that they’re doing, despite the fact that they used to be so interested and fascinated by it, they usually have to suck it up and spend the rest of their lives in a field of work that they hate. After all, when you've spent several years of your life and $40,000+ on a degree, it’s pretty hard to walk away from everything and start completely over. And when all is said and done, most university graduates remain in the struggling middle class. They sure as hell don’t die rich and happy.

Most of the wealthiest celebrities are high school dropouts. Either that or they just inherited their wealth, so going to school wasn't necessary anyways. Heck, Britney Spears has made more money in a space of 10 years than most of us will make in our entire lives and she’s still in 10th grade.

We’ve all been raised to believe that a university education is our ticket to a happy, comfortable life. But just think for a second: how many university grads do you know personally who hate their jobs? How many are defrocked and stone broke? How many are on antidepressants? How many haven’t even gotten the chance to regret their degrees yet because they can’t even get a job in their field?

Personally, I would rather make a fraction of the money of a university grad and be dirt poor my whole life if it means doing something I love. I don't care if my family shuns or disdains me for not going for post-secondary. I don’t want to spend my life making some already filthy rich drop out even richer while at the same time ignoring my personal potential and forfeiting my future happiness.

Of course, in some circumstances, obtaining a university degree is a necessary step in pursuing something that you love. However, in many cases, a degree is nothing more than a small slip of paper that tells the whole world that you are a certified worker ant.

[Zeus.]

Well what I want to do with my life takes a college degree. I would rather not work in restaurants and retail my whole life. So yea I think I'll be going and graduation college.

[Joker]

University is the best way to get a better life, in terms of finances. Not saying everyone will e a success, but its the best way for most people to get to where they want, or atleast think they want to be.

Pointless highlighting celebs, they get to their place on 'talent' 99.99% of people dont have and never will get.

But i do agree too much emphasis is placed on university, I know my school would disregard anyone who stated they didn't want to apply, giving them next to no help with regard to writing CVs, how to find jobs etc.

[Radio Storm]

Talent my eye. They deserve none of that green and gold, but oh well, some people are just spoiled that way I suppose.

[Zwitterion]

If people are willing to pay for something that someone can do I don't see why you say they don't deserve it...

[Joker]

Originally Posted by J-Rod

Talent my eye. They deserve none of that green and gold, but oh well, some people are just spoiled that way I suppose.

Spoiled? I don't see why, they work for the money, they have to give something for the money, what ever it may be, that is talent, thats why emily can't become a popstar, she has no sellable talent.

[Karxili'boq]

What pisses me off about Uni isn't that it's pointless (far from it, at least in the UK), more that a reasonable amount of people drop out before their first lecture. In the UK, there are a lot less places to meet demand, with upwards of 40,000 applicants and only 10,000 places, yet these people think it's fine to rob people of their right for further education by applying, getting in and dropping out before they even get to the first lecture. I'm not sure if those places get re-offered, but since I assume the term has started, I doubt they do until the next app time.

[Cosmic]

University is just one of many options for people these days, the other options just don't get the emphasis they deserve. The only thing this vent highlighted though is that society emphasises selfish desires so much that we persue education to the detriment of society. Ultimately, we're not worried about other people and could care less if our degree is one more wasted and uneeded addition. Just as long as we have a big house.

capitalism sucks.

[Dinosaur]

I say good for you. but talk to us in 20 years, see how you feel then.