25 years old and deep in debt

[Phillip V]

How many people, particularly those not going to college, are availing themselves of public libraries, museums, bookstores and "free online" sources such in the manner that the author was suggesting? Reading Teen Paranormal Romance probably doesn't suffice.

Anne Rice taught me everything I need to know about vampires. And about 13 year old witches seducing their grandfathers.

Which book?

[garbon]

How many people, particularly those not going to college, are availing themselves of public libraries, museums, bookstores and "free online" sources such in the manner that the author was suggesting? Reading Teen Paranormal Romance probably doesn't suffice.

Anne Rice taught me everything I need to know about vampires. And about 13 year old witches seducing their grandfathers.

Which book?

I believe there was only one book that featured both the witches and vampires, so I'd wager he is referring to at least two.

[Ideologue]

How many people, particularly those not going to college, are availing themselves of public libraries, museums, bookstores and "free online" sources such in the manner that the author was suggesting? Reading Teen Paranormal Romance probably doesn't suffice.

More than have ever done so in the history of civilization.

[Eddie Teach]

Which book?

The Witching Hour, or possibly the sequel Lasher.

[garbon]

How many people, particularly those not going to college, are availing themselves of public libraries, museums, bookstores and "free online" sources such in the manner that the author was suggesting? Reading Teen Paranormal Romance probably doesn't suffice.

More than have ever done so in the history of civilization.

Irrelevant. We've more people than ever in the history of civilization. We also have more of those things.

[CountDeMoney]

Oh, I agree it is a rather aristocratic argument, because it basically assumes income isn't a big issue for the degree taker.  As a caveat, I'd add unless you're going to an elite institution, it's probably best to study something more practical, like business, computer science or plumbing.

The surveys and studies and statistics have been saying the same thing for the last 25 years:  along a long enough timeline of a career, liberal arts graduates see a greater elevation in the increase of income than STEMs and specialization, who see more money coming out of the career gate.   
And in the modern economy, where an individual's work lifespan can entail several careers, with rare exceptions, they are better suited to move along multiple career paths than those with specializations.

[DGuller]

Oh, I agree it is a rather aristocratic argument, because it basically assumes income isn't a big issue for the degree taker.  As a caveat, I'd add unless you're going to an elite institution, it's probably best to study something more practical, like business, computer science or plumbing.

The surveys and studies and statistics have been saying the same thing for the last 25 years:  along a long enough timeline of a career, liberal arts graduates see a greater elevation in the increase of income than STEMs and specialization, who see more money coming out of the career gate.   
And in the modern economy, where an individual's work lifespan can entail several careers, with rare exceptions, they are better suited to move along multiple career paths than those with specializations.

Isn't it like saying that Afghanistan has a greater GDP growth than US?  Yeah, it does, but that doesn't mean much.

[CountDeMoney]

Isn't it like saying that Afghanistan has a greater GDP growth than US?  Yeah, it does, but that doesn't mean much.

No, it isn't like saying that at all.

[DGuller]

Isn't it like saying that Afghanistan has a greater GDP growth than US?  Yeah, it does, but that doesn't mean much.

No, it isn't like saying that at all.

It so is.

[CountDeMoney]

'Snot.

[Ed Anger]

Call him a dirty Slav.

[Camerus]

Oh, I agree it is a rather aristocratic argument, because it basically assumes income isn't a big issue for the degree taker.  As a caveat, I'd add unless you're going to an elite institution, it's probably best to study something more practical, like business, computer science or plumbing.

The surveys and studies and statistics have been saying the same thing for the last 25 years:  along a long enough timeline of a career, liberal arts graduates see a greater elevation in the increase of income than STEMs and specialization, who see more money coming out of the career gate.   
And in the modern economy, where an individual's work lifespan can entail several careers, with rare exceptions, they are better suited to move along multiple career paths than those with specializations.

As long as you aren't graduating with any debt, then it may be worth it in the long term... though I bet one often needs to combine the humanities degree with more practical training as well.

FWIW, with my educational background in the humanities, I have never found it difficult to find a good job in Canada, and have shifted careers several times.  In fact, I will be shifting again in the not too distant future when I return for good in the summer, so hopefully the trend will continue.

[Neil]

I would imagine that we'll see those results change as the years go by.  After all, the world is changing.  These days, it's computers that make the hiring decisions, and those computers are fed parameters by extremely stupid women in HR.

[Ideologue]

Liberal arts graduates can transition with ease and grace between all numbers of career tracks, from the kitchen to the dining room.

P.S. Cam is back!

[garbon]

P.S. Cam is back!

The poster above didn't leave as far as I know. Just a name change.