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Graduated from HS in 1982
US Army Military Police 1982-1985
Job Offer from Los Angeles PD in late 1985 (easy 50k per year in late 80's). Went home to Cincy instead. U of Cincinnati 1985 till 1990. Your right, should have attended business school instead of liberal arts. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid...Graduated 1990
I wasted 5 years in college.
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In 1990 when I was heading off to college, a mechanical engineer average salary was $35K/year. At the time, I thought that would have been great! Especially since my parents were both working their arses off to make a combined $25K or less per year. At $50K/yr...you are right, you would have been better to take that job in 1990, but it seems you've done well, and despite the 90's you might not be where you are today if the circumstances were different. Congrats on your success.
When I got my first engineering job, technicians at the company were making more than me to start! Some were making 2-3 times what I made my first year. I wasn't discouraged. I knew that over time, I would surpass them and the security and opportunites my degrees provided would count for something. I was determined....and within a relatively short career, I make more money in a year than I spent on college over 7 years. I have no regrets, and I would not be where I am if I had not gone to college. But I had a goal in mind...and I'd like to think that I made a lot of right moves along the way, despite derailing myself mid may through college because I lost focus and enjoyed the girls and drinks a little too much.
By the way...technicians in the oil and gas business start out in the high 40's and can make 60-70K in a very short time if they are smart and eager to work...and the work is easy compared to what I saw my parents do to ear $25K/yr. So for some kids...college is really not the only option.