There comes a point in each of our lives when we have to decide how to make a living. Most often that choice comes around high school graduation time. The motivational speakers at graduation events always say “Live your dreams” or “Reach for the stars” or some such drivel. I felt hesitant about taking advice from people, especially men, wearing gowns.

The truth is, everyone except trust fund kids have to develop a plan for their future. It boils down to “Get a job” which equals “Live your dreams,” or “Go to college” which equals “Reach for the stars.”

A job provides you with an income, allows you to get your own apartment, buy that hot Camero and enjoy freedom from curfews. If you work diligently through the years, grading grommets at United Blivits Inc., support the union, get regular raises and earn promotions you can raise a family, buy a home and retire with a watch and a nice pension. You’ll have a pretty good life, maybe even dreamy.

Then there is the college route, available to more people in this country today than ever before. In fact having a degree is almost as necessary as a high school education was when I was young (well…younger) if you want to make it today.

Problem is, college costs big bucks. If your family can’t pay for it you need to get loans and work your way through, stopping occasionally for a cold beer, maybe a bit of partying, perhaps a little…. Point is, you will have to survive without much disposable income and few possessions during your period of educational enrichment.

After two, four, six or more years of hard work you graduate with that precious piece of paper. You are in huge debt but you are now qualified to get – A Job! Sorry, I mean – A Position!

Remember the last post when I talked about the true cost of a home? A college education has similar costs of money, work and time. Paying off a mortgage gets you a Home. Paying for college gets you – Potential. Now what if…?

Think this over. I’ll be back.