Do you want to be rich ? , or a University Graduate

Why to become a University Graduate , but earn less than a Plumber ?

Is graduating from an international university is a path to become a rich ? .  Going to college doesn’t guarantee wealth, but it can increase your chances of higher earnings and social standing. College graduates, on average, tend to earn more over their lifetimes compared to those with a high school education or skilled trained peoples.

It’s also worth noting that college can be a significant investment, both in terms of time and money, so it’s important to think carefully about what and why you’re studying and how it aligns with your career goals and future money earning desire.

There are several reasons why  many college graduates from international Universities struggle to make money, even with a four year of degree. Here are some key factors:

1. Student Loan Debt: Many college graduates leave university with a significant amount of student loan debt. Paying off these loans can take years and can hinder their ability to build wealth, especially if their starting salary isn’t high enough to cover living expenses and loan repayments.
2. Choice of Major/Field: Some fields of study, like liberal arts, may not lead to high-paying job opportunities right away and harder to secure well paying jobs despite heavy investment of money and time .
3. Lack of Work Experience: College grads often have limited work experience, which can make it harder to land a high-paying job. Many students skip a year of college to do an internship to get a job experience to improve their CV. This leads to delay in completion of their graduation degree.
4. Job Market Saturation: Certain industries may have too many people with similar qualifications, leading to stiff competition for available jobs. In such cases, graduates might have to take lower-paying jobs at first, or struggle to find the job at right salary they want.
5. Under-employment: Due to un-employment some college grads end up in jobs that don’t require a degree at all, which means they’re not earning as much as they could be with a graduate degree.
6. Cost of Living: Even if graduates land a job, high living expenses in certain cities or regions can eat up a significant portion of their salary. This makes it harder to be sustainable and save a bit or build a wealth, even with a reasonable income .

Ultimately, while a college degree can open doors, financial success often depends on a combination of factors, including the job market, career choices, financial habits, and sometimes just timing and luck.

While college can be a good investment, it’s not a guarantee. It’s also worth noting that college degree is not the only path to financial success. There are alternative education routes like vocational training, coding boot camps, apprenticeships, and  skill certifications that can offer a good ROI, especially in industries like tech or skilled trades.

Spending a lot of money on a college education doesn’t guarantee a return on investment (ROI), but it can increase the chances of a positive ROI if managed carefully. The key to whether college is worth the money depends on several factors.

Is tradesmen better than a graduates :

There are several professions where people can make a significant amount of money without a traditional college degree. Many of these fields focus on skills, experience, and sometimes certifications or training programs rather than a university degree. Here are some high-paying options:

1. Skilled Trades

• Electricians: Many electricians learn their trade through apprenticeships or vocational schools. Once certified, they can work independently or for companies and often earn a good salary, especially with experience.
• Plumbers: Like electricians, plumbers typically go through apprenticeships or vocational training. Experienced plumbers, especially those who run their own businesses, can earn well.
• HVAC Technicians: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians work in residential and commercial sectors. Certification and experience can lead to high salaries.
• Carpenters: Carpenters are always high in demand in construction and furniture industries . They get qualified from a vocational schools .

2. Technology and IT

• Web Developers: Many successful web developers are self-taught or have gone through coding boot camps instead of getting a formal degree. With the right skills, they can work as freelancers or get high-paying jobs at tech companies.
• IT Support/Network Administrators: These roles focus on maintaining computer systems and networks, and many people can get started in these fields with certifications like CompTIA A+ or Cisco’s CCNA.

3. Real Estate

• Real Estate Agents/Brokers: Becoming a licensed real estate agent typically involves passing an exam and undergoing a short course. Successful agents and brokers can make a lot of money through commissions, especially in high-demand markets.
• Real Estate Investors: Many people make significant money by buying, selling, or renting properties. This requires capital upfront but can be highly profitable.

4. Sales

• Sales Managers: High-end sales jobs, such as selling real estate, high-value products, or services in B2B (business-to-business) markets, can yield significant commissions, bonuses, and base salaries.
• Insurance Agents: Successful insurance agents can make a lot of money through commissions, especially in areas like life insurance or health insurance.

5. Transportation and Logistics

• Truck Drivers: Long-haul truck drivers, especially those with experience or specialized training (e.g., hazardous materials), can earn a decent salary. Over time, they can even run their own trucking business.

6. Creative Professions

• Photographers/Videographers: Professional photographers and videographers can earn good money, especially if they specialize in events (weddings, corporate), media, or creative projects. Building a solid portfolio and client base is key.
• Social Media Influencers: While this one may sound unconventional, many people are making significant money by building large online followings on platforms like YouTuber, Bloggers , Instagram, or TikTok. Successful influencers earn good money through sponsorships, ads, and brand partnerships.

7. Construction Supervisors

• While many positions in construction require experience and technical skills, you can enter the field without a degree and move up the ladder. Successful Foreman or contractors can make a good salary, especially in large-scale projects.

8. Health and Wellness

• Massage Therapists: Certification programs in massage therapy can lead to a rewarding career with good pay, especially if you specialize in a particular area or open your own practice.
• Personal GYM Trainers: With certifications, personal trainers can work with clients directly, either at gyms or as independent contractors, and can earn a good income

9. Freelancing and E-commerce

• With the rise of the gig economy, many people are making money in various freelance roles (writing, graphic design, digital marketing, consulting,  Affiliate marketing etc.) through platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or direct client work. This type of work can provide high earnings, particularly if you specialize and build a good reputation and knowledge.

While a college degree is often considered a traditional path to higher income, there are plenty of lucrative careers that don’t require a degree. Many of these fields require specialized training, certifications, or self-teaching. The key is to find a field that matches your interests and skills, and invest in gaining the experience or credentials needed to succeed. One can be as wealthy as a University Graduate without a degree.

Graduate Job Market :

1. Un-employed University Graduates  ( Shortage of Jobs ) –

USA –

In the U.S., a significant number of university graduates face unemployment or underemployment after completing their degrees, though the extent of the issue can vary by field of study, location, and the overall economy. Here are some key insights into the situation:

Unemployment Rates for University Graduates in USA :

• The overall the unemployment rate for college graduates (those with a bachelor’s degree or higher) is  around 2.0% to 3.5%.  Estimates suggest that around 40% of recent college graduates are underemployed, meaning they work in jobs that don’t fully use their degree or are part-time, temporary, or lower-wage jobs.

CANADA –

Unemployment among university graduates in Canada has been a topic of concern, especially as economic conditions for the last 4-5 years , the job market, and fields of study influence employment prospects. Here’s an overview of the current situation for university graduates in Canada:

 Unemployment Rates for University Graduates in Canada :

• The unemployment rate for university graduates is generally experience an unemployment rate closer to 3.0% to 4.5%. According to some studies, as much as 45% of recent university graduates in Canada are underemployed. They might be working in part-time, temporary, or lower-wage jobs unrelated to their degree. Fields like humanities, arts, and social sciences are particularly vulnerable to underemployment.

UK –

Unemployment among university graduates in the UK is growing, though it tends to be lower than the general unemployment rate. Here’s an overview of the current situation for university graduates in the UK:

Unemployment Rates for University Graduates in UK :

• The overall unemployment rate in the university graduates are typically around 2.5% to 3.5%, although this varies depending on the field of study, economic conditions, and geographic location. where graduates get jobs that do not require a degree or are part-time, temporary, or lower-paying. It’s estimated that around 33%  graduates are underemployed in the UK.

AUSTRALIA –

Unemployment among university graduates in Australia has been a concern in recent years, but like many other countries, it varies depending on the field of study, economic conditions, and geographical location. Here’s an overview of the current situation for university graduates in Australia:

1. Unemployment Rates for University Graduates:

• As of 2023, the overall unemployment rate in Australia for university graduates is ranging from 2.5% to 3.5%. Underemployment, where university graduates work in jobs that don’t require a degree or in part-time, temporary, or lower-wage positions, is a significant issue in Australia. Around 20% graduates are underemployed, with many working in jobs that don’t make full use of their qualifications.

However, this doesn’t mean that all graduates do not find good jobs right away in their field of study. But some may still struggle, particularly in times of economic downturns or recessions due to COVID and war in Ukraine & Gulf.  Graduates in fields like the arts, humanities, and social sciences often face higher rates of underemployment compared to those in more vocationally oriented degrees like STEM, medicine, IT and law.

2. Shortage of Skilled Tradesmen  ( Shortage of Workers ) –

The US , Canada , UK & Australia is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled tradesmen across multiple industries. While the exact number fluctuates, here are some estimates and insights based on recent reports and trends:

The shortage of skilled tradespeople in these countries  is a major concern, with hundreds of thousands of positions unfilled across sectors like construction, manufacturing, plumbing, and electrical & other skill are high in demand. Addressing this shortage will require a multi-faceted approach including the improving the perception of skilled trades as viable, high-paying career paths.

Considering the above shortage  , it is definite that Tradesmen ( with 1-2 year skill Training course ) will not struggle to get the job in the market ,   but a University Graduate with 4 year of tough studies and heavy investment in education will takes years to get a right job to match their qualification and may have to do under-employed jobs for survival .

Life Comparison – University Graduate Vs Tradesmen

Comparing the life of a university graduate and a tradesperson offers insights into different career paths, financial outcomes, job satisfaction, and lifestyle choices. Both paths have their own advantages and challenges, and ultimately the choice depends on personal preferences, career goals, and the value placed on education vs. hands-on work.

1. Education and Training:

• University Graduate:
  • Path: A university graduate typically spends 3-4 years (or longer for advanced degrees) in academic study. They often pursue degrees in fields like business, engineering, medicine, or the arts.
  • Cost: University education can be expensive, with tuition fees often ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per year, plus additional costs for living, textbooks, and other fees.
  • Time Investment: A typical bachelor’s degree takes about 3-4 years, but for certain fields like medicine or law, it can take 5-7 years or more.
  • Outcome: Graduates typically enter their careers with theoretical knowledge, but they may require further training, internships, or certifications for specific roles.
• Tradesperson:
  • Path: Tradespeople generally start with vocational training or apprenticeships, which often involve a combination of on-the-job training and formal classroom instruction. Programs can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years, depending on the trade.
  • Cost: Apprenticeships often have minimal upfront costs compared to university degrees. In many cases, apprentices are paid while they learn, and training is often subsidized by employers or government programs.
  • Time Investment: The apprenticeship period typically lasts 1-2 years, depending on the trade. However, once you complete the apprenticeship, you’re often ready to work as a fully qualified tradesperson.
  • Outcome: Tradespeople gain practical skills and real-world experience, which often make them more immediately job-ready. They may pursue certifications or licensing depending on the trade.

2. Job Opportunities and Job Market:

• University Graduate:
  • Opportunities: Graduates typically enter fields like business, technology, healthcare, education, or finance. Some fields, such as medicine, law, and engineering, may offer high-paying jobs, but competition can be fierce, especially in desirable sectors.
  • Job Market: While some graduates land great jobs directly after university, others may experience delays in finding employment or may need to take positions unrelated to their degree. Un-employment rates among recent graduates can sometimes be higher, particularly in saturated fields.
  • Salary: The salary can vary widely based on the degree and industry. Fields like engineering, medicine, and law tend to offer higher starting salaries, while areas like humanities or arts may have lower starting wages.
  • Career Progression: Career growth for graduates often involves moving through office-based positions, climbing the corporate ladder, or gaining further qualifications.
• Tradesperson:
  • Opportunities: Skilled tradespeople are in high demand, particularly in construction, plumbing, electrical, welding, and HVAC. In many cases, there is a shortage of skilled workers, creating job security and the potential for high earnings.
  • Job Market: The demand for tradespeople remains always strong, especially in sectors like construction and infrastructure. However, tradespeople may need to relocate to take advantage of specific opportunities, particularly in regional or remote areas.
  • Salary: Tradespeople can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience and specialization. Some trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers, welders) offer wages comparable to or exceeding those of university graduates, especially once they become established in their careers.
  • Career Progression: Many tradespeople work for themselves after gaining experience, either by becoming contractors or starting their own businesses.

3. Work Environment and Day-to-Day Life:

• University Graduate:
  • Work Environment: University graduates often work in office-based jobs, which may include a desk, computer work, and meetings. The environment tends to be more formal, with structured hours (9-to-5, for example), and the job might involve working with teams or clients.
  • Day-to-Day Life: University grads usually follow a relatively predictable work schedule and engage in strategic, analytical, or management tasks. Some jobs may require travel or remote work.
  • Work-Life Balance: Depending on the field, office-based jobs may offer more predictable work hours, which can contribute to better work-life balance.
• Tradesperson:
  • Work Environment: Tradespeople typically work in hands-on environments, such as construction sites, residential or commercial properties, workshops, or factories. The work is more physical and often requires working with tools and equipment in a dynamic setting.
  • Day-to-Day Life: Tradespeople’s workdays can be long and physically demanding, often involving manual labor, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Depending on the trade, some work in teams while others may be more independent but has to be physically fit.
  • Work-Life Balance: Many trades offer the flexibility to work for yourself or take on multiple contracts, which can provide a good work-life balance. However, in busy seasons or with overtime work, tradespeople can face long hours, especially in high-demand industries like construction.

4. Financial Considerations:

• University Graduate:
  • Initial Costs: The cost of university education can be high, and many graduates enter the workforce with student loan debt. The burden of repaying loans can impact their financial freedom early in their careers.
  • Earning Potential: Over the long term, university graduates often have the potential to earn higher salaries than tradespeople, especially in fields like business, engineering, medicine, or technology. However, the starting salary may be lower, and it may take years to reach the highest earning potential.
  • Job Stability: University graduates may experience more job instability early on as they build experience or find their niche in a competitive market. Job security varies widely by industry.
• Tradesperson:
  • Initial Costs: The cost of training and apprenticeships is generally lower, and many apprentices earn a wage while learning. However, starting out as a tradesperson can sometimes mean working at lower pay until they gain more experience.
  • Earning Potential: Skilled tradespeople can earn competitive salaries, often with more immediate income potential compared to university graduates. Many trades offer good earning potential once individuals gain experience or specialize.
  • Job Stability: Tradespeople often experience high job stability due to the ongoing demand for skilled labour, particularly in industries like construction, plumbing, and electrical work. There is less risk of being made redundant compared to some office-based positions.

5. Job Satisfaction and Career Fulfilment :

• University Graduate:
  • Job Satisfaction: University graduates often enjoy jobs that involve problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration. For many, the intellectual challenge and career advancement are highly fulfilling.
  • Career Fulfilment: Graduates in certain industries, such as healthcare, education, or technology, may find a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment in their work. However, some may struggle and face dissatisfaction due to stressful working conditions.
• Tradesperson:
  • Job Satisfaction: Many tradespeople find satisfaction in the tangible results of their work. The hands-on nature of the job, the ability to work independently, and the sense of accomplishment from completing projects can be highly rewarding.
  • Career Fulfilment: For those who enjoy practical, physical work, being a tradesperson can be very fulfilling. Many also appreciate the autonomy that comes with working as a self-employed contractor or owning a business.

Choosing between a university graduate career and a tradesperson career depends on personal preferences, career goals, and lifestyle priorities. University graduates typically follow a longer educational path and may work in office-based or professional roles, while tradespeople can enter the workforce more quickly, earning competitive salaries while working in dynamic, hands-on environments.

My Conclusion :

Most of the international students from Asia , China & Africa goes to USA , Canada , UK or Australia  for Graduate studies . Their target is to live in these countries for rest of their life after graduation. But after obtaining graduate degree they struggle to get suitable job to match to their qualification . This results in to they remain un-employed for months and Year . And for survival they end up doing low level jobs and face under-employment scenario. Graduate take years to get established financially.

On the other hand , those who get training as tradesmen get job immediately without a wait after their course . By adding few year of experience they earn as  equal to University graduate and live a better life. As per my experience after working many years overseas , those who belong to business family doing business which require skilled workers , can avoid going for graduation studies as an international students but join the family business after getting training as a tradesman. ROI of a tradesmen is far better than a Graduates .

Below videos explain the job reality of University Graduate and Skilled tradesmen.

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