John England
In an age where information is just a few clicks away, college may not be the golden ticket to success it once was. Entrepreneurship, coupled with self-directed learning, has the potential to provide a better path to success than attending traditional college.
Many students are dropping out of college to try to take advantage of the artificial intelligence revolution taking over the technology industry. Their reasoning is sound. They might have the next billion dollar idea.
But artificial intelligence and technology are not the only path to entrepreneurial success. Look at John Willenborg, owner of Owl Vans. He has been a guest on Mike Rowe’s “The Way I Heard It” podcast. Owl Vans capitalizes on customizing trucks for outdoor adventures.
Learning is not limited to the walls of lecture halls. The ever-expanding world of websites and courses is available to everyone. Students can use paid platforms like MasterClass, Skillshare, or Udemy to learn anything from screenwriting to programming. But paid platforms are not the only resource. Many have used YouTube and TikTok to learn skills.
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These platforms enable learners to pursue their passions and passions. They offer flexibility, customization and a cost-effective alternative to college.
Cost-effectiveness may be the biggest draw to skipping college.
A looming specter haunts the lives of many graduates: student loan debt. The collective burden of student debt in the United States has reached a staggering $1.75 trillion. For some, this debt rises beyond $100,000, creating financial constraints that can take decades to get rid of. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that one in four college graduates earn less than $30,000 a year, and only 27% use their hard-earned degrees. These numbers paint a bleak picture, calling into question the return on investment promised by traditional education.
Many argue that formal education is the only path to success, but there are many examples that the opposite is true, examples of which include Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs. Granted, these are the obvious entrepreneurs, but the average entrepreneur salary is $72,000 per year. This is twice what many college graduates earn.
“I don’t consider going to college to be evidence of exceptional ability,” Musk said. “In fact, it’s better to drop out.” He and his company do not rely on degrees but on exceptional recruiting ability.
True believers in Jesus do not need a “secondary plan” for salvation and eternal life. They need to follow the actions of Jesus Christ, according to Pastor Greg Lee of Suncrest Christian Church in St. John’s. “Followers of Jesus – people of the church – tend to forget that following Jesus is the way to get to heaven. But they have somehow built a different way in their minds by convincing people of it, or convincing people of it, or telling people that they are wrong,” Lee says. This week’s show, Lee joins us in the studio to examine the Gospel about Jesus Christ and why so many Christians don’t act like Christ in their daily lives. “If you look at who Jesus directed his harshest words to, it was to religious people who were harsh to people who were on the fringes,” Lee tells Jerry, who has been on the fringes of spirituality for decades. We hope you’ll join us in a frank conversation—not a sermon—about faith, redemption, contentment, and forgiveness. Also, how to show grace and mercy to a species that instinctively seeks justice. About She Said, He Said With co-hosts Jerry Davitch and Karen Davitch, he unpacks all the baggage related to relationships, couples, and gender issues (and exes). “Because there’s a lot to unpack,” Karen says. Dangers of online dating. Fun flirting. Blended families. Difficult in-laws. Contact after arguments. First kisses and last divorce. You name it, they’ll unload it on “she said, he said.” All episodes are now available to view on NWI.com or to listen to on your favorite platforms like Apple, Spotify, Google, and Audacy. Subscribe so you don’t miss any new episodes. The couple’s podcast is sponsored by Times Media Co. and Lee Enterprises. It is recorded each week at CreataSpacePlace Studios in Hobart, Indiana, with local guests in the studio and timeless themes at the table.
The entrepreneurship landscape has never been brighter. Starting a business, especially in the digital age, is easier than ever. Young entrepreneurs can reduce their risk by starting when they are not worried about mortgage and family.
As Jay Dang, a young entrepreneur, said, there is a backup plan: “You can always go back to college if you fail.”
John England is a policy analyst at the Libertas Institute in Lehi, Utah. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Opinions are the author’s.
In a society that is increasingly placing emphasis on obtaining a college education, there is often pressure for young individuals to pursue higher education immediately after high school. However, the idea that college must be tackled right away is an outdated one. In fact, taking a gap year or exploring other options before committing to a college education can be a valuable and worthwhile decision. It allows young people to gain valuable life experience, explore various career paths, and better understand their own interests and passions before making a long-term academic commitment. Therefore, the notion that “college can wait” is one that should be embraced and supported.