AlexsMom, I come from both an acct & IT background, and your words are true for both!
Truly though, if my DD7 had an interest in learning a skilled trade, I'd be supportive of that interest. The school system here is such that she could both get a university degree (I'd suggest in something like business) and training in a trade, the combination of which would prepare her to do more than "just" practice the trade.
I echo your thoughts here too.
Skilled trades are good work, but just as dependent on the vagaries of supply and demand as any other work - plus she might not want to be crawling around in the muck at age 60.
Interestingly, my father turns 60 next month. He had an interview on Friday to do a less physical job now that he's older. He's been an HVAC guy since he came back from Vietnam in 1971. The trade has been good to him, but at 60, he can't be climbing to rooftops and lifting heavy equipment. He does not have a degree, but I imagine, if he did, he would have left the daily grind at least 10 years ago.
