Things may be different in the US but people in trades do VERY well financially here, or there is certainly the potential. My best friend just paid a plumber $25k for 3 days work, certainly he had costs to pay but we are both very confident he's running a very profitable business too!
Yes, that's it exactly. It's true that manufacturing jobs are moving overseas, but there are many skilled jobs in between manufacturing and white-collar jobs (which are also being shipped overseas). They include work for plumbers, electricians, entry-level technicians (e.g. glassware washing and care, etc.), auto mechanic, etc. etc.
I'm not convinced that the higher-earnings thing with a B.A. is always true (a highly skill plumber or carpenter will probably earn more than a mediocre sales guy). Plus, there is more to life than how much you earn. I kind of think that an economy with too many people who do their jobs just for money is going to have problems.
Val
