I heard this morning that the auto industry is in need of 35,000 auto mechanics (automotive technician). It takes no college at all to become an automotive technician.
The average college tuition is $30-$50,000/year or $120-$200,000 for a complete 4-year education. However, since there are so many 4-year degree graduates out there, employers are recommending that if you want to advance, you need a master's degree - another 2 years.
To save money, one could go to a Community College for the first two years and then transfer to a college or university, but do you want to spend all that money on education when you will spend the majority of your career paying off that educational loan.
One should seriously consider going to a Community College and pursue a TECHNICAL degree in something like:
- auto mechanics
- heavy duty mechanics
- computers
- electronics
- electricity
- carpentry
- plumbing
- heating & air conditioning
- programming
- criminal justice
- construction
- physical therapy
- massage therapy
- nursing
- paralegal
- etc.
Another idea is to apply for a job in retailing, hospitality, restaurants, manufacturing, real estate, life insurance, and/or maintenance.
No matter what career that you pursue, you are going to have to PAY YOUR DUES anywhere from 10-20 years before you move up through the ranks and attain one of those few high paying management jobs.
ALL CAREER LEVELS HAVE THEM... it just takes time to get there.