I did the thing. I was in high school. My high school had an option to do tech school part time and graduate with an associates. I wanted to do automotive tech. My guidance counselr said don’t do that you’re SMART. Go to college.
I did. I got a full scholarship. I probably wouldn’t have gone if I didn’t.
“Go for stem” they said “guaranteed good career.” I did. I have no student loans but the only career really open to me was teaching through a program that gave people with a bs an option to teach as they gain a teaching certificate. I guess I didn’t do it right. Didn’t network enough.
Started a career in manufacturing. I’m SMART. I’m an ok machinist now. Wages are fine, but not what I was promised for doing the thing.