That's fair. And you're probably correct that there's more to it.
Another issue could be our unwillingness to push young people towards trades that will be in demand for the foreseeable future.
I know plumbing and painting contractors who make six figures. Yet, I rarely hear anyone say "Hey, have you considered a career owning your own plumbing business". Instead, it's "Study what you love and rack up some debt."
Speaking of plumbers, an anecdote. I had to have a plumber at my house a few months ago and I flat asked him why I had to pay him so much.
He looked at me (I'm 30, he was in his 60s) and said, "because people your age don't want to become plumbers."
I really do think the community and technical college system should be better utilized and promoted, but I'm not going to blame four-year college degree students for economic problems well outside their control.
Another issue could be our unwillingness to push young people towards trades that will be in demand for the foreseeable future.
I know plumbing and painting contractors who make six figures. Yet, I rarely hear anyone say "Hey, have you considered a career owning your own plumbing business". Instead, it's "Study what you love and rack up some debt."