You do have a point that students who don’t have a strong inclination to go on to higher education or don’t know what they want to do (a category your Starbucks pal apparently falls into, since he’s not working a research job or internship or something that might give him a wider range of opportunities when he graduates) should be more aware of the alternatives out there. Skills like yours are valuable, and should be more respected than they are.

That said, given that you’re already doing so well for yourself, why do you need the associates’ to pull down that $39 an hour? Obviously the formal education has some value, even if you don’t plan on using it as a stepping stone to anything else.

I understand where you are coming from, but you have to see the other side as well =)
First off, people do not get Degrees JUST for the $, they get it for the knowledge and the experience which will be with them a lifetime. (No one can ever take away from them) Secondly, I also think that many of the jobs offered by The Union don’t appeal to most people.
I for one would not want to work @ a job where I would get dirty everyday nor would I want to work @ a place where I would take the risk of being electrocuted 3

A degree in Aerospace Engineering (like mine) is still extremely valuable and makes 50-60k starting easy, and could lead to over 100k in the long run.
For other careers that might be true, but you are placing a monetary value on having a career that you love. I am personally going to go teach abroad (which requires a Bachelors) for about 22k a yr and I would not trade it for your job, no matter how much it pays, it doesnt interest me.

You are also neglecting this. Sure you make a lot, but if it were me, what use is wasting 8 hrs a day 5 times a week, 11 (sometimes more) months a yr for what? to be happy that 1 month vacation I get to actually spend my money? No thanks. I think the real problem is the obsession with putting monetary value on a career you love. If you love what you do, good for you, But I will stick to teaching and making rocket engines.. thanks