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Old 03-21-2006, 10:40 PM   #16 (permalink)
abaya
 
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Location: Iceland
I have to say, some of the folks here have something with their take on getting technical training. Sometimes I think I'd be better off dropping this anthropology PhD track and learning a trade, something useful and interesting I could do to actually help people on a daily basis. I've always had great respect for manual laborers. My dad dropped out of college (he was studying marine biology) and apprenticed himself to carpentry; he learned to build houses (and everything in them) like it was nobody's business.

Even though he has now moved into the more specialty area of plumbing (a lucrative trade, I can tell you that) in order to take off some of the physical strain of carpentry, he is kick-ass at his job and manages his own hours. No one to answer to, always his own boss, and doing his best at helping people, which is what he really loves about the job. Not to mention making a hell of a lot more per hour than I ever have, with my multiple degrees.

Of course, manual labor is HARD. That's why Dad always wanted me to stay in school as long as I could; he didn't want me breaking my back like he has (literally--his physical problems are legion), and he seems to regret never going farther in college. Even though he is what I would call a professional, someone who deserves a farking PhD in what he does, he still thinks formal education is the way to go. Who am I to argue? All I can say is that I've never held his lack of official papers against him, but maybe he would've chosen to stay in school if he had his 'druthers.

It comes down to what you want, and what you might regret someday. Let me know if you ever figure that out, since I'm still thinkin'...
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