It is commonly assumed not going to college is risky. Most accept without question that going to college is a safer choice.
Based on what?
What’s safe about spending $150,000 and four valuable years of your life being kept out of the world of commerce you are likely to inhabit–with no guarantee that the market will value what you’ve gained?
It only seems safe because nearly everyone does it. Sometimes the well worn path is less risky. Then again, sometimes the herd runs off a cliff.
Treat college like all other decisions and weigh costs and benefits (including opportunity cost), and it turns out to be a pretty high risk play to put that much time and money into getting a piece of paper that may or may not actually increase your market value.
All decisions are risky. None come with guarantees. Break through the cultural narrative that says college is good no matter what, and analyze it against the alternatives. Do what’s best for you.
