Saturday, April 30, 2022

Could becoming a caregiver be the right path for you?

 

        Have you ever thought of becoming a caregiver? College is not required. It takes a very special human to take on this role. “There is intrinsic security that comes from helping other people in a meaningful way” (Covey, 2020, p. 353). 


        According to an article titled, “Top Qualities to Look for in a Caregiver” (2015), you need to have the following qualities:


        Caregivers value being around people. They enjoy one-on-one interactions. They value the opportunity to make a difference in their community. They like variety in assignments throughout their day. They value getting out from behind a desk and creating a lasting impact on those who are sometimes overlooked. “Caregivers don’t want to invest in years of formal education but are willing to learn new skills and continue training to do their job well” (Chamberlain, 2015). 


        Becoming a caregiver is another career path to consider. Click here to take a brief assessment to see if it is the right path for you. Click here for more ideas and opportunities for an exciting future that does not include college. Please share my blog with those around you and leave a comment below. Thank you for adding your voice to mine as we help students find their place in this ever-changing world. #collegeisnotthepathforeveryone

References
Image Sources

Despain, N. (2022, May 2). Image created using "Top qualities to look for in a good caregiver." Community Home Health Care.  https://commhealthcare.com/top-qualities-to-look-for-in-a-good-caregiver/

Nathan Eldon Tanner quote: "service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.". Quotefancy. (n.d.). https://quotefancy.com/quote/1613990/Nathan-Eldon-Tanner-Service-is-the-rent-we-pay-for-the-privilege-of-living-on-this-earth

 Sons in the workplace: The role of male caregivers. Home Instead. (2021, April 15). https://www.homeinstead.com/location/529/news-and-media/sons-in-the-workplace-the-role-of-male-caregivers/

What is a caregiver? | Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK8eYmJUt7Y

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Could becoming a hairstylist be the right path for you?


        Have you ever thought of becoming a hairstylist? This is another career path that does not require a route through college. Did you know that in China hairdressers or hairstylists are mostly men? According to one article, 90% are men (Olenakagui, 2019). Here in the United States, it is just the opposite, “90.8% of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are women” (U.S., 2022). Both men and women can find success in this exciting venture. One famous, male hairstylist is Paul Mitchell. He and John Paul Dejoria, pictured below, created the Paul Mitchell line in 1980 with very limited funds. Their company is now worth billions and has over 100 products in countries all over the world (Our Story, n.d.). 

        Hairstylists value professionalism. They take their jobs very seriously. They are accountable to their clients, themselves, and those they work with. They want their customers to leave feeling satisfied and looking their best. They love having an opportunity to use their creativity. They appreciate a work environment that allows them to express themselves and fosters a team-building atmosphere (Our, 2021). Hairstylists understand the importance of synergy. They have a natural ability to get to know people, to find out “their interests, hopes, goals, concerns, backgrounds, and frames of reference” (Covey, 2020, p. 315). In doing this they help individuals find their own value. 


        Leaders are needed in this career opportunity who can “prioritize, unify, and create strong personal and professional relationships” (Weishaar, Collin, & Amos, 2016, p. 126). There are several steps required to become a successful hairstylist.

1.     Training - This can be done through a technical/trade school during high school if there is a program nearby or a beauty or cosmetology school after graduation.

2.     License - Every state requires a license which oftentimes includes a formal exam at the end of training.

3.     Gaining Experience - Employment can be found in salons, spas, resorts, and even nursing homes.

4.     Earn Additional Certification

5.     Advancement Opportunities - Building a list of clients, managing in a salon, opening a salon of your own, or becoming a teacher are all ways to excel (Five, n.d.). 

The salary for hairstylists starts at $20,900 to $68,200 per year. 

        Becoming a hairstylist is a different path to consider. It is just one of the countless options available for students graduating from high school. If this is a career that is appealing to you, click here to get more information. Also, will you please help me by clicking here to add to a list I am compiling of other career opportunities for students that do not require a college degree? I am planning to share it next week with students, parents, teachers, administrators, counselors, and others who are interested. As always, I love hearing from you so leave a comment below and I promise I will respond to you. Please share my blog with the people around you. #collegeisnotthepathforeveryone

References

Covey, S. R. (2020). The 7 habits of highly effective people, Chapter about HABIT 6. 

Five steps to becoming a professional hair stylist. Learn.org. (n.d.). https://learn.org/articles/Hair_Stylist_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Professional_Hair_Stylist.html

Olenakagui. (2019, November 11). Chinese hair salons: Cheap haircuts, pricey hair coloring * the travel bug bite. The Travel Bug Bite. https://thetravelbugbite.com/2017/06/13/chinese-hair-salons-cheap-haircuts-pricey-hair-coloring/#:~:text=Some%20unexpected%20facts%20about%20Chinese,(an%20average%20of%20%245).

Our ten core values. Globe Salon. (2021, June 24). https://globesalon.com/globe-salon-our-ten-core-values/

Our story - about us: Paul mitchell schools. Paul Mitchell Advanced Education. (n.d.). from https://paulmitchell.edu/our-story

U.S.: Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists by gender 2020. Statista. (2022, January 11). https://www.statista.com/statistics/1086926/share-hairdressers-hairstylists-cosmetologists-united-states-gender/#statisticContainer

Weishaar, H., Collin, J., Amos, A. (2016). Tobacco control and health advocacy in 

the European Union: Understanding effective coalition-building. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 18(2), 122-129. http://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntv016

Image Sources

Hair stylist average salary in United States 2022. The Complete Guide. (2022).

Hair Stylist Quote. (n.d.). 

Image of John Paul Dejoria and Paul Mitchell. (1985).
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/john-paul-dejoria-and-paul-mitchell-co-founders-of-paul-mitchell-hair-systems/EQEd3BEFBRU4BQ

Male or female hairdresser. (n.d.). 

Monday, April 18, 2022

Could becoming an electrician be the right path for you?

        Many among us have perpetuated the myth that college is the only path to success. As a parent and a teacher, I confess that I am guilty of this erroneous behavior. I have had countless conversations with young people repeating the same question, “Where are you going to college?” Awkward. Students are annoyed. They give an answer that they think might be acceptable to end the conversation and be on their way.  


        We have the best intentions but are we practicing empathetic listening with a desire to understand? “Often when people are given the chance to open up, they unravel their own problems and the solutions become clear to them in the process” (Covey, 2020, p. 289). Figuring out for themselves what to do beyond high school is one of those times students can and should find their own solution. If college isn’t the path for everyone, what is the alternative? To this, I reply, “There are many different paths to success.” I will start with one: Becoming an electrician. 


        When you think of an electrician, do you automatically think of it being a man’s job? “In the United States, 2.4 percent of electricians are women” (Hannon, 2020). While these numbers are small, being an electrician is a career choice that should be gender-neutral and color blind. Tonya Hicks is the black woman pictured above. She learned all about tools and what they could do working with her uncle. Her role was to hand him the right tools as he fixed cars as an industrial mechanic. While attending college, Tonya was told that there were no opportunities for black women as mathematicians in the Defense Department which was her first dream. She quit college and applied to become an apprentice at her local electrical union. She was the first woman to finish. Tonya worked long hours and learned the trade. At times she was ignored but she persevered. After working for nine different companies, she started her own successful electrical contracting company. Now she works to empower other women. She explains, “Not until you are building up another person are you a true leader” (Hannon, 2020). Like any career choice, becoming an electrician requires leadership qualities. “Leaders who demonstrate integrity, trust, and respect, serve others with empathy and fairness, and are personally and socially competent” are valued and essential everywhere (Lumpkin & Achen, 2018, p. 6). 

        Men AND women are needed as electricians. One article that was written by Thomas Ferrier (2021) shares the basics that are needed to qualify to even think about becoming an electrician:

1. You must be 18.
2. You must either graduate from high school or take the Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED).
3. You must be healthy.
4. You must have a way to get to the trade school of your choosing and to work sites.
5. You must be able to work alone and with others.
6. You must also be able to listen to and implement instructions.

After these basics are met, further requirements on the path of becoming an electrician vary depending on where you live. Typically, you must attend a certain number of classes, get hands-on training while being supervised, and pass a test. 


Salary ranges are different and based on which state you practice. Idaho, Vermont, and Florida are among the lowest-paid electricians. New York, Oregon, Alaska, and Illinois are some of the highest-paid. Texas, Maine, Montana, and Utah fall in the middle range.  


As an electrician, the types of jobs available include a residential electrician, an industrial electrician, a maintenance electrician, and even an oil rig electrician. 


        Before you read this, did you even consider an electrician as a career path? Is this interesting to you, your child, your student, or someone you know? For additional information including how long it takes, how difficult it is, the cost, and the location of a school near you click here and get started today. College is not the path for everyone is my continued message. Becoming an electrician is just one path. There are so many others. If you need someone to talk to about what interests you, click here for a list of mentors that my followers helped put together last week. Feel free to add to it. Please share my blog with those around you and leave comments below if you have other suggestions for exciting career paths I can share in future blogs. I value your input. #collegeisnotthepathforeveryone

References

Covey, S. R. (2020). The 7 habits of highly effective people, Chapter about HABIT 5. 

Ferriere, T. (2021, July 8). How to become an electrician: 5 easy to follow steps. InterCoast Colleges. https://intercoast.edu/blog/become-an-electrician/ 

Hannon, K. (2020, March 5). In a field dominated by men, she's in charge. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/05/business/women-electricians.html

Lumpkin, A., Achen, R. M. (2018). Explicating the synergies of self‐determination 
         theory, ethical leadership, servant leadership, and emotional intelligence. 
         Journal of Leadership Studies, 12(1), 6-20.
         https://doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/jls.21554

Trade-Schools.net. (2022, March 29). How to get started in the awesome electrical trade. https://www.trade-schools.net/trades/how-to-become-an-electrician 

Image Sources

Ansary, A. (2021, April 15). How to get certified electrician jobs - steps: License: 
         Duties. Career Cliff. https://www.careercliff.com/certified-electrician-jobs/

Hannon, K. (2020, March 5). In a field dominated by men, she's in charge. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/05/business/women-electricians.html

How to become an electrician. Explore The Trades. (2022, March 24). https://explorethetrades.org/what-we-do/education/electrician/how-to-become-an-electrician/

Image of annoyed dog. (n.d.). Pinterest. 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, March 31). Occupational employment and 
wage statistics for electricians. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472111.htm 

Monday, April 11, 2022

Students! Is college the right path for you?

        How many times have you heard the question, “What do you want to do when you graduate from high school?” If you are close to graduation, then you are hearing it more and more as the school year comes to a close. What reaction do you get if you dare to say that college is not the path for you? The pressure to attend college is enormous. It is why so many young people choose college even though statistics show it isn’t always the best option. 

One major reason is the debt required to get through college.


A second reason is it may not be the best fit and students drop out.

A third reason is that not all degrees are worth the time and effort required and do not readily lead to employment.

For many starting in kindergarten, the message has been to every student to work hard and get top grades which will lead to a good college. A great job will follow and then you will live happily ever after. This is not the case for many. One young woman shares her story. She took out loans to attend an expensive private college to earn an associate’s degree in occupational therapy. The coronavirus hit just as she reached graduation. After two unsuccessful years of searching for a job, she ended up going back to the group home where she was previously working earning $16 an hour. She explains: “I would give anything to go back and not go to college. It wasn’t worth it. My credit score plummeted from missing one payment. I am literally trapped by these loans” (Wolfson, 2022). Do not let this be your story. 

        A study was done almost ten years ago. Twenty thousand high school students participated. The students were asked to read a list of values and mark each item that they felt was important or essential. Being treated with respect was number one on the list at 99 percent. Fifty-six of the students marked being popular as essential. Being wealthy was at 70 percent. Having good moral character, helping others, and having trusted personal relationships were at 98 percent. Would it be surprising to learn that right under those was getting into college at 97 percent? (Josephson, 2013). As a society, we have become habitual in believing and reciting to students that college is the best and only path. 



        Recently, a very wise teacher mentioned the author, Bryan Caplan, who wrote a book, “The Case Against Education: Why the Education System is a Waste of Time and Money.” She explained that he writes that college is not a good investment. It used to be that having a bachelor’s degree made a person stand out but now that many people have them, they do not mean anything. As young people have begun to realize this, they have sought even higher education pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees. She poses a great question, “Is it a proving ground to grow and self-actualize or is it just torture that needs to be let go?” (R. Reed, personal communication, April 7, 2022). College is not a necessity for everyone. There are plenty of other options:   

Find a job

Look for a trade school

Do independent research and study
 
Take a gap year

      You’re smart. You can and do think for yourself. Ask yourself, “Why am I making the decision to go to college? Is there a better choice that will put me on a future path that I will enjoy more?” This might seem overwhelming. In some ways, it might just seem easier to comply with society. I would urge you to “think through possible outcomes, both positive and negative, and weigh their personal costs” to you (Ratts, DeKruyf, & Chen-Hayes, 2007, p. 94). As you think about your future, it is important to surround yourself with those who subscribe to the Abundance Mentality. Look for a mentor that “takes their personal joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment and turns it outward, appreciating the uniqueness, the inner direction, and the proactive nature of others” (Covey, 2020, p. 251). Those are the ones that can help you on your path. This could be your mom, dad, a teacher, or a counselor. The list could get very long. My call to action is to start the conversation about what you want your future path to look like. Start this week with a trusted adult. You will inspire other students by sharing this blog and by adding potential mentors to the list I have already started by clicking on the link below:

References

Covey, S. R. (2020). The 7 habits of highly effective people, Chapter about HABIT 4. 

Josephson, M. (2013). What do teens really value? What Will Matter. https://whatwillmatter.com/2013/11/what-do-teens-really-value-a-josephson-institute-survey-of-more-than-20000-high-school-students-reveals-surprising-information-about-their-values/#:~:text=Being%20treated%20with%20respect%20%E2%80%93%2099,Helping%20others%20%E2%80%93%2098%20percent.

Ratts, M. J., DeKruyf, L., Chen-Hayes, S. F., (2007). The ACA Advocacy Competencies: A social justice advocacy framework for professional school counselors. American School Counselor Association. Available at http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/gsc/9

Wolfson, A. (2022, April 6). 'Going to college ruined my life.' I have $85K in student loan debt for my 'useless degree' but only make $16 per hour. how can I cope? MarketWatch. https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/going-to-college-ruined-my-life-i-have-85k-in-student-loan-debt-for-my-useless-degree-but-only-make-16-per-hour-how-can-i-cope-01649182222

Image Sources

Caplan, B. D. (2019). The case against education: Why the education system is a waste of time and money. Princeton University Press.

Image of jobs with low employment. 52 statistics & reasons not to go to college: 2021/2022 Data & Analysis. Financesonline.com. https://financesonline.com/reasons-not-to-go-to-college-statistics/

Image of reasons why students drop out of college. 52 statistics & reasons not to go to college: 2021/2022 Data & Analysis. Financesonline.com. https://financesonline.com/reasons-not-to-go-to-college-statistics/

Image of student debt. 52 statistics & reasons not to go to college: 2021/2022 Data & Analysis. Financesonline.com. https://financesonline.com/reasons-not-to-go-to-college-statistics/

Monday, April 4, 2022

Parents! Is college the right path for your child or is there another option?

         Here you are. Your teen is entering high school. You have big dreams for your child. You see their potential. You have invested in them so far and made them a priority. Your child's journey looks different from those around you, but you have adhered to the qualities that make up an effective parent as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education. You demonstrate love, offer support, define limits, set an example, teach them how to work hard and keep their commitments, provide meaningful activities, and show them the respect they have earned (Being, 2005). It will not be long and you will watch your child choose a path that will hopefully lead them to a meaningful and productive future. What will that path look like for your child? What if they have no desire to go to college? Do you know of other options? How can you help them find the path that is best for them?  

        You are your child’s advocate when it comes to a bright future. You value your child’s thoughts when it comes to what interests they have. You value their independence and want to be part of the solution as they explore pathways that best fit their unique style and personality. You do not want them to be burdened with unnecessary debt just because society says that they must go to college to be successful. You have a vested interest in helping your children become responsible, contributing members of society. One article by Becky Mather (2020) titled, “Preparation for Life After High School: The Future Lies Beyond Your Basement” by Becky Mather suggests that parents help their children visualize what life beyond high school looks like. She recommends bringing up the future often even if the conversation is short as long as it stays positive. She also counsels parents to initiate family outings that explore technical schools, potential job opportunities, and career tracks that do not require a college degree. Her final words of wisdom are to help your child see the next stage of life as an adventure and not something to fear. 

        It is our duty as parents to help our children figure out a path that explores options for a future where they can experience happiness and success. As we do this, we have a need to “understand [our children] deeply as individuals, the way we would want to be understood” (Covey, 2020, p. 222). To understand in this way, open communication is needed. One of the most important aspects of communication is the ability to really listen. When it comes to listening to your teens, experts suggest three things:

    1. Let your teen complete their thoughts without interruption.

    2. Do not jump in with your ideas about how to fix things. 

    3. You don’t have to agree or disagree with everything your teen says.

                                                                                                    (Communcating, n.d.) 

If you are anything like me, your ability to listen is a work in progress. You also find this part of the journey daunting and overwhelming. You need answers and ideas about what choices are out there. Did you know that 14% of employees at Google do not have a college degree? Did you know that 10% of the employment opportunities in the United States do not require a college degree and a person can still earn $53,000 a year? Some of those opportunities include becoming a pharmacy technician, dental assistant, esthetician, manicurist, medical assistant, police officer, and court reporter (Smith, n.d.). Does your child have any interest in these? Can you use them as a launchpad as you brainstorm other ideas together?                         


        I have three grown-up sons. Their junior year was such a pivotal time. I saw them less and less. With my oldest, I began a tradition of taking them away from their life and natural habitat for a few days. During those days, I had prepared a list of questions to ask them that would get them thinking about their future. It is an experience I will always cherish as they openly shared their thoughts and feelings. Not every parent has the resources to have the experience I was privileged to have. My call to action this week is for you to orchestrate one conversation about what kind of future your child envisions for themselves. As they talk, “keep your eyes, ears, and mind open” (Lichty, Rosenberg, & Laughlin, 2018, p. 637). Some questions that can get you started:


I would love to hear what you discovered in your conversation. Leave a comment below and spread the message to other parents by sharing my blog. Together with teachers, we can help our children find the right path. #collegeisnotthepathforeveryone 

References

Communicating with your adolescent. (n.d.). National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth. https://ncsby.org/content/communicating-your-adolescent

Covey, S. R. (2020). The 7 habits of highly effective people, Chapter about HABIT 3

Four questions to ask your teen about their future. My Ideal College. (2021, February 16).  https://www.myidealcollege.org/questions-teen-about-future/

Lichty, L. F., Rosenberg, K., Laughlin, K. (2018). Before there Is a table: Small wins to build a movement against sexual and relationship violence in a university context. Journal of Family Violence, 33, 629-645. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-018-9986-z

Mather, B. (2020, November 5). Preparation for life after high school: The future 

Smith, P. (n.d.). Careers You Can Have with No Bachelors or 4 Year Degree. Career Glider. https://www.careerglider.com/blog/top-careers-can-have-no-bachelors-degree/

US Department of Education (ED). (2005, December 15). Being an effective parent -- helping your child through early adolescence. Home. https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/adolescence/part5.html

Image Sources

Despain, N. (2022). Original text. Adventure. https://www.lifeadventures.us/wp-

Ten careers that don’t require a 4-year degree graphic. (n.d.). Career Glider.  https://www.slideshare.net/careerglider/careerglider-successful-mpv1