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blue collar work isn't a magic bullet either.

Maybe I'm just ignorant but who is saying this and what is the reasoning? Magic bullet for what exactly?

For decades I have know that Skilled trades are neglected and even looked down on largely by our culture and institutions.

To me, that is a problem. A problem for us collectively. And a glut of people with bachelor's degrees but not skills and tons of debt is a waste. That's a problem.

What am I missing?

I think that's what I'm trying to figure out. The narrative is that people aren't going into skilled trades because it's neglected and looked down upon. That's how I think/thought too, but from reading this article it also seems possible that the skilled trades are not actually a very attractive career to go into.

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I think you might need to consider looking into other trades beyond Ford mechanics. I believe plumbers, welders, and electricians have pretty good outlooks.

You aren't gonna get rich but you can raise a family. It's not a magic bullet. That's the wrong kind of thinking. I just haven't heard that. What I have heard is more like, hey you can avoid college debt and get in the workforce quick. Make a good living. Work with your hands.

Like most things if you wanna make real money you need to start a business. Which one can do in these trades. Those are the guys that make bank.

My dad wanted me to be a mechanic. I can do it. I just never liked it enough. I would t wanna do it and I don't think it pays great. If I had to pick a trade other than Software it would be Electrical

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maybe it's a silver bullet?

I know a mechanic in Kansas City who is well compensated as an employee. He is in high demand. If he quit his current shop, 5 other shops would offer him a job.

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There is a difference between one example and averages or patterns. But being skilled in many areas and working hard can result in being in demand and well compensated.

Not a silver bullet but also could be a good career.

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In my friend's case he is a very good and experienced mechanic. A handful of his clients are used to play for KC Chiefs

being skilled in many areas
Scott Adams called this talent stacking:

from Lumo...

Scott Adams’ talent stack consists of:

Creative cornerstones: top‑25 % drawing + top‑25 % writing with humor.
Commercializing skills: business acumen, strong work ethic, and risk tolerance.
He emphasizes that the stack combines solid, complementary abilities rather than elite mastery in any single area.

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Adam's books are great. Underated. Skill stacking is something I have practiced for most of my career and I have taught all of the young men in my circle of influence.

Working smarter and harder pays off eventually. There is a toxic doomer mentality we should be fighting. I see it in many young men. It's a lie. It's an easy excuse. There are still so many opportunities and good people. You just don't find them with a negative loser attitude.

Never say, I can't. Say how can I?

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WSJ has really gone down hill like the Economist

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Too many elitist snobs in this thread and SN in general

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Still much better than most places online in that regard.

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Hacker News

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LOL. Hacker News is dominated by elitist people. Devs.

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