Man explains why college may not be be worth it for everyone: 'We need to give our kids options'

The traditional way of life for many is restricted to going to school followed by college and then a job. However, with technology and many budding options, students have the freedom to opt out of college and pick different streams to get into. Undoubtedly, nothing beats the college experience like many have cherished but it is not necessary that everyone may find it as thrilling and contributive to their lives. Freddie Smith—who goes by @fmsmith319 on TikTok—shared a video where he revealed that research mentions that college is still a pretty solid option but he also shared a unique perspective stating that the case doesn’t have to be the same for all.

“College is worth it, of course, but not for everyone. We need to change the narrative and give our children options,” he said. He shared his experience where he was only given the option to go to college or find some trade work otherwise he’d be deemed as a “loser.” However, Smith explained that today there are many more outlets for young people to explore. “There are 300 options children can explore but they don’t want you to do that. They want you to go to college, spend $60,000 and give five and a half years of your life,” he added. While Smith acknowledged that the same may work brilliantly for some, he stressed the fact that others need freedom of choice.

Smith shared the idea that college may be a great option for those who have things like their stream, career, future pay and so on panned out. “I’m all for college but I’m not for the narrative that if you don’t go to college, you’ll be a loser,” Smith pointed out. He also encouraged millennials to understand that their times were different when they had a strict or predefined way to follow. “We need to give our children options. We have more options for work in human history than ever before” Smith highlighted. “We need to provide those opportunities to our children and not stuff college down their throat,” he concluded.

Many people left their opinions and added to what Smith said. @smilehavefunhydrate said, “Vocational training should be pushed more and geometry and algebra shouldn’t be mandatory.” @laurengnomes6277 said, “I graduated in 2011 and my district made sure we never knew trades were an option. It was either college or nothing.” Several others agreed with Smith’s idea of needing to have a fixed plan before getting into college to get the most out of it. @zen_7112 said, “College is worth it if you know what you’re going for, college is not the place to figure it out.”

@fluffyhairqueen96 said, “Totally agree with this. College has been worth it for me but may not be for everyone.” @sydneyconnellong said, “I know so many who have a degree in things that are nowhere near their career.” @marie_lakisha said, “Today it’s the license and the certifications that get you jobs, not the number of irrelevant degrees you have.” @kimberlydimples said, "GenXers were fed the same narrative and made you feel bad if you didn’t live up to their expectations.” 

You can follow Freddie Smith (@fmsmith319) on TikTok for more content on lifestyle.