More young adults have dreams of earning social media income instead of pursuing college or regular jobs

     Many teenagers have watched online influencers gain fame, money and notoriety by YouTube ad revenue, sponsorship, affiliate marketing, and selling their own products. Some have went viral on Tiktok or Facebook by posting comedy style videos, cooking tutorials, or even by giving their opinions of celebrity gossip and current events. These are fun ways to make money and even gain fame if that is what you are after, but this also discourages teens from working regular jobs or going to college or joining the military. Some high school age children see people getting rich by having fun and posting online, they may feel like college is some far fetched dream that will take up too much of their free time. Everyone wants instant success and short cuts to fame and fortune. As we move more into the digital world where everything (almost everything) is online within our fingers reach. This is where everyone spends their time, it would make sense to make some money and avoid commuting to work and filling out a bunch of job applications that probably will never call back anyway. However, we must realize and teach our children that everyone is not going to gain instant success and become a big name money making online personality. 

    Going to college, starting a business, or working a regular 9 to 5 job is still something to look forward to and more realistic. We still need doctors, nurses, lawyers, bus drivers, teachers, and retail workers. These jobs may not be for everyone, but neither is going viral and getting rich from a podcast. College is still something to thrive for. It's a place to network, find identity and figure out what you want to to do for the rest of your live. College is about finding long lasting friendships, building lifelong bonds and get prepared for the world outside of our parents nest.

With the high cost of living, just about everyone is looking for a second income or a way to work less and make more money while having more time to play and party. 

College Debt Crisis and What parents need to teach their Children

Growing up, I recall having dreams of going off to college and becoming a part of the nursing field   or becoming a social worker. Like many children, I grew up thinking that going away to college was a fail proof ride to success. I never really thought about the struggle of working while in college or the amount of debt that I could end up in with student loans. All I heard over and over is that college is the way to success and happiness. Teachers and coaches often spoke about college as if it was the ultimate goal after high school. I recall career days in high school where several colleges would come to our campus and cheer on about how great college was. They made college seem so exciting and the only way to obtain a successful career.
Now, with all the debt that Americans are in, is it really worth it to go to a four year college? Parents still push their children to attend college, even without scholarships and college funds planned ahead. Parents should invest and save for their children's college education if they want their children to attend.

I recently spoke to a young woman that attended college and took out over 80K in student loans. She is still searching for employment after receiving her BA in social work. She expressed how she was overwhelmed with debt and how peers in her age bracket didn't attend a 4 year college and are currently employed and don't have student loan debt. Although ever situation is unique, every person should investigate and research on their own before taking out loans and attending college.
Many parents don't research. They just want to send their children to college and chase a dream. There are too many things to take into consideration. Like picking a major, the cost of college, and the amount of student loan debt after attending college. Also take into consideration that junior colleges and community colleges are usually free for low income families.There are also entrepreneurship workshops, business classes at local adult schools and small trade schools. I have witnessed many parents pushing their children to college and not realizing they are encouraging student loan debt and not do any research on majors.

Parents should encourage their children to take internships, work regular jobs and attend business workshops. This experience will allow children to pick their own career and follow their own destiny.  A young adult will discover where he or she wants to be in life. This will give them knowledge, wisdom and a sense of independence. Everyone will not take the traditional path to college. High school children should be exposed to business investors, entrepreneurs, and other self employed trades. Parents are pushing their children to attend college, without allowing them to follow their own dreams.

I am not against college, I have a degree and I am working on a second one. I just want young adults to chose college on their own and not be forced into it. This leads to regrets, and resentment.