The Cost of Public Education
Have I mentioned lately that I hate looking for a job? Aside from the endless questions from HR departments who actually think their psycho-babble questions will weed out the bad employees, the total disregard for employees as human beings insults even my limited intelligence. It makes me wonder how we ever managed to climb up out of the muck to become the dominant species on Earth well, aside from cockroaches.
Why would anyone in their right mind actually post a job position without filling in the part that says compensation? Are employers so ashamed of themselves that they’re paying so little? How about asking for BA or BS degree minimum, Master’s degree preferred when they list the requirements for a position that pays $25k - $30k per year? Apparently I’ve been reading job listings from employers caught in a time-warp who still think education is free(?).
My wonderful partner reminds me that if I?m going to quote figures I should cite some authority, but since all dozen or so of the people who read my Blog can probably take my word for it, I’ll dispense with that formality this time. Check out your local newspaper or online job-search if you feel like doing your own research. You might also check the cost of college attendance at your local college or University. In both cases I think you’ll see that any figures I use are pretty conservative.
Minimally, the cost of a four year degree in the United States is about $50,000. This includes tuition, books, and anything else the school can add on along the way. Unless your daddy is Bill Gates, most of us will have to borrow the money and eat peanut butter for four years, or our parents and families will while they try to help. Do the math, thats about $12.5k per year that will have to be borrowed or paid out per year to get Johnny or Mary that college education you?ve been dreaming about for them. Ok, yes, I am getting to the point, wait for it.