“As a college instructor, I see lots of young people in class who clearly hate being there. They don’t feel like they were ‘made for school’…”

Ann Althouse summary:

“… they have no idea what they’ll do with their diploma once they graduate, they have no particular interest in the program they’re in…. My own son was … pretty lost, after struggling in studies to be a software developer (constantly at home, alone, in front of a computer), then working in customer support for an insurance company (constantly at home, alone, in front of a computer). It wasn’t that he couldn’t do the work, but he procrastinated, felt many tasks were pointless, and just wasn’t happy. But his dad and I both have PhDs and his sister is an MD, and it seemed he felt he ‘should’ be in university. Then he found out about an opportunity to train as a baker. 8 months of classes and practice in a very good gov’t run program (free), then a month as a trainee at a bakery. He lucked into a popular local artisanal place, very well known for their baguettes, croissants and sourdough. They hired him as soon as he was finished, and he’s SO HAPPY there! He’s interacting with others all day, he’s always on the move and always learning, and can see the results of his work immediately (and eat it too!)….”