Is it possible for a family to focus on anything more practical than securing the job of its main wage earner in today’s difficult economy? You may not think so until I suggest that the future career opportunities available to our children and grandchildren will command our anxious attention for years to come because the national economy will dictate so.

Where Is This Economy Going?

Do not be misled by the somewhat constant pronouncements by the national media that the “recession is over” because this is not factually accurate information. In truth, economists advise that there is no core relief in sight for the present economy and that the mounting multi-trillion dollar national debt will outlive our children and grandchildren – promising to undermine the quality of their lives. How do we best prepare our children to face this self-perpetuating economic challenge?

Career Options For Our Children

Clearly, parents who have intended to send their children to college should steadfastly remain dedicated to this cause. However, because the escalating national debt promises to marginalize career opportunity for some time to come (FYI: two years’ of college graduated seniors are now stacked up without job opportunities), it is important that parents counsel their children to build “living wage” options into their careers.

…our children should commit to acquiring a “skilled trade” to complement any college degree earned because America will always need skilled tradesmen…

This means that before, during and/or after the pursuit of a college education, our children should commit to acquiring a “skilled trade” to complement any college degree earned because America will always need skilled tradesmen.  Acquired skilled trades will maximize every American’s opportunity to earn a living wage pending the economy’s return to a full-employment mode, which some economists suggest may not be any time soon. However, once the economy does recover, our children would then have the option of applying their college degrees to seek career opportunity in the private sector, or of continuing on with their skilled trade employment status. All the bases would be covered.

To complicate matters, you should note that the Obama administration recently nationalized the College Student Loan Program, which suggests that you can expect a change in tuition loan dispensing policy. Be sure to monitor this program as your children approach college age.

Skilled trades represent a unique opportunity for our children to weather difficult economic times…

Skilled trade education is readily available through adult and vocational educational programs. Everyday examples of skilled trades are: electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers, car/truck mechanics, masons, butchers, chefs/bakers, law enforcement, firefighters, nurses aides, barbers, court reporters, blacksmiths, dental hygienists and so on. The military, of course, presents another secure job opportunity, as do the always-necessary college degree-based professions of accounting, nursing, pharmacy and golf course superintendency. Many of the above listed trades and professions traditionally have had people shortages.

Never has it been more important in our country’s history to steer our children to secure nesting grounds as it is now.  Make your case now, or your children may be living at home longer than you anticipate.