by Erika Livingstone

Created on: August 29, 2009

When the economy was good, a rumour was started stating that young people would make more money dropping out of school and learning a trade. Builders were in high demand and were guaranteed a job, even if they rushed through their training. Less than two years later, everyone who listened to that advice is now out of work with few prospects.

School is never a bad idea. It is an investment in yourself that will never change with the stock markets. Tuition is indeed rising, but without government subsidies and reimbursements, which will take years to put in place, the cost of school will never be this cheap again since it is always rising.

If a person loses their job due to lay-offs and cut-backs, what better time to hit the books? Being a little more educated would make anyone look more attractive to a new employer. Even having a rudimentary knowledge of a second language would look good on a resume. Most universities can teach a student basic communication in a foreign language in about eight months. The key is not getting down about the lost job and embracing the available time to do something constructive. It is certainly much easier than trying to take classes while keeping the job you have, or putting your career on hold for upgrades. It just makes more sense to take a class while you have time.

One of the things you pay for in university or college are the connections. If you are upgrading a course for your current job, there is a good chance you will meet other people with similar careers, or similar interests. Maybe they can help you find the perfect jumping off point.

If you are a student or high-school grad wondering if it would be best to get a job to help out mom and dad instead of going to school, the options are a little different. The important thing to do is talk to your parents about the situation. Maybe they have an education fund for you. Depending on who these were opened with, the bond may expire if the student does not enter post-secondary out of high school. The parents will get the money they originally put into the fund, but will lose all the interest that accumulated. If your parents have taken out such an investment, it's definitely best to get into school right away, no matter what the economy is doing.

If your parents are able and willing to help you while you get educated, do it. There are many children who simply cannot and will never be able to, many of which are bright and would love the chance to get a better education. Your parents would want what is best for you, and if it is possible they will help you get your post-secondary, even if it means tightening their belts a little.

Also, if you are tempted to get a job right out of high school until the economy gets better, it puts you in a bad position later on down the line. When is the economy good enough for you to get back to school? There will always be bills to pay, so how will you know when to cut off your income? Many people have taken a Joe-job with the intention of going back to school, but got so comfortable with the nine to five that they never did go back to school. It can be a slippery slope.

In short, it is a good idea to go to school if you want the education; it does not matter what the economy is doing.

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