[tigger0jk]

I think there's an idea out there that a this is a life plan that will succeed:

- Go to college

- Take loans to pay for it if you need to

- Get a degree in something that interests you

- Get a career in that field

- Make money, buy a house, have a family

It seems that this vision is becoming less true than it used to be or has more caveats (try to save money on the schools you attend, pick a degree that pays decently and that there are lots of available jobs in, find a cheaper market to buy your house in).

I think the life planning of people entering college has taken quite a while to catch up as this shift has occurred. Although it does seem to be taking hold now as more and more people discover that they really struggle to get out from under student loan debt, can't get jobs in their relevant fields, or find they can't buy a home.

I think it's good to see data like this put together, and more crucially to present some realistic perspectives to kids about what possible paths they might take in life and what the risks/rewards of those plans might look like.

[paledot]

That was the life plan the boomers took for granted, except the college part was largely optional. Now it's our fault that we don't live the same magical charmed lives they did.