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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Yes:

Friend of husbands went to one of those computer training type schools where you get a degree in a year or 2. He's very bright and makes a great living because he is good at what he does. He is divorced with one child and has lived independently since age 18.

[b]The guy who's company remodeled our kitchen lives in a megamansion and goes to Europe often. He did not go to college and he does not come from money. He is married with 4 kids.

Every plumber, electrician and HVAC person we have used in different locations seemed to do quite well without college degree.
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Hairdressers can do quite well-mine seem to be managing it all.

I know there are more, I just can't think of them right now. Also, I know people with advanced degrees who don't navigate independent living well.

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Most contractors and other trades folks that own small businesses don't make much money.  Contractors go bankrupt at an alarming rate because they are so bad at estimating job costs, time to complete, etc.

My HVAC guy runs a "successful" business and he said in his best years, that he himself takes home about $150k, but it's a ton of stress for that.

His own advice for his own kids is to learn a trade and then go work for a large company...welders, electricians, pipe fitters, etc. can make a ton (with OT) working at auto companies or ship builders, etc.

I think the common thread to all of this, is you do need to have a skill.[/quote]

A contractor living in a mega mansion is likely doing very well and not going to "go bankrupt".  Our contractor does extremely well (I should know, he charges a lot).  He constantly has work (even during Covid)---I don't have to wait long for a project with him, simply because I have given him a lot of business in the last 4 years, so when something comes up I get worked in quickly.  Otherwise he's a 4-5 month wait typically.  He drives a fancy Truck as well as a large luxury SUV.  He's doing extremely well[/quote]

I understand...but literally 90% of all contractors don't do just OK or don't do well at all...and 1% do extremely well.  Certainly the guys that started a design/build like Case have done well, but most independent contracts live hand-to-mouth and wouldn't recommend their own kids follow the path.

But way to miss the forest through the trees because your specific contractor is in the 1%.

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