This is a great thread.Ive been beating myself up for a few years now, I always wonder if its something I didnt do right.I cant blame the school system can I. My two oldest were homeschooled almost their entire lives.They are 26 and 24 and did not go to college.I was especially disappointed with my oldest..I know he would have breezed through college.But he never even entertained the thought, even when I pushed it. So my oldest is now an assistant manager of a large grocery store and owns his own home.My second joined the Marines, he is out now and lives with his brother and is a butcher at the same grocery store. Am I proud???? Sometimes I am, sometimes Im not.I just feel like they could have been so much more. Weve had to do alot of damage control with our Marine son.Lots of baggage was brought back there..Although Im proud, I would never let another son go military if I could help it. I know I let the people I know influence me, Im surrounded by people whos kids go to college and were in PS so I always feel like they are thinking how great homeschooling must be..
No form of an education or even home environment is a guarantee. As homeschooled parents we do our best to prepare our children to pursue the path that is best for them. Like ourselves, sometimes they will make wise decisions, sometimes they won't. Sometimes due to little of no effort of their own, success or failure will come their way. For my kids, I want them to pursue what brings them happiness. But, for them to learn to be content where they are. As far as college, it can be a good thing and at times necessary. I have no problem with a doctor needing lots of education and training. But, I don't understand why college is needed for many office jobs. I believe working your way up would be a lot more beneficial to companies. That being said, I only want my kids to go to college if it will help them in the career path they pursue.
I saw a comment about low paying jobs. I guess I should clarify. I am not just speaking to low paying jobs, but any job that is hands-on and not white collar. There seems to be an attitude that lifts up the scholar more than a plumber. I fail to see why some people do that. A plumber is necessary and they often make a good amount of money. I like learning, especially now that it is only what I want and when I want and how I want. I will be honest, I am not taking any classes. I continue to use my Spanish, even though I haven't stretched myself enough in expanding my vocabulary. I learned how to quilt about 5 years ago and I want to learn more techniques as I keep doing that. But, this type of learning is not often looked upon as being as valuable as learning in a college setting. I do think that learning in college can be beneficial and I may go back (someday...) I also think that a lot of head knowledge without a need or practical application or true desire is empty knowledge. If the only thing I use my knowledge for is to win a trivia game, I think that is sad. Don't get me wrong, I like playing trivia games (but I am not good). I also will read about historical stuff just because I am interested. I am really just against the forced learning of all this stuff and the value placed on it just because the person has crammed it in their head.
I don't know if I would attach pride to a certain job. If the child is doing what he loved and does it to the best of his ability then yes I believe I would be proud. However, I don't think college has anything to do with that. I expect my children to go to college whether or not they need it for their desired job. I believe the education received in college is worthwhile for any job.
