[quote=Bitter Renter]Perhaps I could contribute a unique perspective on this topic. I dropped out of college and worked at a few refineries in NorCal in the 90’s as a union laborer. All the older workers (in their 50’s) told me to go back to college…that even though I was making $40K+, it wasn’t worth it. As union carpenters/iron workers they were pulling in over $50K at the time plus full pensions (brand new 2000 sq ft homes in the area at the time were selling for ~$180K). These guys looked like they were in their 60’s so I considered the cost/benefit analysis and realized that I should listen to them. So I did, and obtained a Bachelors in Chemistry, then a Masters. Now, 20 years later I am finally making what they made then. So, I ask what did I do wrong? I believe I should have stayed as a blue collar worker (and wore sunblock). Indeed, I would be in a much more financially stable position now.[/quote]

Thank you for sharing B.R.! Interesting story. Is your advanced degree in chemistry too? I think, that in your case, if money was the primary consideration, you should have gone into engineering, or moved onto an MBA by a top 15 business school. OTOH, if you really love chemistry, then you won, you are doing what you like, and will likely live decades longer than the suck…, er, than the fine gentlemen who breathed refinery fumes and had too much exposure to the sun.