> a university education led to a well-paying job. I know how incredibly naive that sounds
That was the god honest trust for about 40 years, so it wasn't naive. The market conditions changed drastically and abruptly, but the same advice was being given.
Is this really true? I have my doubts there was ever a time where an English or philosophy or art history undergrad degree had very much value in the job market. And if there was, what specifically has changed to make that no longer the case?
Very true. Circa 1980 there were lots of management trainee programs with large companies open to any degree. A friend with a BA in history joined one of the large rental car companies. After a six month training program became a manager of a local office. A few years later he was a regional manager, then a few years later left for a better position with a competitor.
That was the god honest trust for about 40 years, so it wasn't naive. The market conditions changed drastically and abruptly, but the same advice was being given.