His Peers Have Debt and Job Anxiety. He Has a Nearly Six-Figure Business And Zero Loans.

Core Insights - The article highlights the shift in career paths among young individuals, particularly the growing interest in skilled trades over traditional college education [4][6]. Group 1: Individual Case Study - Jacob Palmer, a 23-year-old from North Carolina, is successfully running an electrical business and is debt-free, contrasting with many peers facing student loan debt [1]. - After abandoning online college, Palmer gained practical experience through temporary jobs and an apprenticeship, eventually launching his own business, Palmer Electrical, which grossed nearly $90,000 in its first year [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Trends - There is a rising trend among students questioning the value of debt-heavy college education and exploring skilled trades, such as electrical work, which are in high demand [4]. - The demand for electricians is particularly strong due to data-center projects from major tech companies like Alphabet, Apple, and Meta, indicating a robust job market for skilled trades [5]. - National data supports this trend, with only 16% of Gen Z parents believing a degree guarantees job security, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth in electrician employment from 2024 to 2034, significantly higher than the average across occupations [6].