Latest news with #EducationDataInitiative
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Atlanta Burger King employee worked a last-minute shift in his graduation gown — what this teen can teach you
While many high school graduates are celebrating the season with dinners, parties and well-deserved rest, one teen in metro Atlanta marked the milestone a little differently — trading his cap and gown for a shift at Burger King. Still wearing his graduation medals around his neck, 18-year-old Mykale Baker showed up to work at the Dacula location just hours after receiving his diploma. His decision not only showed commitment but also caught the internet's attention. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Maria Mendoza, a customer who had just come from her own daughter's graduation, stopped by the restaurant for a quick burger when she noticed Baker behind the counter. Inspired by his work ethic and touched by the sight of his medals, she filmed a short video and posted it to TikTok, where it quickly went viral, gaining nearly four million views. But Mendoza didn't stop there. She also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Baker's college expenses. What started as a small act of kindness quickly turned into something much bigger: an outpouring of support from strangers across the country. The campaign initially raised just over $6,000, but as of this week, it has grown to more than $87,000. At a time when headlines about Gen Z often focus on entitlement, Baker's story stands out for one simple reason: he showed up. And sometimes, just showing up — even when no one's watching — can change your life. In Georgia, the state minimum wage is officially listed at $5.15 per hour. However, most workers are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires employers to pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. At the same time, the cost of attending college in the U.S. keeps climbing. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of college, including tuition, books, supplies and living expenses, is $38,270 per student. For many students working part-time jobs, especially in fast food or retail, those wages make it hard to cover even basic expenses, let alone build meaningful savings for tuition. Balancing school and work often means juggling limited hours and inconsistent income — forcing tough decisions about whether to delay college or take on serious debt. 'I was thinking of taking a gap year because I didn't have money for school,' Baker told Mendoza's TikTok followers. 'But thank you to all of you now. I might actually go straight to technical college and get my mechanical (degree).' With the GoFundMe campaign now exceeding its $60,000 goal, Baker is one step closer to turning those college plans into reality. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Baker's story proves that even a part-time fast-food job can open doors — especially when paired with a strong work ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile. Showing up to work on graduation day wasn't just a sign of dedication. It was a message to others of his drive and determination. While most part-time workers won't end up in a viral video, the financial lesson still holds: even small paychecks can make a difference. Whether you're using them to cover day-to-day expenses, build an emergency fund or chip away at tuition costs, consistency matters. There are also ways to make those earnings work harder. For example, setting aside a portion of each paycheck into a high-yield savings account can help you take advantage of compounding interest. Even modest contributions — say, $100 a month — can grow over time. It's not just about saving. It's about putting your money in the right place so it continues to work for you. If you're passionate about a goal, don't be afraid to share your story. Scholarships and grants often come when people understand what you're striving for. Hard work rarely goes unnoticed — and sometimes, it pays off in ways you never expected. Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
CNBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Having a master's degree doesn't make you a better worker, say hiring managers—but you'll still get paid more
A master's degree may not lead to better job performance, but employers are still willing to pay extra for employees who have one, according to a new survey. In a survey of 1,000 hiring managers in the U.S., Resume Genius found that 62% of hiring managers say that employees with master's degrees perform the same — or worse — at work as employees with a bachelor's degree and two years of experience. Despite this, 72% of hiring managers still say they would offer higher salaries to a job candidate with a master's degree than one without. Of those hiring managers, 64% would offer a 10% salary increase, 20% would offer a 15% increase, and 23% would offer a 20% or higher salary increase. So why does a master's degree still command a higher salary? "I think we're in a transition where the symbolic value of degrees still affects salary decisions, even if employers don't actually think the performance of master's degree holders matched the credentials," says Eva Chan, senior PR expert at Resume Genius. According to Chan, having a master's degree is often perceived as a sign of potential by hiring managers. "Even if it doesn't guarantee better performance, it can show that you're very driven, you're disciplined, you're committed, and that you've given your time, money and effort into accomplishing a goal," she says. However, she says, the survey results demonstrated that "more and more employers are realizing experience can show a lot of these same qualities." Skills-based hiring has become increasingly common: JP Morgan Chase has eliminated degree requirements for most jobs at the bank, prioritizing work experience over credentials. Walmart is also moving towards skills-based hiring for their corporate roles by adjusting job descriptions to "factor in the skills people possess, alongside any degrees they hold." Chan says that she and her team were surprised to find that Gen Z hiring managers were twice as likely as Boomer hiring managers to perceive master's degree holders as stronger performers. In her view, this could be because Gen Z may be more familiar with the school system than the workplace. "Some younger managers may still be fresh from school, or they just finished their degree so it's fresh in their minds," she says. "Maybe they view advanced degrees as more relevant or even aspirational." Around 25 million American adults hold master's degrees, according to statistics from the Education Data Initiative, and the number of people pursuing a master's degree doubled between 2000 and 2019. In addition to higher salaries, having a master's degree can provide several potential benefits for employees, such as opportunities career advancement. However, those boosts come at a hefty price: on average, getting a master's degree costs more than $62,000, and the average federal loan debt balance for graduate students is over $94,000. According to Chan, whether or not a master's degree will help your career depends on your individual situation. Having a master's degree can be helpful in professions like education and urban planning that are "heavily tied to pay scales, promotions or credentials," Chan says. However, for fast-moving industries such as tech, media and marketing, prioritizing real-world experience may be a better choice.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
7 Aspects of the American Dream Now Unattainable for Middle Class, According to Austin Williams
Middle-class life, once the hallmark of the American Dream, is becoming increasingly challenging to afford, according to money influencer Austin Williams. He recently used a YouTube video to share the observation many people share, but few voice. Learn More: Find Out: However, it doesn't mean the dream is dead, but it does mean Americans have to put in more effort. Here are several more items that are no longer within reach for the average person of middle class status in the U.S. Home ownership is a classic symbol of the American Dream, yet it is becoming increasingly out of reach for the middle class. More than 90 percent of Americans live where home prices have increased faster than the median income, with inflation-adjusted pricing jumping by 65% between 2000 and 2020. Average incomes during that time 'barely rose,' the U.S. Department of the Treasury reported. Williams said to buy a home in this increasingly challenging economic climate, Americans need to embrace the concept of planning ahead. He believes you can still attain that milestone by saving slowly for a down payment, building up a good credit score and waiting for the right opportunity. Read Next: Americans have long considered college the pathway to the middle-class American Dream. However, as Williams highlighted in his video, more and more graduates are emerging with mountains of student debt and sustained unemployment. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average bachelor's degree student graduates with $29,550 in student loan debt. Unfortunately, repaying that debt proves more challenging than many students expect. ZipRecruiter data showed 23% of graduates take more than three months to find a job, and 5% of recent graduates are still searching. Williams's answer is to minimize borrowing and make sacrifices early. He believes in living at home when possible, and using resources like community college, scholarships and grants to minimize debt at graduation. In 2004, 83% of retirees felt they had enough money to live comfortably. By 2024, that number had dropped to 74%. Although that's still a respectable percentage, only 45% of workers believe they'll be comfortable when it's their turn. Williams blamed this trend on the decline of the employer pension and the difficulty of saving in a challenging economy. He admitted that responsibility for retirement falls on the individual, and encouraged people to plan early. Keeping expenses low and investing intelligently are his go-to strategies. Williams knows grocery costs are squeezing the middle class. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the price of food increased 23.6% from 2020 to 2024, and basic staples account for much of the increase. The Farm Bureau explained that egg prices increased by 350% per dozen from 2024 to 2025, partially because of the recent avian flu outbreak. Although the average person can't do much about this challenge to the American Dream, Williams believes small strategies still make a difference. He recommended using a meal plan, buying in bulk and searching for savings wherever possible. A car in the driveway has been a staple of the American Dream for years, but it's becoming less affordable. According to Kelly Blue Book, the average new car costs a near-record $49,740. It's not surprising that 40% of Americans have car payments, or that over 75% pay $300 or more a month. Williams's solution? Start with a low-end used car and eventually trade up, avoiding taking on large payments. According to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, Americans spent an average of $13,432 per person on healthcare in 2023 — over $3,700 more per capita than any other developed nation. These costs have left 20 million Americans with medical debt. Williams believes the best defense is to maintain good health habits so it's easier to live with less costly health insurance. This option involves a bit of luck, but the average person can do little to change the cost of healthcare. Williams believes the U.S. is moving toward a 'two-class society,' where people are either doing well or seriously struggling. He thinks the days of resting comfortably in the middle class are gone, leaving this group to rely on their financial savvy. 'Now, more than ever, it's important to be more proactive and resourceful in your life,' he said. 'Focus on the things you can control, like your spending, your mindset, your goals and your expectations.' More From GOBankingRates How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement This article originally appeared on 7 Aspects of the American Dream Now Unattainable for Middle Class, According to Austin Williams Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Economic Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Is the AI takeover driving Gen Z back to traditional jobs amid uncertainty in white-collar careers?
AI Anxiety and the Death of the Cubicle Dream iStock As automation and machine learning loom over traditional white-collar roles, many young professionals are gravitating toward careers grounded in practical skills—jobs that can't be replaced by an algorithm or programmed into obsolescence. Degrees, Debt, and Diminishing Returns You Might Also Like: Are Gen Z lacking basic math skills? Bengaluru CEO's simple test exposes the truth The Rise of the 'Toolbelt Generation' iStock Less than a year ago, The Wall Street Journal dubbed Gen Z 'the toolbelt generation,' reflecting how skilled trades are gaining new respect. You Might Also Like: What is 'barebacking'? A new Gen Z trend is quietly resisting the hustle culture Back to the Future: Are Trade Jobs the New Dream? In an era where artificial intelligence is rewriting job descriptions overnight, Generation Z is making a bold, some say countercultural, move—trading white collars for toolbelts. A recent survey by Resume Builder, which polled over 1,400 young adults aged 18 to 28, has revealed that 42% of Gen Z are either already working in or actively pursuing careers in skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and welding. Even more telling, 37% of them hold a college to a report from the New York Post, this dramatic shift is more than a fleeting trend—it signals a recalibration of values. Instead of chasing traditional office jobs that once promised prestige and stability, many Gen Zers are opting for hands-on, practical professions that offer security in a rapidly automating underlying driver of this pivot? A rising tide of uncertainty fueled by the rise of AI. As machine learning and automation threaten to overhaul a vast swath of white-collar roles, young professionals are seeking careers that can't be easily coded out of existence. Almost one in four survey respondents said trade jobs seemed less susceptible to AI disruption."More Gen Z college graduates are turning to trade careers and for good reason," said Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at Resume Builder. 'Trade jobs offer hands-on work that's difficult to automate. Many grads find their degrees don't lead to real careers, prompting them to explore more practical, in-demand alternatives.'Today, a college degree no longer guarantees a solid career path—or even a job at all. Nearly 19% of Gen Z respondents currently working in trades said they simply couldn't find employment in the field they studied. Another 16% said they quit white-collar jobs because trade work offered higher earning financial burden of higher education is also tipping the scales. With college costs now averaging more than $38,000 per year, according to the Education Data Initiative, many Zoomers are wary of the lifelong debt trap. Choosing a trade job, on the other hand, often comes with on-the-job training, faster entry into the workforce, and no hefty tuition bill to pay back.A cultural rebrand is underway. Less than a year ago, The Wall Street Journal dubbed Gen Z 'the toolbelt generation,' reflecting how skilled trades are gaining new respect. Vocational community college enrollment is surging—up 16% last year to its highest level since 2018. Programs in construction, HVAC, and automotive repair have also seen significant Associated Press feature echoed this shift. One 19-year-old working at a Ford plant shared that had he gone to college, he would be 'dead broke.' Instead, he's making $24 an hour, debt-free, and building a future without the corporate was once seen as a fallback option is now emerging as a career of choice. In a job market destabilized by technology, trade work offers Gen Z something increasingly rare: tangible skills, real income, and a future less likely to be outsourced to an shift raises an essential question—are we witnessing a return to the trades not just out of necessity, but out of a deeper reevaluation of success itself? For Gen Z, the path to prosperity may not lie behind a desk but in mastering the tools of their trade—literally.
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Gen Z turn to trade jobs, ditch white-collar careers amid AI uncertainty, poor corporate wages
It's trick of the trade. Gen Z is turning to traditional trade jobs amid fears AI will soon replace many white-collar careers, a new survey has uncovered. Resume Builder polled more than 1,400 Gen Z adults between the ages of 18 and 28, finding that 42% of Zoomers are currently working in or pursuing a blue-collar or skilled trade job, such as plumbing, welding or electrical work, including 37% of those with a bachelor's degree. Advertisement Almost a third of respondents said such jobs offer better long-term prospects, while a quarter said the roles are less likely to be taken over by AI. 'More Gen Z college graduates are turning to trade careers and for good reason,' Resume Builder's Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller declared. 'Trade jobs offer hands-on work that's difficult to automate. Additionally, many grads find their degrees don't lead to careers in their field, prompting them to explore more practical, in-demand alternatives.' Advertisement Indeed, almost one in five Zoomers (19%) who are currently working in a trade said they were unable to find a job in the field that they had studied for. Of those who were able to land a white-collar role, 16% eventually quit and turned to a trade job because it potentially offered more money. It's a stunning inversion from decades' past, where a job requiring a college degree typically offered far better pay than blue-collar work. 3 Of those who were able to land a white-collar role, 16% eventually quit and turned to a trade job because it potentially offered more money. alfa27 – Advertisement Resume Builder also found that trade jobs were particularly enticing for Gen Z as the cost of obtaining a college degree continues to rise. Many surveyed Zoomers said they didn't want to be burdened by paying back burdensome college loans. The average cost of college in the United States has more than doubled over the past 24 years to $38,270 per student per year, according to the Education Data Initiative. Advertisement 3 A college degree and a white-collar job no longer guarantees economic security, particularly with the looming layoff threats caused by AI. Jadon Bester/ – The findings come less than a year after The Wall Street Journal reported that Gen Z is becoming 'the toolbelt generation.' Trades are flourishing as college enrollment shrinks, per the report, which found that 'the number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year to its highest level … since 2018.' Kids studying construction trades rose 23% during the five-year period, while those training for HVAC and vehicle repair careers increased 7%. An Associated Press article from 2023 also reported on the trend, similarly saying pricey college tuition was turning Zoomers off higher education. 'If I would have gone to college after school, I would be dead broke,' one young man working at a Ford plant told the Associated Press in a story about young people skipping college in favor of the skilled trades. The youngster is making $24 an hour at age 19, with no student debt.
