8%. Those facts show that the economy is still very weak and is not growing as rapidly as we would like to see it grow. Regardless of the sluggish economy, there are still about 2 million more employed college graduates in 2001. (USA Today, 2003).
On the Road to Success--Better Educated Find Jobs Faster.
Since January, the job market has been immobile for workers with at least some college credits, but unemployment has risen for those with a high school degree or less. Since 2001, the economy has been creating white-collar jobs, while shedding less-skilled positions.
Economists say the reason for the most current trend in unemployment is continued distress in manufacturing and sluggishness in the retail sector. The aforementioned industries were the two biggest employers of those with a high school diploma or less. Sue Kirchhoff of USA Today stated in an article written in June of 2003, that these changes are indicative of decade-long shift from a manufacturing to a knowledge-based economy. This shift has changed employment patterns and placed a higher premium on education.
What does having that piece of paper mean for me? .
Why isn't high school enough?.
Having that piece of paper means I have reached a level that no other person in my immediate family has reached. I can hold my head high and truly feel proud. I can mingle with others in my social circle and not feel paranoid about not being at their level. The aristocratic types within our' social circle can turn their noses up, and I can just ignore them because I have what they have, and I feel good about me'. Even though I have had the support of my husband and kids, I know they too will be very proud of my accomplishments.
Those who choose not to learn in the traditional sense do not want to join the middle class. They value their own beliefs and ways of being and identify more strongly with their home communities than with the ordinary and middle-class culture.