Worst college degrees

[Danestress]

In terms of pay upon entering the workforce

 

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/06/the-worst-paying-college_n_566518.html

[Blessedfamily]

Very timely for me, as I'm looking into a new career.

[TravelingChris]

I disagree with the article. Elementary ed in many places, or at least a teaching cert with another degree, is not a bad job. Many places do still hire. Now a bad degree is journalism. I don't care what the average starting salary is if only 3 people get it and everyone else is unemployed.

[Sebastian (a lady)]

I disagree with the article. Elementary ed in many places, or at least a teaching cert with another degree, is not a bad job. Many places do still hire. Now a bad degree is journalism. I don't care what the average starting salary is if only 3 people get it and everyone else is unemployed.

 

At least several of the degrees listed were associated with jobs. I totally agree with you on journalism.

 

I have an English undergrad and I don't know what I would have done with it if I hadn't been in the military. And what about the various studies majors (women's studies, ethnic studies majors)? Is a Spanish degree worth less than a German degree or a French degree?

 

I also wonder about some of these being college degrees at all. Drama? Fine arts? Is a four year college degree really the way to go for these? What happened to apprenticeships for art and music? What do you learn in a hospitality degree program that you wouldn't learn in a work/study program?

[Mynyel]

At least several of the degrees listed were associated with jobs. I totally agree with you on journalism.

 

I have an English undergrad and I don't know what I would have done with it if I hadn't been in the military. And what about the various studies majors (women's studies, ethnic studies majors)? Is a Spanish degree worth less than a German degree or a French degree?

 

I also wonder about some of these being college degrees at all. Drama? Fine arts? Is a four year college degree really the way to go for these? What happened to apprenticeships for art and music? What do you learn in a hospitality degree program that you wouldn't learn in a work/study program?

 

Honestly..unless it is a science or "writing" (journalism and such) degrees aren't worth much in my opinion. Business degrees, human resources, finance, hospitality....whatever you learn way more on the job then in the classroom. I am about 8 classes from a human resources degree, and most of those are core requirements like English and such. I don't know how to check references or what the laws are regarding that. I don't know what the laws are regarding FICA, SS and Medicare withholding. I don't know about payroll. I don't know how to understand medical insurance, life insurance and things of that nature.

 

What I do know? That workplaces need to be understanding of the diverse workforce and how that can help a company. There needs to be more diversity training in workplaces and nonsense like that. I know absolutely no practical knowledge for what I have seen HR offices actually deal with.

 

So what, exactly, does a business degree get you anyway??

[Blessedfamily]

Honestly..unless it is a science or "writing" (journalism and such) degrees aren't worth much in my opinion. Business degrees, human resources, finance, hospitality....whatever you learn way more on the job then in the classroom. I am about 8 classes from a human resources degree, and most of those are core requirements like English and such. I don't know how to check references or what the laws are regarding that. I don't know what the laws are regarding FICA, SS and Medicare withholding. I don't know about payroll. I don't know how to understand medical insurance, life insurance and things of that nature.

 

What I do know? That workplaces need to be understanding of the diverse workforce and how that can help a company. There needs to be more diversity training in workplaces and nonsense like that. I know absolutely no practical knowledge for what I have seen HR offices actually deal with.

 

So what, exactly, does a business degree get you anyway??

 

Oh. Dear. Human Resources was definitely on my list. Seriously.

[Skadi]

Considering that teachers have the lowest IQs of almost any college-educated profession, I'm not shedding a tear that they aren't paid the big bucks.

[Orthodox6]

I never thought of a job as *having* to relate to my degree content. There are not many jobs specific for specialists in the history of science and technology during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

 

I obtained jobs which I wanted by persuading the prospective employer that I could do what was wanted and, if I did not yet know how to do the task, that I could learn quickly. Maybe the shock value of this approach simply overwhelmed the opposition !

 

Anything can be parlayed into a job, with persistence and right attitude. The current economic disaster definitely makes it very difficult, I agree. But not impossible. Yes, I view life optimistically (and have endured cataclysmic life events along the way).

[jewellsmommy]

Considering that teachers have the lowest IQs of almost any college-educated profession, I'm not shedding a tear that they aren't paid the big bucks.

 

 

 

I am just curious how this is known or tracked? An IQ test was not part of any testing that I went through while pursuing this career track. What makes this seem even stranger to me is that you can teach elem. through a variety of degrees such as a BS in psych (my route). But not everyone getting that psych degree will teach with it. So what would make a person think that someone with a BS in pshyc who just happens to choose to go on and teach elem. would have a lower IQ then anyone else just by virtue of how they choose to use the degree. Do you understand what I am getting at? It seems an odd premise to me. Plus, as a child, I was given a so-called IQ test (I question the validity of all IQ tests) in order to enter the TAG (talented and gifted program) and met the requirements. We were not told the exact results but were told that the min. was 180.

 

 

ETA: I am not trying to get off topic or be snarky in any way. I was just quite caught off guard by this statement and am curious as to this school of thought. Perhaps I misunderstand your statement?

[Gooblink]

Considering that teachers have the lowest IQs of almost any college-educated profession, I'm not shedding a tear that they aren't paid the big bucks.

 

I'd like to see the stats, too! Although I can say that, empirically, I've suspected it, I certainly know many teachers who are quite intelligent.

 

And most of them are homeschooling their own kids! :)

Edited May 8, 2010 by Gooblink

[jewellsmommy]

I think that the better test of what is a bad degree, is not the starting salary but the availability of the job. All of the jobs they listed were in the $35,000 ish area for starting pay. I don't think that is all that bad when so many people are out of work or having to work fast food because they can't find a job in their area of expertise. Now, that being said, my dh, who has a technical cert. (not a degree) does make a little more then these aforementioned jobs, but not by much. We get by and consider ourselves quite blessed given the sad state of the job market overall.

[i.love.lucy]

Considering that teachers have the lowest IQs of almost any college-educated profession, I'm not shedding a tear that they aren't paid the big bucks.

:thumbdown:

I just find this to be an ill-tempered and nasty comment. There is no data to support this to my knowledge and there are many FINE individuals who are dedicated to children who choose this as a career path. I don't think this thread needs to be turned into bashing those with these chosen degrees or paths. I have not taught, nor did I pursue a teaching degree, but I have known many quite intelligent people who have. Along with other professions that take a love for people, helping others, sacrifice, or talent in the arts. This does NOT make them less intelligent!

[Skadi]

Tammy, in many states (I'm inclined to say most, but I need to check on that), public school teachers are required to have a degree in education. I know someone with a Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics who cannot teach first grade math simply because he does not have a teaching degree.

 

The data I am using comes chiefly from here (source material is provided as a PDF). There isn't a question that teachers (or to be more specific, persons in college who wish to become teachers) have a lower aptitude than most other non-vocational colleges. However, this reality isn't based on any premise. We don't know why this has happened. One theory could be that because teaching pays so much less, the lowest common denomonators are being pushed into that field. Another theory is that regardless of pay, public school teaching requires less of an aptitude for intelligence (which requires more cognitive skills, reading from a scripted curriculum or building your own psychology practice?). It could also be possible that there is something about the educational degree itself that turns away students of higher intelligence. Personally, I suspect that all three theories play a part.

 

It doesn't matter that you have a high IQ, by the way. We're talking about statistical averages, and there will always be a few who are at the high end of the bell curve (along with an equal number of extraordinarily unintelligent persons at the other end). A very intelligent teacher doesn't somehow disprove the reality that most teachers are not "the best and brightest" our society has to offer, if you see what I mean.

 

P.S. I think someone told you incorrectly that it was 180+. The Standford-Binet IQ test doesn't generally measure IQs above 180 with accuracy. Gifted people have an IQ of about 130 - 139, while geniuses have IQs of 140 - 180. Hope that helps.

[Dandelion]

Business degrees, human resources, finance, hospitality....whatever you learn way more on the job then in the classroom.

 

I agree. The degree gives you a very basic foundation, but the on-the-job training is where you REALLY learn what you need to know to do your job successfully.

 

So what, exactly, does a business degree get you anyway??

 

Well, as someone with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business, I would have to say "it gets you in the door". :) Many jobs require a B.S./B.A. these days, even if the job could be performed perfectly well by someone without a degree who is intelligent, has a strong work ethic, solid skills in the basics (math, communications, etc.) and is a quick learner. I interviewed and hired many people during my career for positions that generally required a 4-year degree. However, I had a few employees over the years who had worked their way up (without a degree). Some of the non-degreed employees performed just as well or better in their jobs than those with degrees. It all came down to the individual - not so much the degree.

 

As far as my M.B.A. goes, I would have to say that the ONLY advantage it's provided me is that it's served as a "differentiator" (when I was interviewing against other candidates for a position). A few times, positions I interviewed for required an M.B.A., so again, it got me in the door. But the skills and knowledge that really made me successful during my career were ALL learned on the job.

[Night Elf]

Some people, such as myself, don't care to get a college degree to get a top paying job. I could never be a doctor, lawyer, or business major. But, I do have a major passion for working with young children. I'm so lucky that my university has just approved the exact degree program I've been searching for, elementary education focused on birth to age 5. I'm so excited I could pee my pants! School starts on May 27th. My major isn't even university official yet, but I'm one of a handful who is just waiting to sign our change of major forms. Yay!

 

BTW, I was an elementary education major 20 years ago. Life, kids, you know. Anyway, I was sitting with a group of young ladies. We were sharing why we wanted to be teachers. One girl said she was doing it for the money. After we all picked our jaws up off the floor, we laughed. She didn't understand why we were laughing. Yes, it's not a great paying job, but it can be rewarding in other respects. My cousin still loves teaching although she's had some really rough times with the schools and principals. But I won't be working in an elementary school anyway. My job focus will be the daycare ages. yay!

 

I can't wait for school to start! I'm so excited!!! Well, I'm not excited about the stupid economics 1100 class I'm taking this summer. I'm just trying not to think about it. Dumb mandatory core classes. I have to take philosophy in the fall. Hopefully that won't be too bad.

[Mrs Mungo]

I think the title of this thread is a misnomer. The title of the article was worst-paying college degrees, which makes more sense. I don't think success or wisdom in obtaining a particularly degree is necessarily determined by how much money you make.

 

I also agree with Orthodox6 that having a particular degree doesn't automatically determine what career field you pursue with that degree. We have military friends with degrees in everything from English and Drama (yes, Drama!) to Political Science and Business.

[Night Elf]

:thumbdown:

I just find this to be an ill-tempered and nasty comment.

 

I agree, that comment was in bad taste. Even if it were totally based in fact, there could have been a better way to word it. No tact.

[Skadi]

:thumbdown:

I just find this to be an ill-tempered and nasty comment. There is no data to support this to my knowledge and there are many FINE individuals who are dedicated to children who choose this as a career path. I don't think this thread needs to be turned into bashing those with these chosen degrees or paths. I have not taught, nor did I pursue a teaching degree, but I have known many quite intelligent people who have. Along with other professions that take a love for people, helping others, sacrifice, or talent in the arts. This does NOT make them less intelligent!

 

Janitors also have low IQs, on average. Yet I have known some very intelligent janitors, and more than that, the average intelligence of janitors in no way detracts from their moral character. This doesn't mean that IQ isn't real (because there are anomalies) or that I am saying that IQ is the one and only characteristic worthy of examination.

 

What I am saying is that when we are looking squarely at a profession's salary, in my opinion it should be tied to the IQ prerequisite to that career. Should teachers be paid more than $33,000 per year? I do not believe that the aptitude of public school teachers today (as a statistical average) warrants a pay raise. Of course, one could argue that the salary should be raised as an indirect way of attracting higher IQ teachers, but that's debatable.

 

My underlying thought in my original post is that people are too quick to say, "We should raise teacher's salaries!" without first examining whether the calibre of teachers we have employed today as a whole warrants that reward.

Edited May 8, 2010 by Skadi

[Orthodox6]

Janitors also have low IQs, on average. Yet I have known some very intelligent janitors, and more than that, the average intelligence of janitors in no way detracts from their moral character. This doesn't mean that IQ isn't real (because there are anomalies) or that I am saying that IQ is the one and only characteristic worthy of examination.

 

What I am saying is that when we are looking squarely at a profession's salary, in my opinion it should be tied to the IQ prerequisite to that career. Should teachers be paid more than $33,000 per year? I do not believe that the aptitude of public school teachers today (as a statistical average) do warrants a pay raise. Of course, one could argue that the salary should be raised as an indirect way of attracting higher IQ teachers, but that's debatable.

 

My underlying thought in my original post is that people are too quick to say, "We should raise teacher's salaries!" without first examining whether the calibre of teachers we have employed today as a whole warrant that reward.

 

After reading this post, I doubt that there is much of anything that you and I would agree on, for any topic.

Edited May 8, 2010 by Orthodox6

[Skadi]

After reading this post, I doubt that there is much of anything that you and I would agree on, for any topic.

 

I'll take that as a compliment.

[jewellsmommy]

Tammy, in many states (I'm inclined to say most, but I need to check on that), public school teachers are required to have a degree in education. I know someone with a Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics who cannot teach first grade math simply because he does not have a teaching degree.

 

The data I am using comes chiefly from here (source material is provided as a PDF). There isn't a question that teachers (or to be more specific, persons in college who wish to become teachers) have a lower aptitude than most other non-vocational colleges. However, this reality isn't based on any premise. We don't know why this has happened. One theory could be that because teaching pays so much less, the lowest common denomonators are being pushed into that field. Another theory is that regardless of pay, public school teaching requires less of an aptitude for intelligence (which requires more cognitive skills, reading from a scripted curriculum or building your own psychology practice?). It could also be possible that there is something about the educational degree itself that turns away students of higher intelligence. Personally, I suspect that all three theories play a part.

 

It doesn't matter that you have a high IQ, by the way. We're talking about statistical averages, and there will always be a few who are at the high end of the bell curve (along with an equal number of extraordinarily unintelligent persons at the other end). A very intelligent teacher doesn't somehow disprove the reality that most teachers are not "the best and brightest" our society has to offer, if you see what I mean.

 

P.S. I think someone told you incorrectly that it was 180+. The Standford-Binet IQ test doesn't generally measure IQs above 180 with accuracy. Gifted people have an IQ of about 130 - 139, while geniuses have IQs of 140 - 180. Hope that helps.

 

 

 

 

It has been a few :tongue_smilie: yrs since elem. school so I won't say that I am sure of 180. It could be 120. I won't argue that. My point is that it is a documented case of what is considered a higher or gifted IQ. This is pertinent because four others from my graduating class in HS who had gone through TAG with me, that I personally know of, entered college with the intention of teaching as their chosen career path. It was NOT a fall back plan or a "I can't do anything else, so I may as well teach" plan. I am hardly the statistical anomaly here!

 

My other point is that a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification for receiving a teacher's certification. There are many bachelor's degrees that can qualify you for a degree in education! You don't just walk into a college and ask for a teaching degree, at least not in my state. You have to first earn a bachelors. The bachelors degree that is used to earn your degree in education is NO DIFFERENT then a BS or BA you would use to go and be a psychologist. It is not like there are dumbed down degrees for those seeking their teacher's certification.

Also, private elem. school teachers often make less then ps teachers and do not have to have a teaching degree.

 

I see the pdf. But this is not the same as what you are representing it to be.

Edited May 9, 2010 by jewellsmommy

[Mejane]

Some things don't change. My starting salary as a social worker 20 years ago was $13,000. :glare:

Edited May 10, 2010 by Mejane

[Mrs Mungo]

Janitors also have low IQs, on average. Yet I have known some very intelligent janitors, and more than that, the average intelligence of janitors in no way detracts from their moral character. This doesn't mean that IQ isn't real (because there are anomalies) or that I am saying that IQ is the one and only characteristic worthy of examination.

 

What I am saying is that when we are looking squarely at a profession's salary, in my opinion it should be tied to the IQ prerequisite to that career. Should teachers be paid more than $33,000 per year? I do not believe that the aptitude of public school teachers today (as a statistical average) warrants a pay raise. Of course, one could argue that the salary should be raised as an indirect way of attracting higher IQ teachers, but that's debatable.

 

My underlying thought in my original post is that people are too quick to say, "We should raise teacher's salaries!" without first examining whether the calibre of teachers we have employed today as a whole warrants that reward.

 

If you are going to make sweeping generalizations about the intelligence of a particular career field, back it up with some sort of study.

 

*Even if this were true* does it necessarily follow that people in jobs that do not require high IQs do not deserve a decent wage? Many jobs command high salaries because they require technical skills or experience, not a high IQ. Other jobs command high salaries because they are yucky or stressful and most people don't want to do them.

 

If you're going to say "teaching does not require a high level of intelligence or skills," then I think you also have to let go of the idea that it should require an expensive 4-year degree. If they are expected to be degree-carrying professionals, then they should be paid accordingly. You can't have it both ways, imo.

[May]

I think the idea that people who go into teaching aren't the brightest comes from a study that students who are education majors have lower ACT and SAT scores. Walter Williams, who writes a column for the Jewish World Review, addresses this topic in two columns. The first was written on April 19, 1999 and another was written May 19, 2004.

Edited May 9, 2010 by May

[MeanestMomInMidwest]

Tammy, in many states (I'm inclined to say most, but I need to check on that), public school teachers are required to have a degree in education. I know someone with a Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics who cannot teach first grade math simply because he does not have a teaching degree.

 

 

 

This is true of my state, and is one of the main reasons I went into Nursing. With my English Lit background, I could become a nurse faster than an elementary teacher, make more out of the gate, and never be out of work.

 

I haven't taken a scientific poll, but I do know specific individuals who are or were elementary school teachers. One was my inspiration for homeschooling, as she does such an exemplary job with her children (better than I do with mine, truth be told), two of the others are married and the wife homeschools their five adopted children (4 with special needs). When we get together with this couple the conversation is stimulating, ranges a variety of topics and I consider both of them to be highly intelligent. The last is married to a friend of my husband, and she is one of the smartest people I know. Maybe its just who I hang out with??

[at the beach]

Well, I would not necessarily agree that those are the worst paying degrees to have. Teachers in my local public schools are not paid more if they teach high school versus elementary. I know that the average salary of the teachers in our local elementary school was something like $66,000 about 4 years ago. I also know teachers who've retired who are bringing in $53,000 per year in pension plus get their medical. A teacher I was talking to recently was talking about how great it was. If you have a bachelor's and can get a job teaching, you then get your master's (and can do so online) and your pay jumps significantly. However, I think it depends on where you live. There are places where a teacher can't get a full time teaching job for anything.

 

For social work, I also know quite a few of these folks. It's true their beginning salaries aren't hefty, but the social workers that I know get very nice yearly pay raises and their master's in social work is fully paid for at a state school. Their jobs are fairly secure as well. And if you get that master's in social work, you can work as an independent licensed social worker, which can be more lucrative.

[jewellsmommy]

The study is based on estimates of IQ for one thing. There are way too many assumptions being made in that study (I use the term loosely) for you to be so certain of your facts.

 

Now, if it is your opinion that teachers are stupid, have at it. You are entitled to your opinion. But to speak of this study as proof that teachers have a lower IQ is absurd.

 

I apologize for perpetuating off topic discussion and will try to contain myself.

[kokotg]

Tammy, in many states (I'm inclined to say most, but I need to check on that), public school teachers are required to have a degree in education. I know someone with a Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics who cannot teach first grade math simply because he does not have a teaching degree.

 

 

 

Actually, most, if not all, states have alternative certification routes for people with a degree in something other than education. My husband has a math degree and switched to teaching after a few years as a web programmer. I'm also a little surprised to hear that we should be basing salaries on the IQ one is born with rather than on, say, how hard he or she works. Either way, though, I'm pretty sure my DH is due for a pay increase.

[Dandelion]

What I am saying is that when we are looking squarely at a profession's salary, in my opinion it should be tied to the IQ prerequisite to that career.

 

Not to continue to drag this thread down a path it was never intended to go, but...

 

I completely disagree with this premise. For one, there are no "IQ prerequisites" for different careers. There is the prerequisite that individuals be able to learn, understand, and successfully apply certain skills and knowledge. Yes, the level of intelligence required will vary between certain jobs - but even in jobs that are traditionally considered more complex, not everyone has an "above average IQ".

 

Salaries are established by what the market will support - and companies set salaries based on their workforce needs, the supply of qualified and available workers and what it takes to retain those workers. I've actually never understood why teachers' salaries are so low - to me, the education and care of children is of the utmost importance and I think teachers (generally speaking) are underpaid for the service they provide.

 

In terms of the overall importance of IQ, I have known people who clearly had an incredibly high IQ (e.g. Ph.D.s in technical and highly specialized sciences) and who were working in high-level professional positions. Their starting salaries were high (because of the job requirements/qualifications - a Ph.D. generally starts out higher), but I observed a few of them have difficulties in their career over time. Their interpersonal skills (EQ) were often lacking and they had difficulty working/communicating with others, functioning on teams, etc. So despite their high IQ, these individuals stagnated in their careers (and not only that - they sometimes had a detrimental impact on those who had to work with them and a detrimental impact to the business). It's the overall "package" someone brings to the table that matters. IQ isn't everything.

Edited May 9, 2010 by Dandelion

[Orthodox6]

'

Edited May 9, 2010 by Orthodox6

[jenL]

Is there a troll in this thread? That IQ comment and subsequent responses by the same poster seem entirely inappropriate.

[Orthodox6]

Is there a troll in this thread? That IQ comment and subsequent responses by the same poster seem entirely inappropriate.

 

I do not know the definition of "troll", although I do see it used and can make a guess.

 

Does seem that a number of us, including myself, fell for bait in the form of peculiar and offensive viewpoints espoused by someone of whom I never have heard until reading this thread.

 

May we have this thread erased ? Any one else up for that ?

Edited May 9, 2010 by Orthodox6

[Dandelion]

Is there a troll in this thread? That IQ comment and subsequent responses by the same poster seem entirely inappropriate.

 

If it is a troll, I apologize for feeding it... :glare:

[Slartibartfast]

Yay! Let's start chipping everyone for what jobs they are allowed to do!

[jenL]

If it is a troll, I apologize for feeding it... :glare:

 

Don't feel bad... I almost wrote a response back because I used to be a teacher, and I was highly offended by the IQ comment. :)

[Tabrett]

I feel so sad. I have a music education degree and I work as a church music director! :ack2:

 

I have 3 out of the worst degrees!

[i.love.lucy]

I am married to a graphic designer with a BFA. He is the son of 2 ps teachers, one of whom had a masters + 30 and was one of the most intelligent men I have ever known. Can you believe I would chose to pass these genes on to my children???:confused:;)

 

Neither of my husbands parents ever surpassed $50k which is very sad to me, but their retirement from the school board FAR surpasses anything we will ever see!!! My husband is doing pretty well as a Creative Director. But I never even graduated and made over $150k in sales...working with some of the biggest morons you'd want to meet.

 

It's all in the choice you make to follow the path. My *almost* psych/business degree was parlayed smartly by me in interviews as great with people and business acumen.

 

Overall I hope there will always be those wonderful people who are willing to make less money in order to work in the arts, or with children, etc.

[kalanamak]

 

What I am saying is that when we are looking squarely at a profession's salary, in my opinion it should be tied to the IQ prerequisite to that career.

 

Why?

Why not performance?

Why not compete the inadequate teachers out of their jobs by paying adequate teachers enough to stay in the field and not move onto something more lucrative?

 

I'm not registering a preference, I just find it *odd* to tie IQ prereqs to average salary. Plenty of bright people coast along, and plenty of more average people have a knack for their job that makes them better than most others.

 

As to I Q and teachers, at the risk of bringing down a certain poster on my head, I will repeat that when I took the GRE, the AVERAGE scores of various "majors" was reported with my results. Education majors (remember these are people in their senior year intending to go on to a higher degree) had the lowest average score than any other major, and not just a teeny bit behind the group that was next to last.

[Blessedfamily]

Is there a troll in this thread? That IQ comment and subsequent responses by the same poster seem entirely inappropriate.

 

I jumped off the ship with post #18. The "I know some very intelligent janitors" comment (while there may be many) seemed to have been picked up from watching "Good Will Hunting".

[stripe]

I think the idea that people who go into teaching aren't the brightest comes from a study that students who are education majors have lower ACT and SAT scores.

Given that many women go into teaching and women tend to have lower SAT scores than men, that in and of itself could explain a thing or two about the supposed intelligence issue.

 

All of which I find bogus. I also think intelligence can be overrated. A family friend has two sons. One is widely considered a genius. He developed software at a young age and has a nice job. The other one, considered rather boring and average in his youth, travels the world as a major component of his job. I know which one I'd rather have lunch with!

 

I don't know why on EARTH anyone who has decided to guide the education of their children would find it self-serving to denigrate the intelligence of others who like to spend their time on other people's children. But there you are. I think it's time we all go see The Parking Lot movie while we ponder the issue.

[Orthodox6]

I jumped off the ship with post #18. The "I know some very intelligent janitors" comment (while there may be many) seemed to have been picked up from watching "Good Will Hunting".

 

I thought it was just one of those inane "Some of my best friends are ____" lame excuses. (I have not seen that film, however, to catch the reference.)

[kalanamak]

I jumped off the ship with post #18. The "I know some very intelligent janitors" comment (while there may be many) seemed to have been picked up from watching "Good Will Hunting".

 

I don't know what Good Will Hunting is, but there is more than one janitor at work who has a master's degree. They want to get their retirement in 5 years, and are sicksicksick of the stress and politics. I know someone who just escorts patients after a MI he says was brought on by stress. He sure is a happier person, and much less inclined to wild shouting, now that he is out of management. So....I know some very intelligent janitors. Of course, they are called custodians in my world:).

[Orthodox6]

Of course, they are called custodians in my world:).

 

Awww, you're not up to speed on your lingo, ma'am ! -- These are Environmental Engineers !

 

(Seriously, haven't you seen that job title in postings ? I have.)

[Mrs Mungo]

I don't know what Good Will Hunting is,

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Will_Hunting

 

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a janitor at MIT and has a genius-level intellect, eidetic memory and a profound gift for mathematics. Despite this, he remains working as a janitor and lives alone in a sparsely-furnished house in a rundown South Boston neighborhood, spending time with his friends Chuckie Sullivan (Ben Affleck) and Morgan O'Mally (Casey Affleck). An abused foster child, he subconsciously blames himself for his unhappy upbringing and turns this self-loathing into a form of self-sabotage in both his professional and emotional lives.

In the first week of class, Will solves a difficult graduate-level problem taken from algebraic graph theory that Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård), a Fields Medalist and combinatorialist, leaves on a chalkboard as a challenge posed to his students, hoping someone might find the solution by the end of the semester. When it is solved quickly and anonymously, Lambeau posts a much more difficult problem—one that took him and his colleagues two years to prove. When Lambeau chances upon Will writing on the board, he chases him away, taking him for a vandal. However, Lambeau realizes Will wrote the correct answers and sets out to track him down.

 

 

but there is more than one janitor at work who has a master's degree. They want to get their retirement in 5 years, and are sicksicksick of the stress and politics. I know someone who just escorts patients after a MI he says was brought on by stress. He sure is a happier person, and much less inclined to wild shouting, now that he is out of management. So....I know some very intelligent janitors. Of course, they are called custodians in my world:).

 

The lady who used to cut my son's hair was an RN who had quit nursing because she makes more money as a barber. My uncle's wife is a computer engineer who now does eyelash extensions because she didn't like the high-stress environment. The guy who runs the surf museum in Hale'iwa is a retired Colonel, who didn't want another "real job." We know another Colonel who retired young but went to work driving a forklift because he said "he never wanted to make another work-related decision."

[kalanamak]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Will_Hunting

 

 

r Colonel who retired young but went to work driving a forklift because he said "he never wanted to make another work-related decision."

 

Ah, another lost prince who is raised by peasants, only in this case IQ rather than royal blood.

 

Even a forklift has an up and a down.

 

Where I work, there is a "heads will roll" response to problems, and it is broadly felt that if you are willing to "take the fall" when you really aren't thought of as being faulty, you are a "team player" and some committee, somewhere, will make sure you are quietly promoted up some other ladder the last 5 years of your employment, so as to get a better retirement packet.

 

I can say this outloud because I'm not in management. :D

[Mrs Mungo]

Ah, another lost prince who is raised by peasants, only in this case IQ rather than royal blood.

 

Exactly!

 

Even a forklift has an up and a down.

 

Don't tell him that! :lol:

 

Where I work, there is a "heads will roll" response to problems, and it is broadly felt that if you are willing to "take the fall" when you really aren't thought of as being faulty, you are a "team player" and some committee, somewhere, will make sure you are quietly promoted up some other ladder the last 5 years of your employment, so as to get a better retirement packet.

 

I can say this outloud because I'm not in management. :D

 

:lol: I know what you mean.

 

Military people have a set retirement and it's quite good. LOTS of people choose to walk away at 20 years (they are often 40-45 years old) and get themselves a non-stressful job when they are done, no matter what their IQ or level of education. I can't blame them.

[Big Buckin' Longhorn]

Military people have a set retirement and it's quite good. LOTS of people choose to walk away at 20 years (they are often 40-45 years old) and get themselves a non-stressful job when they are done, no matter what their IQ or level of education. I can't blame them.

 

Yes. This is my Mom and Dad.

 

Actually, Dad is in the habit of going to work whenever he feels like it these days. He has passed eligibility for his second retirement; from the VA this time. That man loves a good retirement plan. :glare:

 

Oh, he's one of the smartest people I know, but I admit, I don't get out much.

[dansamy]

I don't find that table of estimated IQs to be all that accurate. The majority of RNs that I know have IQs of 110+. Another coworker and I both have confirmed IQs of 135+. So, their estimated IQ of 100.x for health related positions just doesn't seem to be very accurate. Although, there's a couple nurses I work with who could certainly blow the curve.

[QueenCat]

 

What I do know? That workplaces need to be understanding of the diverse workforce and how that can help a company. There needs to be more diversity training in workplaces and nonsense like that. I know absolutely no practical knowledge for what I have seen HR offices actually deal with.

 

So what, exactly, does a business degree get you anyway??

 

Most companies won't hire you without that degree in today's world, even if you do need to learn a lot more once you get the job.

[Blessedfamily]

I don't know what Good Will Hunting is, but there is more than one janitor at work who has a master's degree. They want to get their retirement in 5 years, and are sicksicksick of the stress and politics. I know someone who just escorts patients after a MI he says was brought on by stress. He sure is a happier person, and much less inclined to wild shouting, now that he is out of management. So....I know some very intelligent janitors. Of course, they are called custodians in my world:).

 

Yeah. I said there may be many "very intelligent janitors" in my post. The comment was on the manner of posting, which seemed intended to rile people up and get a reaction.