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The Daily Note with James A. BrownFinding the extraordinary in the ordinary. 5 days a week, 90 seconds a day, on-air and online from sea to shining sea. Author: James A. Brown
The Daily Note is a daily commentary podcast that finds deeper meaning in everyday moments. Host James A. Brown explores how our world really works through thoughtful observation and authentic storytelling. Each short-form episode starts with something specific James noticed while walking downtown, a conversation overheard in a coffee shop, or a small detail that revealed something larger about modern life. These aren't political hot takes or partisan commentary. The Daily Note offers genuine reflection and systems thinking for busy professionals. This daily podcast serves listeners who want intelligent analysis without the noise. Perfect for commuters, coffee breaks, and anyone seeking thoughtful perspective on current events, workplace dynamics, and American culture. The Daily Note delivers smart commentary, personal storytelling, and practical insights in bite-sized episodes that respect your time and intelligence. New episodes Monday through Friday. Commentary for people who want to understand their world better, not feel better about what they already believe. To support my work and tell me what you think join me at JamesABrown.net. Or email me at comments@jamesabrown.net. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Language: en Genres: Leisure, News, News Commentary Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Why Your Parents' Advice on College Might Be Outdated
Thursday, 26 February, 2026
The landscape of career advice is shifting dramatically, and it's time to rethink what we've been told about the path to success. For the first time in history, trade workers—yes, plumbers and electricians—are enjoying a lower unemployment rate than those with bachelor's degrees. It seems the age-old mantra of “Go to college” is losing its grip as the Federal Reserve indicates that college grads are facing a tougher job market than ever before. This revelation made me reflect on the reality that our schools and families have prepped us for lifestyles that might not even exist anymore. So, what do we do with this new information? Join me as we dive into these changes and explore what this means for our futures. The discussion kicks off with a nostalgic reflection on the well-meaning advice many of us received from our parents: go to college. It’s a mantra that echoed through the halls of our homes and schools for decades, and for a long time, it was sound advice backed by data. For over fifty years, a college degree was practically a golden ticket to a successful career. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, and it’s time we address this changing reality head-on. It turns out that trade workers, those often overlooked professions like plumbers and electricians, currently enjoy a lower unemployment rate than their college-educated counterparts. This revelation is not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call for those of us who have been conditioned to believe that a four-year degree is the only path to success. The episode dives deep into the implications of this shift. As James A. Brown articulates, the Federal Reserve has indicated that the era of easy job finding for college graduates has come to an end. What does this mean for future generations? It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for those of us who grew up with the belief that education was the ultimate key to unlocking our potential. The sobering truth is that many of our families and educational systems have been preparing us for a lifestyle that is now barely recognizable. As we unpack these insights, it becomes increasingly clear that we need to rethink our approach to career advice and education. Are we truly equipping our youth for the realities of today’s job market, or are we simply perpetuating outdated beliefs? As we ponder these challenging questions, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences and share your thoughts. The conversation is far from over, and it’s crucial to engage with these ideas as we navigate this evolving landscape together. Let’s not just accept the status quo; let’s challenge it and seek new paths to success that reflect the realities of our time. As always, I’m here to explore these topics with you, and I encourage you to visit jamesabrown.net to share your insights on this pressing issue.Takeaways:For decades, the advice to go to college seemed solid, but times have changed dramatically.Trade workers, such as plumbers and electricians, now enjoy lower unemployment rates than college graduates.The era of easily finding jobs after college is over, according to the Federal Reserve.Families and schools have prepared us for career paths that are now largely outdated.We must reconsider our approach to education and career choices in this evolving job market.It's crucial to adapt our expectations and understand that traditional paths may not lead to success anymore.Links referenced in this episode:jamesabrown.netThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
