[Jim Pelosi]

I work as a machine designer designing / engineering liquid filling machines for products such as personal care (lotions, shampoos etc.), food (peanut butter, salad dressing etc.) and now beer and soda for major manufacturers. Funny thing is, I never went to college. I bought a bunch of mechanical engineering books on Ebay about 20 years ago and studied away. I got a job as a draftsman and worked my way up. I make over 100k/year with no debt to show for it.
Sadly, moving to another job, even laterally is very difficult. I’m expected to have a Masters at my pay scale. Never mind that I can do the job and excel at it.

[lepton]

Sadly, moving to another job, even laterally is very difficult. I’m expected to have a Masters at my pay scale. Never mind that I can do the job and excel at it.

---

I know a fair number of people like that. Very literate, generally regarded as one of the smartest and most educated in their group...but can’t move, even to a group not stacked full of people with MSs.