[Ken H]

In both cases, "rather than" means you had to make a choice. You can't be a thief AND go to college to have a career.

Unless you go to work for the Federal bureaucracy.

[robertpaulsen]

"In both cases, "rather than" means you had to make a choice."

Am I losing my mind? In both cases? HEY, KenH, WAKE UP!!!!

The first scenario used "rather than", implying a legitimate choice, one more advisable than the other.

The second scenario used "not", implying no choice whatsoever.