Like many Gen Z students, I was encouraged to follow my passion and chose photography as my college major—until COVID-19 disrupted my education and altered my plans. After leaving college, I joined hundreds of thousands of students who never returned, moving between short-term jobs without a clear professional direction.

As artificial intelligence began transforming the job market, even once “safe” careers such as computer science started to feel uncertain. Friends with degrees struggled to find work, reinforcing the idea that a traditional college path no longer guarantees job security.

Searching for stability and purpose, I began exploring skilled trades—careers that combine hands-on work with problem-solving and are difficult to automate. Becoming an electrician stood out as a profession that offers portability, strong earning potential, and long-term relevance in an AI-driven economy.

Without student debt and with the ability to earn while learning, trade careers provide both financial and personal freedom. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, choosing a skilled trade is not rejecting progress—it’s embracing work that still depends on human skill, judgment, and experience.