This topic tends to show up every now and then here in HN.
If we ignore all the obvious benefits (learn the trade, self-discipline, etc...) that you may or may not obtain from your studies, one of the most relevant arguments i've seen discussed in here is the connections and friendships.
College is a great place to make critical connections that can get you into nice jobs or lifelong friendships that will last as long as you foster them.
Sure, working a job can also open those doors of oportunity, but if you are working as a waitress like the author suggested, i just can't see how that can help you direct your career or give you meaningful CV experience.
I have been very fortunate for having parents which pushed me into college and ensured i finished it (i didn't make it easy, sadly ) but the payout has been worth it. It also deppends on your country (some value the diploma more than others, mine does) but at least it should help you get an interview, which is good enough.
Ultimately, i believe the person should make the choice. And he, as the father, should explain both courses of action to his daughter, instead of pushing her into one direction just because going to college didn't work out for him as great as he wanted to.
I see nothing wrong with paying premium salaries for premium talent.
I'm not in the know here, but if i'm allowed to throw my 2 cents, i feel the article focuses too much in money as the only way of attracting talent. Maybe smaller companies can attract top talent with different strategies? Remote work option, family benefits (health and education packages).
Some creativity would have to be thrown in the mix, but going the extra mile could play a big role in getting people's attention.
Benefits cost money too, in a lot of cases certain benefits may cost more than just increasing the salary. Obviously this isn't the case for remote work but certain healthcare benefits could absolutely eclipse higher salaries.
I haven't read his book, but if anyone is curious on these experiments, you can read more on the following books (In fact, the article seems a mash of both of them):
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking - The author mentions experiments where people exposed to more agressive or relaxed interactions can react differently and many other situations (similar to the money/cloud backgrounds examples).
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Describes interaction strategies to avoid conflicts and create trust (such as the letter example).
If we ignore all the obvious benefits (learn the trade, self-discipline, etc...) that you may or may not obtain from your studies, one of the most relevant arguments i've seen discussed in here is the connections and friendships.
College is a great place to make critical connections that can get you into nice jobs or lifelong friendships that will last as long as you foster them.
Sure, working a job can also open those doors of oportunity, but if you are working as a waitress like the author suggested, i just can't see how that can help you direct your career or give you meaningful CV experience.
I have been very fortunate for having parents which pushed me into college and ensured i finished it (i didn't make it easy, sadly ) but the payout has been worth it. It also deppends on your country (some value the diploma more than others, mine does) but at least it should help you get an interview, which is good enough.
Ultimately, i believe the person should make the choice. And he, as the father, should explain both courses of action to his daughter, instead of pushing her into one direction just because going to college didn't work out for him as great as he wanted to.