Ken Rusk

Why an Apprenticeship Might Be The Path For You

Those who feel like high school should be the end of their academic career can rejoice in knowing that there are plenty of other high paying options available, so long as they have a plan and good mindset. In fact, a path that’s already popular in Europe could lead to a significant earnings increase over a college degree. What I’m talking about, of course, is pursuing an apprenticeship. 

For those looking to get a head start on their career, or maybe a redo, an apprenticeship offers four major advantages over pursuing a four-year university. Read More »

Work is Hell! (And 8 Other Reasons It Might Be Time To Move On From Your Job)

Are you just done with your current job? Well, how do you know?

There are some obvious ways to tell it’s time to move on from your current job. If you are unfulfilled, unappreciated, over-utilized (or under-utilized), or passed over, you likely can sense it’s time to pack up and find a new opportunity. Yet, these are just some of the ways you may end up recognizing that this is no longer the role for you. Others are less obvious, often overlooked, and much more insidious. Read More »

Should I Learn a Trade?

Ready to plan your career? Or are you still wondering, “should I learn a trade or go to college?” The answer always depends on you and your goals. Friends and family often default to the suggestion that college is the way to go. While their hearts are in the right place, it’s simply not true for millions of Americans who are considering their options for building a life.

Read on to learn some of the biggest benefits of working in a trade and why it could be a better path to achieving your goals. Read More »

The Perfect Job For Every Zodiac Sign

As a blue-collar entrepreneur with just a high school degree myself, one thing I’ve come to understand is that success comes in many shapes and sizes. Fortunately, many of them still do not require a college degree! The important thing is to identify what you really want and find out what it’ll take to get there.

So, just for fun, I wanted to run with Natalia’s theme a little bit and brainstorm the perfect blue-collar careers based on your zodiac signs. Take a read and let me know - does yours speak to you? 

♈ Aries

Personal Trainer  or Firefighter Read More »

8 Character Traits Better For Your Career Than A Degree

As college acceptance season inches closer, I’ve been exploring the value of a college degree and comparing it to options like apprenticeships. College degrees impart value based on your own personal goals and career choices, so they can be both a lot more or a lot less valuable than the dollar amount assigned to them.

How To Succeed Without A Degree

As someone who’s hired hundreds of employees, there’s one thing I know for certain: no college degree will bring as much happiness or success as certain character traits. In fact, I’ve found 8 of them that will help you accomplish your goals and serve you better than any degree. Read More »

Should You Go to College?

The Hundred-Thousand Dollar Question: Do I Need to Go to College?

Going to college is often perceived as a “given” in today’s society for those who have the means to do so. Especially if it was the route your parents took! But many students upon graduation of high school reflect on their goals and ask themselves “do I need to go to college?”

No, you don’t! While college is the right choice for many, it’s not something you must do - it's not an essential ingredient of success. Read More »

The Single Best Thing Europe Does for its Kids…and Why the US should Pay Attention

As we approach college acceptance season, I wanted to bring a European practice for college-aged students that I admire to your attention. It’s something the United State really needs to learn from.

Germany usually stands out as the perfect country for it. With lower youth unemployment and almost non-existent student loan debt, German 18-24-year-olds are wealthier and much better positioned for long-term success than children here in the USA.  Read More »

The Importance of Networking for Blue Collar Workers

No One Succeeds Alone: The Importance of Networking for a Blue-Collar Career

Success is a shared path. Your talent, discipline and initiative will help you reach your goals, but it’s rare for anyone to achieve it alone. You need a social support structure. These people help keep you walking forward while you do the same for them. The importance of networking can’t be ignored if you want to reach your full potential.

What is Networking?

You may have heard the term hundreds of times throughout your life. But what exactly is networking? It’s a blanket term for building your social structure. Any time you hand someone your business card, shake their hand and exchange names or even just e-mail them, you’re networking. Read More »

9 Life Lessons I Wish I Knew At 18

Some things you just have to find out on your own, but there are plenty of financial and life lessons that schools should teach but don’t. From financial advice to relationship knowledge, I probably could have avoided many of the mistakes I made in my life if I just learned a bit more in high school. Here are 9 things that I had to learn the hard way that you don’t have to repeat.

1. Always ask the question because questions are free (and the 2nd best answer you can get is NO). Your grade school teachers were right. There’s no such thing as a stupid question. Never be afraid to ask for help because everybody needs help from time to time… and usually, people are happy to be of assistance with their knowledge and time. I once asked my boss’ boss if he would consider me for a much higher position knowing in advance he would have to say no in order to keep the peace amongst the other work crews. He did, in fact, say no but a few months later I was called over to his truck and he gave me the promotion I was originally looking for. Read More »

Career Growth Tips For Blue Collar Employees

4 Core Tips for Blue Collar Career Growth

The best part of working in the trades is the unlimited potential for advancement. There are no other fields out there that so clearly build you from grunt-work to being your own boss. But personal growth takes time and effort. If you’re thinking of starting a career in the trades, read these core career growth tips to help you walk the path you want.

Build Your Personal & Professional Network

Networking is as critical to tradespeople as it is for any other career path. While your personal growth is dependent on developing your own skills and motivations, translating that into work requires networking. Read More »