Ken Rusk

Want A Good Life? Get A Blue Collar Job

Why does your friend have a big smile on his face every time you see him? It could be because he’s a blue collar worker and growth in that sector is occurring at the fastest rate since 1984. In fact, there are now more blue collar job openings than white collar job openings. 

This hot labor market is increasing wages with many jobs earning 6 figures and, since we’ve already talked about the minimal debt associated with choosing an apprenticeship over going to college, that’s a lot of dough they are able to spend or save however they like.  Read More »

Turn Blue-Collar Career Challenges into Opportunities for Progress

Life loves to throw curveballs at every opportunity. Just when you’re starting to get into your rhythm, an unexpected problem can come flying in over the plate before you realize it. While many of these curveballs are in your personal life, it’s common to have to deal with them as career challenges too.

In the blue-collar world, these career challenges can knock you flat if you aren’t prepared. But once you know how to handle them, those same challenges can turn into opportunities you otherwise would have missed. Read More »

Financial Advice For Blue-Collar Workers

How to become a millionaire, fix your credit, and spend your money wisely

What’s the best way to become a millionaire? Listen up Gen Z because the best piece of financial advice is to get started early. 

Despite what you may have been told, with the right financial plan you can become financially secure with basically any job. In fact, I know plenty of blue-collar millionaires and I have 19 year-olds in my office who are already on their way.  Read More »

How To Become A Millionaire: Go Blue-Collar

You Can Take Blue-Collar Wages and Become a Millionaire

Perhaps there’s nothing more condescending or ill-informed than the questions directed at teens who are looking to pursue blue-collar careers. “If you’re just gonna be a construction worker how are you ever gonna get rich?”

The same way anyone else does: financial discipline, planning, and hard work. However, one important caveat is necessary… it’s easier to become a millionaire with a high-paying blue-collar job than it is to become one anywhere else. Read More »

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 »