Ryan,
I offer offer a simple IRA, and I match 3%, two weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, I pay 100% of healthcare through United Healthcare PPO. Monday-Friday 8-5, no weekends, no nights, and holidays are paid. Last year I paid almost 10k in bonuses to warehouse employees.
There are no certificates required, no education required, just a desire to work, show up on time.
I am a small company, and we believe in paying a fair wage, and if we make money, we share the money.
As for physical labor, sure there is some work involved. Occasionally lifting a 70# box to be shipped on UPS, but other than that, most items are a few pounds each. If it's heavy, use the forklift.
The industry that I am in is not much different than the oilfield. Experience is key. Like Eric mentioned, you are paid for your knowledge...
Maybe comparing to my sister, and her being a teacher, might have been an unfair comparison... However, as any teacher, and they will tell you they are underpaid. I can pick any number of jobs that pay less than 50k, and require a BA... Just doesn't make sense to me.
Not that this matters too much, but I was blessed with a fully funded college education by my grandfather when I was born. Even with free college, I didn't want to waste the time it took to get a degree. Instead I finished high school a year early, started a business and I was dealing with payroll and cash flow, while my friends were thinking about what to wear to prom
One thing I will admit about a college degree, and this is probably the most important aspect I can think of relating to it... It shows that you finish what you start, and that is worth something. I'm just not sure it always makes up for 4-5 years of lost wages or time.
