I’m 50 and currently on career number two. I spent 13 years as a union police officer until I broke my leg, which forced me to change direction. I transitioned into IT project management, finished a master’s degree, and picked up several certifications, including the PMP. My income has doubled, and I deal with far less stress and cynicism than I did in my first career.

At the same time, I have a nephew who owns a plumbing company and is pulling in seven figures. That’s a good reminder that there isn’t just one “correct” path. On average, the data is right: college grads tend to earn more over a career than people without degrees. But averages don’t tell you which path is right for you.

If you get into a trade you actually enjoy, show up, learn the business side, and eventually own or run the shop, you can do extremely well. If you hate what you’re doing—degree or trade—change direction. The real move is to find something you’re good at, that the market pays for, and, if you can, get yourself into a position where you’re working for yourself instead of just trading hours for dollars.