In the US, an 18 year old kid fresh out of high school is going to get about $8 an hour. You also won't likely be able to find full time employment right off.

In the US, an 18 year old kid fresh out of high school is going to get about $8 an hour. You also won't likely be able to find full time employment right off. After taxes, you'd be lucky if you took home $40k in 4 years. Considering that virtual no 18 year old is saving their wages, you'd likely just work 4 years with almost nothing to show for it. On top of that, parents and other family are more likely to help out a kid who's in college vs one who is working. That's not to say there aren't many viable alternatives to college like trade schools and apprenticeships. Electricians, plumbers and elevator technicians make decent money. Also were are you gettting $45k? Everything I can find says average income in the Netherlands is about $30k.