There are degrees, I think. Consider the choice between: - Working a job that requires intense physical labor for $30/hr. and benefits, cons include significa

There are degrees, I think. Consider the choice between: - Working a job that requires intense physical labor for $30/hr. and benefits, cons include significant physical impairment starting in your late forties and high risk of serious injury - Working a job that is largely sedentary for $20/hr. and benefits, cons include serious health risks - Work a third shift part-time job for $40/hr and no benefits, cons include inconsistent weekly hours, practically no career advancement, and considerable disadvantage to your retirement (no 401k matching), huge risk if anyone in your family needs medical care (definitely put off having kids) - Go (back, sometimes) to school, cons include significant debt and opportunity costs, coupled with the risk of no career options (went into welding, factory closed, etc.) Many people in America have no real "good" options, so while yeah, their choices are always kind of "voluntary", there's almost always a big asterisk next to it.