College: Dream or Detour

College: Dream or Detour?

Did you go to college? And do you actually feel like getting that degree made life better—or just made you better at filling out loan applications? If your goal is to land a higher-paying job, think very carefully about your career choice, your dream lifestyle, and—most importantly—what you actually know (versus what you think you know).

What the Interviews Say (Hint: It’s Not Teachers)

Social media influencer Sinew J. conducts tons of impromptu interviews. According to his findings, specialists doctors and folks in private trust banking rake in $500,000 or more annually. Even real estate agents sometimes creep into the six-figure territory—and they didn’t even need a degree! Excuse me while I scream into my student loan balance.

The Rest of Us? Not Quite Living the Dream

So where does that leave the rest of us—aka, the non-doctors and non-private bankers?

In two years of watching Sinew’s show, I’ve rarely—actually never—heard of educators, firemen, boat captains, security guards, mechanics, or construction workers making this kind of corn. Some folks in the security tech or app development world are exceptions—but guess what? Most of them didn’t touch college. A 1-to-12-week certificate and they’re out here making six figures. Meanwhile, I have an education degree and a broken heart.

Educated and Underpaid: My Reality

If you completed an education degree like me—for the love of children and with zero thought for your future bank account—then congrats, you're in the same boat. And it’s taking on water fast. So let's explore your few options.

The “Degree Life” Housing Dilemma

Unless you were born with a trust fund, a college degree is just a fancy piece of paper. Let’s say you live in Nassau, Bahamas. You take out a $90,000 loan for a cute little 90x90 property. You're thinking, "I didn’t go to college to end up in Nassau Village, Kemp Road, or Pinewood!" But surprise! Your degree didn’t come with an upgrade to luxury living.

Bills, Bills, Bills... and No Hair Budget

Now you’re shelling out $1000+ a month for your rent or mortgage.  You haven’t even gassed your car, done your nails, or touched your hair. If you’re a high school English teacher like me—good luck. Disposable income? Never met her.

Budget Homes, Big Disappointments

Maybe you go cheaper—a $105,000 starter home. Not bad, right? Until five years later when the neighborhood looks like paint hasn’t touched the neighborhood walls  since 1492. Why? Because the developers care more about who can buy the home, not who will keep it looking attractive. So now you’re flipping houses? Was that your life goal?

Venetian Dreams vs. Local Reality

Take Venetian West—a condo-style development by Brickell Management in The Bahamas. That’s the kind of place young professionals drool over. It had location, security, community, and curb appeal. But let’s be honest—most government workers can’t touch that $200,00–$300,000 price tag. And don’t even look at the brochure if you’re a teacher.

Living Frugal... or Living with Mom

Buying a $100,000 home? That means ramen noodles and “do not disturb” signs for the next ten years. Many college grads move back in with their parents—or worse, take on a roommate/partner just to afford bills. Even if they’re incompatible. And five years later... DIVORCE!

Degrees, Debt, and the Pressure to Marry

Many young professionals feel pressure to get married—not for love, but because the cost of living is insane. Whether it’s financial pressure or societal pressure (hint: it’s the money), most people want to enjoy life before they commit to someone. So what now? Stay with Mom or pay $1,800 a month in overhead?

The Outer Islands Escape Plan (Sort of)

Buying land in Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, or Freeport sounds like paradise. For under $15,000, you can own a slice of heaven. But there's a catch—you might have to become a reluctant fisherman just to survive. I thought college meant more options, not baiting hooks at sunrise.

Why Everyone's in Nassau (Even if It's Broke)

People flood Nassau looking for jobs, even though other islands are cheaper. Freeport, for instance, offers better bang for your buck—but good luck finding a high-paying job. I never pictured this level of struggle after getting a degree. Yet here we are.

Rent is a Robbery

Try renting on the east or west side of Nassau. Your paycheck will disappear faster than free samples at a food festival. Rentals range from $1,400 to $3,000 a month—way more than the average graduate's salary. At this point, should we just live in our cars?

The Big Question: College or Nah?

So what’s the move? College or straight into the workforce? Do you start from the bottom and claw your way up, or aim for that $30K–$40K entry point?

I started at $25,000 a year. After seven years, I bought a $140,000 fixer-upper duplex. One unit was livable, so I moved in with my mom (shoutout to free childcare and moral support). I renovated it, one nail and YouTube tutorial at a time.

From Struggle to Self-Taught Contractor

I’ve now renovated three units. And guess what? I wrote a book about it!

Title: Diary of a Female ContractorPrice: Just $14.99Vibe: Fun, real, and totally doable.

It’s a relatable guide to help women—especially college grads—take control of their finances, starting with their home. I want you to live the life you deserve, even if the path is unconventional (and full of drywall dust).

Final Word: Don't Do It Alone

I had no mentor after college. I stumbled, spent too much, and learned the hard way. But you don’t have to. With our eBook, you’ll avoid my rookie mistakes, save money, and renovate like a pro—even if your only tools right now are stubbornness and Google. Enjoy the ride!