I grew up the youngest of 7 boys in 10 years. We always had food, clothes and shelter, but rarely got anything more than we needed because I'm sure we ate up most of the budget, literally. They did put us through Catholic school until 8th grade. That was the best investment they made for us.
I have had to work to get money for things I wanted since about 10 years old. I have done a little of everything in my life. I helped the janitor at school in 6th and 7th grade and hauled hay for my grandfather in the summer. My first "real" job with taxes and social security was unloading trucks and watering plants at a nursery at 15. Then I went to a grocery store and worked my way from a bagger to a department mgr in 5 years. I went to Coca Cola and worked my ass off for 8 years and got into sales. It was during this time that I realized I did not want to "work" for a living and went back to school at 29. Thankfully, my wife put me through school for the most part. During undergrad, I worked at an oil distribution warehouse for about a year and did all manner of jobs from filling oil drums to loading trucks. I then went to work as computer help desk for a year and a half until optometry school. I don't regret anything I did because I can use those experiences to better relate to the needs of my patients.
I said all of that to say this. During the course of exams, I occasionally have the opportunity to impress upon high school kids that not everyone is cut out to go to college and that learning a skilled trade can get you a good living. With what people charge for plumbing, HVAC, car repair, remodeling, etc..., there are many of them that make more money than I do and have a lot less stress and government regulations.