[pnathan]

The above chart series is why I consider getting the highest education possible a categorical imperative. As much as we snark about the English grad student barista - the barista is doing better than the high school dropout who hasn't worked for years because his industry is as flaccid as a used balloon, and he has no other serious skills.

[nupark2]

What guarantees that the high school drop-out's industry is "as flaccid as a used balloon"?

As a high school drop-out in the computer industry, the industry does not seem the least bit "flacid" to me.

Of course, I also had comparatively wealthy parents and an otherwise privileged upbringing, very similar to that of many individuals that comprise the lowest unemployment bracket.

[m-photonic]

Well, who has more debt? And what if we compare her to a high school graduate employed at a similarly low level rather than an unemployed dropout?

There are PLENTY of reasons why it might not be worth it to spend as many years in education as society allows.