In a 2024 video with thousands of views, Kirk claimed that “there are 5,000 new millionaires in the last year that are plumbers, electricians and welders.” Based on this statistic, he advised his audience to consider trades as a pathway to wealth rather than pursuing a college degree. Taking this claim at face value, it’s still essential to consider the broader context.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 1.7 million people employed as plumbers, electricians and welders as of 2024. This means that approximately 0.3% of these became millionaires in the past year. In the broader context, recent estimates indicate that more than 500,000 people became millionaires last year, suggesting that plumbers, electricians and welders comprise about 1% of this group. On the other hand, the career paths with the highest likelihood of becoming a millionaire — engineering, accounting, management, law and medicine — all require at least a bachelor’s degree.

If the intent was to question the value of college, it’s understandable why he highlighted the 5,000 figure. Kirk claims people he speaks to in “corporate America” say a college education is not useful. Yet, more than 95% of leaders in American corporations hold college degrees, and more than 60% of CEOs have graduate degrees. While some corporate leaders may express skepticism about the value of a college education, many of them possess such degrees and likely encourage their children to pursue college.

Using statistics in the absence of their context is not limited to social media influencers like Kirk. Recently, the Utah Legislature has often cited the Utah Department of Workforce Services’ forecast of 42% growth in computer science fields. Let’s consider some additional context. Recent articles have highlighted challenges faced by computer science graduates in securing employment. A December 2024 article in Business Insider titled “Computer science grads say the job market is rough. Some are opting for a ‘panic’ master’s degree instead” discusses the hurdles new graduates encounter. A report from the ADP Research Institute, titled “The Rise–and Fall–of the Software Developer,” notes that employment in the software development industry has been declining in the U.S. since peaking in 2019, leading to slower pay growth. Legislators have also expressed a desire to train more nuclear engineers in Utah. There are approximately 700 nuclear engineers in the U.S., which has a population of about 335 million people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of nuclear engineers will decline over the next 10 years.

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Kirk often speaks about the importance of American ideals, particularly the value of individual freedom. That same principle should apply to career decisions. A common refrain is that people should pursue work that they find meaningful. I’ve met many nurses who love their profession, and I’m certain that if I asked them why, they wouldn’t cite labor market trends. I have friends with computer science degrees who are deeply passionate about the problem-solving nature of their work, even when job opportunities are uncertain. Likewise, skilled tradespeople take great pride in their craftsmanship and the tangible impact of their work. They help millions of people every day. These perspectives — often absent from discussions focused purely on financial outcomes — are just as essential when weighing career choices.

Too many influencers like Kirk talk about what “we need.” This is America. Historically, centralized economic planning based on the needs of the collective, such as the USSR’s five-year plans, relied on predictions of industry needs that proved inaccurate. While current forecasts may guide educational and career choices, they are not infallible. If you’re currently thinking about career paths for yourself or loved ones, pay attention to context and take careful advantage of that individual freedom so many have worked for.

There are many articles discussing advice from people near the end of their lives. When the topic turns to work and careers, words like “meaningful,” “people” and “passion” are common. Less common are words like “security” and “money.” Find meaningful work. Make your work meaningful. Find people to love and care for. Love and care for the people you find. Pursue your passion. Be passionate about your pursuits. Take more risks. Let the rewards, monetary or other, follow.

Gavin Roberts is an associate professor of economics and chair of the economics department at Weber State University. He is a recipient of the Gordon Tullock Prize from the Public Choice Society and regularly shares his research locally, nationally and internationally. This commentary is provided through a partnership with Weber State. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent the institutional values or positions of the university.