Careers for those in their 30's

I have spent the last 20 years interviewing candidates for an apprenticeship program that offers 100% paid health insurance (regardless of number of dependents), retirement, and other benefits that are pretty much non-existent in today's job market.

I also find it interesting that the applicants coming in have impressive academic backgrounds.  Despite their expertise in the subject matter they majored in, they are unable to find a job that pays more than minimum wage and slave hours.  Even if they stuck it out at the beginning serf levels, they would top out at a salary that would leave them in student loan debt until they were 150 years old and still never afford a house.

Last night I interviewed three with advanced degrees from so-called prestigious universities.   I guess I'm sensitive to this as my own children are coming of age and the entire scam-tuition game is on my radar.  Not only is the scam-tuition on my radar, it's the pressure from society that we continue this scam.  Thank goddesses I'm strong enough not to fear going against the grain. 

Now the tuition scam victims are turning 30 something and panic is setting in.  They thought their youth would never end, and that mommy/daddy would pay their bills indefinitely.  They are scared of having to (gulp) support themselves and pay their own bills.  All of a sudden retirement is a real word in their vocabulary.  The girlfriend they have been with is now pregnant.  Their mom and dads have passed on and left nothing in their estate for them to inherit.  It was all spent on medical bills.  The inheritance "jackpot" that so many kids have been secretly pining for from their parents for has evaporated.  It is sinking in that they can't afford their own lifestyle they have grown accustomed to. 

It's now desperate flailing.  Holding out for the job of their choice has left them with nothing but missed opportunities.  They were the epitome of the "me" generation thinking the world would stop revolving until they were handed the perfect golden job on a silver platter specifically scripted to their own preferences.  Now in their 30's they are edged out by beginning 20 somethings who are not quite as selfish and spoiled as the reality of the global economy has kicked them around some.  The 40-60's are not retiring. 

Now what?  Sorry society has built up you 30-somethings and promised you things that were not delivered.  My sage advice is to realize:
1.  You're not that great;
2.  There is somebody younger than you who is willing to do the job you turned your nose up at to gain experience and will not whine about it;
3.  There is somebody older than you who will not retire.
4.  The chances of the 20-something getting the retiree's job is greater because they have experience.
5.  Sorry you sat on your ass for a decade.  The world did keep revolving despite your thinking that you were the center of the universe.  
6.  Of course it's not your fault!!!!!  You are the the leaders of blaming others.