What's the gateway to homeschooling? We need to create communities that are "homeschool havens" with no public schools. (If people want to send their kids to private schools or build private schools in those communities, fine.) Then those communities can spend more money on other things such as stocking libraries, fixing infrastructure, sprucing up parks and rec centers, and buying new gear/equipment for first responders. Or they can lower tax rates and encourage residents and businesses to move in.
Yes, college is not for everyone. Yes, there should be more apprenticeships. But I think you'd have to be an extremely fast plumber or an extremely amazing electrician to become a millionaire by doing so.
The way you tell it is too sugarcoated to be honest. Here's the truth. Companies used to build products that lasted a long time. Then they began finding ways to make mediocre products that would quit working sooner, so you'd have to buy a new product and they'd make more money. The companies roll out mediocrity and sweep excellence under the rug.
You can avoid being a victim of this by:
1. Doing as much research as possible, especially for products that are very large and/or expensive.
2. Knowing how to do your own repairs so you can make your products last as long as possible.
3. Knowing how your products work and finding ways to avoid needlessly pushing them to their limits so you can make your products last as long as possible.