https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_examination

> During the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), authorities narrowed the content down to mostly texts on Neo-Confucian orthodoxy; the highest degree, the jinshi (Chinese: 進士), became essential for the highest offices. On the other hand, holders of the basic degree, the shengyuan (生員), became vastly oversupplied, resulting in holders who could not hope for office. Wealthy families, especially from the merchant class, could opt into the system by educating their sons or by purchasing degrees. During the late 19th century, some critics within Qing China blamed the examination system for stifling scientific and technical knowledge, and urged for some reforms. At the time, China had about one civil licentiate per 1000 people. Due to the stringent requirements, there was only a 1% passing rate among the two or three million annual applicants who took the exams.[3]

In the US there is a perception that the vocational or trades route mean failure. We tend to think of trades as an expense, dangerous or someone that works on an assembly line. Some people just get bored sitting in a classroom.

The trades have never been busier, and all the different trades I see at different job sites have the 30 whatever being the young person.

Not only are they in demand, but can pay pretty decently as well, plus have directly applicable individual life uses, causing most of us tradesmen to spend very little $ maintaining our own things (cars, houses, etc).

Go to college, awesome. Or learn to use your hands and do something well, awesome.

The stuck in retail / service middle ground seems to be the hardest path in life, and obviously so very subjective, but I'd find that long term path not very internally rewarding, either.