The Rise of the Blue-Collar Entrepreneur: Gen Z Skips College for Financial Freedom
Meet Jacob Palmer, a 23-year-old electrician from Concord, North Carolina, who bypassed college to become his own boss and achieve six-figure earnings. His story highlights a growing trend among Gen Z, who are increasingly considering skilled trades as a viable alternative to traditional higher education.
Jacob Palmer's Journey to Entrepreneurship
Palmer, a self-described "good student," found online college during the pandemic to be "intangible." Instead of pursuing a degree, he explored various jobs, including positions at FedEx and a factory in rural Virginia. A chance encounter with an electrician working on his family's hot tub sparked his interest in the trade.
He started as an apprentice, earning $15 an hour, and diligently worked towards obtaining his electrical license. In January 2024, at the age of 21, he launched Palmer Electrical, a one-man operation that grossed nearly $90,000 by the end of the year and is on track to exceed that in 2025. He's now debt-free and booked a month in advance.
"I don't owe anybody anything," says Palmer, contrasting his situation with peers burdened by student loans and uncertain job prospects.
A Broader Trend: Blue-Collar Ambition and Redefining Success
Palmer’s story reflects a larger movement. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), undergraduate enrollment declined by 15% between fall 2010 and fall 2021, with Palmer’s generation significantly contributing. Experts have predicted a “demographic cliff” since 2007, due to declining birthrates following the Great Recession.
Marlo Loria, Director of Career and Technical Education at Mesa Public Schools in Arizona, observes growing interest in the trades among students. She emphasizes that college is merely a "vehicle" for skills acquisition and that alternative pathways can be equally valuable.
The Role of AI and the Evolving Job Market
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also influencing career choices. While some fear job displacement, experts like John Abraham suggest learning to use AI as a tool for increased effectiveness. Fields like insurance adjusting, credit analysis, and paralegal work may face cuts, while software, personal finance, and engineering are expected to grow.
Lucas Shriver, an engineering graduate, exemplifies this shift, utilizing AI in his work at LEMA in St. Paul.
The Trades: In-Demand and Hard-to-Fill
Jobber's 2025 "Blue Collar Report" highlights the viability of blue-collar careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for electricians (11%), plumbers (6%), and HVAC technicians (9%) from 2023 to 2033. These roles are often in high demand and difficult to fill.
Meanwhile, the cost of college has tripled in the last 30 years, making trade schools an increasingly attractive and affordable alternative.
The Power of Social Media and Influencers
Social media is playing a significant role in promoting blue-collar careers. Loria notes that social media influencers inspire Gen Zers to explore alternative paths. Blue-collar influencers include "The Expert Plumber" Roger Wakefield and Lexia "Lex the Electrician" Czumak-Abreu.
Young entrepreneurs like 19-year-old HVAC technician Itzcoatl Aguilar, who runs the YouTube channel "EwokDoesHVAC," are leveraging social media to build their brand and generate additional income.
The Future of Work: Automation and Universal High Income
Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, a computer science professor, predicts that AI will eventually automate nearly all jobs, potentially leading to mass unemployment. He suggests this could lead to shorter workweeks or even a "universal high income," where people have access to sufficient funds without needing employment. Other voices in the tech industry such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Jensen Huang echo this prediction.
"We're looking at a world where we have levels of unemployment we [have] never seen before," revealed Dr. Yampolskiy. "[I'm] not talking about 10% unemployment, which is scary, but 99%."
Palmer's Vision for the Future: Content Creation and Entrepreneurship
Palmer, already a successful entrepreneur, is now exploring content creation. He sees YouTube as a valuable revenue stream, generating approximately $1,300 per month from advertising in August 2025. He aims to balance his electrical business with his growing online presence. He is a member of the North Carolina Electrical Inspectors Association.
Ultimately, the stories of Jacob Palmer and other young entrepreneurs demonstrate the increasing appeal of blue-collar careers and the potential for financial independence outside of traditional college pathways.
