More About Author Paul (P.D.) Mason
What prompted you to write these books: When my oldest son was in his career planning classes at the public high school, I approached the school principal, offering to attend the school career fair and college day and speak in great detail about the opportunities that the skilled trades offers young adults. The high school principal rejected my request to represent the skilled trades and the highly lucrative construction industry at the career fair. When I questioned the principal’s decision, the principal stated that the local school board would not allow the skilled trades to be present at a college fair next to the public and private colleges.
After meeting with the high school principal, I was determined to show students and young adults that college isn’t the only path to a lucrative career with financial freedom and strong retirement benefits.
The interaction with the principal launched my first book, and allowed for the follow-up books to complete my message that college is not the only way to a sustainable and lucrative career.
What Was Early Life Like: I grew up in the Midwest of middle-class America and am a second-generation plumber. My son followed his grandfather and me into the plumbing trade. Our three generations of plumbers have nearly eight decades of working years combined.
Education: I attended public school in the suburbs where we lived. I was not very interested in high school, which showed through my attitude toward school and, ultimately, my future. I dropped out of high school just a month into my senior year, and I traveled around the US searching for opportunities to find myself and gainful employment.
How Did You Choose Your Career Path: I owe my prosperous career in the skilled trades and construction to my Father. After a few years of traveling around after high school, my father sat me down one day. He gave me a gentle nudge, saying, "You’re going to apply for a plumbing apprenticeship, and if you get accepted, you will have a path to a career. If you don’t get accepted, you can try again next year”. This was the best advice my Father could have ever given me.
On Writing Books: After the scenario at my oldest son’s high school and the denial of allowing the skilled trades to be represented at the career fair, it dawned on me that I likely could reach beyond my sons’ high school and many high schools in America if I wrote a book that explains to young adults that college is not the only way to a successful life and career, as numerous less-expensive and typically debt-free educational opportunities provide the knowledge and skills to secure a six-figure career, and a fantastic retirement after the working years are over. Unfortunately, most high schools push their “college is the only way'“ agenda, misleading young adults into believing they must go to college to be successful.
My Personal Philosophy: I believe that post-secondary hands-on education should be accessible and practical, empowering our next generations to achieve their goals without being burdened by crippling student loan debt. Through my writing, I strive to help young adults make informed career and post-secondary education choices that lead to long-term financial success and career fulfillment.