Knowing what I know now I'd probably do the same at this point and get into a trade. I saw so much downsizing, increase in responsibilities, and reduction of raises/benefits/pensions in the white collar world from '95 to '17 it was a sin. I think the protection of worker's unions, although not perfect, are necessary in our greedy world. I agree with you, I think online degrees have contributed to the dilution in value of in-person degrees. I think all of the graduates (online and traditional) are now lumped into the same category except for the Ivy League grads—these degrees still carry more weight. I think if HR were to see Princeton or Harvard on a resume those people would still get preference.