I went to college, I have a bachelors degree in business management with a minor in computer science. My education was a byproduct of playing football, but earned my education nonetheless. I have always worked labor jobs, always loved getting dirty and doing the work, so when I got a job using my degree, I quickly found out that it wasn't the kind of thing I wanted to spend my life doing. So I found a good job that I get to do the physical work I like, getting dirty and being happy.
As for unions, I'm not a fan. I've been on jobs where the general contractor is a union company. I've seen their operator blow a hose on the hoe, which stopped 3 haul trucks and a water truck for 2 1/2 hours while they wait for the machanic to come out and change the hose for them. All the while getting paid $38 an hour to stand around wasting time. I asked the operator why he didn't change it himself, said it wasn't his job. Didn't make sense to me to have 5 guys standing when anyone of them could have changed the hose in half an hour.
But that's just my take on it, and one reason I get a sour taste when it comes to unions.