Some Hispanic men are redefining the concept of college and success in light of the labor-intensive jobs they often hold. Many Hispanic men enter manual labor and blue-collar careers early on, but by their mid-thirties, their bodies may give out, limiting their ability to advance into management positions. The median age of Hispanic men is 30.6, and they are overrepresented in dangerous jobs such as transportation and construction.
Jun Garza, a 43-year-old small business owner in San Antonio, injured himself recently and realized he could not do physical labor forever. He is now working towards his GED and hopes to earn a construction manager certification. Other Hispanic men are also starting their own businesses out of necessity, but face challenges in financing and scaling these ventures.
While Latino male-owned businesses have seen some success in generating revenue, there is still a disparity compared to white male-owned businesses. The State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report highlights this issue and stresses the need for more support and resources for Latino entrepreneurs.
Despite gains in health insurance coverage, homeownership, and wages under the Biden administration, many Latino men continue to face frustrations and challenges related to high costs and their impact on families. The future voting decisions of Latino men may hinge on whether they feel the American dream is attainable for them.
Ultimately, there is a need for greater investment and support for Hispanic men as a valued workforce to help them succeed and feel empowered in their careers and entrepreneurial endeavors.
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