Real Value: Rethinking Success in the Age of Debt

by Jeffrey Burger

What if the path to success doesn’t require a college degree—but has simply been hidden in plain sight?

In Real Value, Jeffrey Burger dismantles the cultural myth that college is the only road to a meaningful, prosperous life. Backed by sharp data, personal insights, and a call for cultural change, this book reveals how the skilled trades—once dismissed or ignored—offer real financial freedom, job satisfaction, and personal fulfillment.

From the debt crisis to the skills gap, Real Value explores why so many young people are being funneled into a system that doesn’t work for everyone—and what we can do instead. This is a bold, eye-opening read for parents, educators, policymakers, and students alike.

Whether you're rethinking your own career path or guiding the next generation, Real Value invites you to challenge outdated beliefs and rediscover the dignity of doing meaningful work.

50 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2025

About the author

Jeffrey J Burger was born and grew up in Chicago, Illinois, moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida at the age of 28, where he still lives today with his German Shepherd, Jax. Jeff returns to Chicago on a regular basis to visit family and friends.

Originally drawn to law enforcement like his father and uncle, Jeff's extremely creative nature drove him toward a rewarding career in photography, illustration, design, marketing and advertising. With the successful launch of his first book; Wings of Steele - Destination Unknown, he has been able to add writing and publishing to his repertoire.

Jeff's choice in career and life in Florida have offered some truly unique experiences which he continues to enjoy. A certified firearms Instructor, Jeff has worked with civilians, Military Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers from many agencies. This has afforded him the opportunity to regularly handle and become proficient with firearms of all types, new and vintage, from all over the world.

An affinity for aircraft and flying have provided many opportunities to fly with talented civilian and military pilots in a wide selection of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. While Jeff finds jets to be supremely exciting, nothing beats the sublime sound or primal feeling of a piston-driven Rolls Royce Merlin V12 in a vintage P51 Mustang.