People that didn't go to college: What is you career

[zap2]

My parents never went(well never got a degree, my dad did go)

But my father dropped out and went to work at a casino as a dealer. He spent a while there ended up making decent money after working his way up the ranks(so its do able, just takes time, which is certainly doable, more so when you are young) My mother went to cosmetology school and ended up as a hair dresser, and that she stopped working a few years after my brother and I were born(she worked part time for a little, but over all, she was a stay at home mom)

Af one point my parents started a business, a liquor store...that worked well for a while so they opened a 2nd store. And then that became a bigger headache then it was worth, so they sold the 2nd store to focus on the first. But that too was a huge pain, always having something breaking and with healthcare costs, the profit margins became smaller and smaller. At one point my mom went to work at a car dealership in the back off. Then my parents sold the liquor store, my dad looked for work for a while(this was right as the recession was at its worst) He did some substitute teaching and worked for the Census just until he found long term employment.

During this time my mom became a sale women at the dealership where she makes way more then she ever has in her life, and my dad got a job in sales at another car dealer. Now my parents makes decent money, certainly not millions, but they live more comfortably then they have in a while.

Its do able, no doubt, but my mother regrets not going to college, she made sure my brother and I did. I figure even if I don't end up using my degree its nice to have it. My current job in college(working in a help desk for a college) is one I could see myself doing once I graduate. My boss did the same thing, and I know he doesn't want to do it forever, so I'd consider doing it for a few years when I get out. I know I don't wanna go to grad school. After high school, 4 more years is all I can handle.

 

[Mactrillionaire]

I have an Associate degree in Computer Science. My husband has no degree.

We own our own business and are doing very well.

I don't encourage nor discourage my children when it comes to college. It is up to them. But, a college education is not essential to success in life. What is essential is a good attitude, above-average work ethic, positive attitude, and a teachable mind.

I think this pretty much captures my thoughts on the matter. Myself, I have a BS in Computer Science so I can't exactly comment on "what life was like for not going to college", although I can tell you that a degree doesn't necessarily mean competence in a given area nor does a lack of a degree necessarily mean that a person is not talented in a given area. I know, even in school, there were some people who got mostly straight A's and the sad fact of the matter is that many of them could not tackle a challenging programming problem if their lives depended upon it. As for me, I would keep an open mind about someone regardless of their educational background. I'm more interested in what they can prove they can do that is useful to me.

 

[roadbloc]

I went to study Music Technology at College, however, getting my girlfriend pregnant meant I had to find a job.

I now work part time as a chef and when I turn 18, I become full time. I don't actually mind my job, it is stressful at times, but I honestly think I've got a better career ahead of me than what I was studying at college. And the pay is pretty good.

I'm happy I ended up quitting college in the end. It feels good to earn a wage. It feels good knowing your not relying on government or parental income to survive.

 

[barkomatic]

I just realized this was a resurrected thread. Nevertheless, here's an interesting perspective on the subject at hand. Please forgive the source.

http://gawker.com/5736875/study-reveals-college-kids-learn-nothing

 

[chrishhh]

I think if you're entreprenureal and have the know how and capital to invest in your own business you have as decent a chance as anyone at making decent money without a college degree or some kind of advanced training. You have to have focus though and know exactly what you want to pull that off--most people just don't have that I'm afraid. Outside of that, there are a few limited jobs which have already been described here that you could possibly make a living.

However, as far as the mainstream traditional job market I think you're pretty much screwed if you don't have a Bachelor's degree (and soon a Masters degree sadly). It's a hoop that almost everyone has to jump through if you don't want to work at low skill, low paying jobs.

Watch out for all the education scams out there. There are a lot of "trade schools" which promise unrealistically high salaries for certain professions after graduation. They charge insanely high tuition and students are left with huge debts. Try not to accumulate a huge debt for any training you might receive.

I think that people have the mentality that you need school for a few reasons:
1. They are unsuccessful and are blaming it on not having a degree
2. They are successful with a degree and see people who don't have a degree and conclude you must have one

I am here to tell you we are both right. His paradigm is that you need a degree because it's based on his experience.

Do what you love, don't go to school if you don't want to, or go if you want.

I did not graduate highschool let alone go to college. I am CEO of the 15th fastest growing private company in the country, I am on the board of directors for two other multimillion dollar companies and have investments in several other successful ventures.

The most inspiring friends and influences in my life did not get a degree and have net worths from 100$k to tens of millions.

Find your own path, find what you love. I am telling you don't pay attention to others paradigms. The only thing that matters is what you think.

If you are a highly proactive and positive person that really can't find their way, msg me. I would hire a highly proactive person any day over skilled because as we often say in our company, "we don't hire bad-a**es, we make em".