Inspired by Crazelion -- Anyone NOT have a college degree?

[FOJMO]

I did not go to college, except for a few night courses for a few credits after HS. Never regretted it. In fact, most of the people I know, including my DH, who went to college, are not even in the field they studied and received a degree. Or, they are SAHM, like my SIL, who has 5 kids and has a PhD in Physics! Don't know what's up with that?

 

[MAC3]

Your not alone.

I did the same started with some pre req's and then stopped. I've got a decent job but I regret not going all the way!

 

[tc]

Nope, never went to college. Was a mom at 18. I did take a correspondence course for paralegal, but it wasn't really college. I am now a legal assistant (SAHM for 14 years.)

 

[preshi]

I didn't but I plan on going back...

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Originally posted by FOJMO
In fact, most of the people I know, including my DH, who went to college, are not even in the field they studied and received a degree. Or, they are SAHM, like my SIL, who has 5 kids and has a PhD in Physics! Don't know what's up with that?

I do have a college degree but I wanted to address this...college prepares you for more than what you are getting your degree in. It's not unusual to go on to work in a field that may not be degree related, but chances are in some way you are in fact using that knowledge (okay maybe not the PhD in Physics). I am a contracts administrator. However, I also contribute to the public relations function. So while if I just told you my job title and what my degree was in, it would sound like I was working totally outside my field. In addition, the writing skills I learned while working on my degree is what makes me a valuable asset to my company and I am often relied on for other special projects.

 

[Chattyaholic]

Nope, no college degree here either. I never had the desire to go on to college after high school. I got married 3 months after graduation, worked at the credit bureau for a few months, then became a SAHM. I felt it was important to be home for my children, since I didn't HAVE to work and I felt I was very fortunate to be able to do so. But, once the kids were in school all day I did feel like I wanted to "get back out into the work force" and I was a video store clerk for a few years, then got back into secretarial work for several years, but now I'm a waitress and really, really enjoy it.

 

[shep]

No College here.
DW has a Bachelor's degree though..

 

[jipsy]

No. Never regretted it either.

 

[Bob O]

I did go to college for a couple years but im not close to any degree and also dont regret it at all.

 

[CamColt]

No college here. Im a SAHM, so Im sort of glad I never wasted the money going. Instead I worked and saved a nice chunk of money that helped in buying our dream home.

I have friends with all sorts of degrees and yet at age 31 they cant afford a house, or to have kids. They are trying to get out of debt.

 

[DiznEeyore]

No college degree here either, just a few courses here and there after high school. I ended up working as a technical editor for an environmental firm 'til I quit to be a SAHM. Dh has over 4 years of college, but no degree. Can you say "FRATERNITY" and "PARTIED WAAAAY TOO MUCH" ???? We just paid off his student loans (mind you, we're in our early thirties) and he has no degree to show for it. Sad.

 

[KarenB]

I will be getting my first degree, Elementary Education, this May at the age of 43. Take it from me, it is never too late to go if you desire!


There are many times I have thought, "If I only would have done this 20 years ago!" But I quickly realize that I would never want to change the chance that I had to be home with my children when they were young.

I guess I have the best of both worlds!!!!

Karen

 

[Mishetta]

No college degree for me, but I was fortunate enough to land some exceptionally great jobs, which before I became a SAHM, was making more $$ than my DH with a college degree!

 

[mickeyfan1]

I never wanted to go. If I could do it with out writing, it would be different. I skated through HS, went to an experimantal school, I fit right in. I went to work 2 weeks out of HS, and in June will have been there 32 years. I make an excellent salary, but I attribute that to being in the right place at the right time. I was in a "Mans" (or non traditional) jon for 6 years, then I got into marketing because I test very well, and I am not shy. I have a wonderful position today, and the lack of a degree has never held me back. However, it is never to late to learn anything, and if I decide tomorrow that I want a degree in something, I will go for it. But not to get a better job, I want to retire!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sogger1]

I do not have a degree. I don't buy the "you have to have a degree to be a success in this world" idea. By the good Lord's grace, I have always managed to put a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food on the table, and give others a hand. I have worked as a dental assistant, in factories, as a federal employee, in a grocery store, at a computer help desk, and now a bank without a degree. I may never make lots of money but then I am not in lots of debt either. The most important thing is to find something you like to do and apply all of your resources to be the best you can be. If a degree is what it takes, go for it.

 

[Pig Pen]

No degree here either, but sometimes I DO regret it. I could be so much further along if I had those coveted initials behind my name. I lucked into several very high profile political jobs over the past few years, but that all ended a few months ago.

HOWEVER - after living with mega stress for several years, I now enjoy being able to go home at the end of the day and leave my worries at my desk.

 

[*Flower*]

I don't. I just couldn't seem to get serious enough about it in college when I was going. I actually have 15 credits, but I HATE taking the math/science stuff that you need to take to get the degree.
DH is currently studying to be an electrical engineer (I think). His GI bill benefits turn into a pumpkin a certain number of years after his retirement from the military, and it's tax-free money- so I told him that he'd be a fool not to use it.
So he's been going to college at half time instead of full time, and gets paid (reembursed for it) by the govt. And the Lottery in our state also pays a percentage, so he's getting that also, for 3/4 of the year. The Lottery doesn't pay for summer classes at half time. However, they paid us back the tuition and books that we'd paid for this semester- so it really helps!!

 

[cgcw]

Add me to the list.

I was going away to college but my dad passed away the summer I was suppose to leave for school. I know now it was a wrong decision, but I didn't want to leave. Too much had changed in my life.

While I was working for an insurance company, I had a boss who wanted me to become a IT programmer. I was a secretary at the time and he thought I had the ability to do the job. He would give me assignments that were easy for me to do -- sort of testing me along the way. My boss promoted me into a programmer position. I was no where near ready - but I survived. I was developing PC based software programs and enjoying it. Then they moved me to the mainframe side. I sank....big time. They wanted me to take additional classes in the evenings. I was already doing that, it just wasn't enough. So, because I worked for the same boss who was very generous in his time and very willing to train me, he sent me off to school - 2 mornings a week at the local college to bring me up to speed as to where I should have been before I was promoted into a position that I wasn't qualified to do. I think he took pity on me because I went through a very tough divorce while working there. I think, deep down, he was helping me to be able to support myself. As it turned out, I didn't care for mainframe programming -- not much of a computer person, I would have been happier working more directly with people. Anyway, after getting remarried and DS8 came along, I stayed home with him.

Now I operate my own daycare out of my home. I love being home with my kids and raising not only them, but my daycare children. Sometimes, I think I'll go back to finish my degree -- except now it would be either in Early Childhood or nursing. Time will tell. I know it's not too late.

 

[Fire14]

I don't have a degree per si. I have a certifactiate in practial nursing. I have tried going back to get my Assoc degree but got tottally burned out on school and looking at salaries for what I want to do, what it would cost me in schooling, what I'd have to do as an RN I'm happy where I'm at.

 

[WDWLVR]

No college here. When I was in High School my mom always told me that if I took business classes (typing, steno, bookkeeping, etc.) I'd always have a job. Didn't have much money back then, grades weren't good enough to get a good scholorship, and honestly I didn't have drive that I had to that one something I would need a degree for.

After 28 years I have only worked for 3 companies and have always risen up the ranks in every one of them. I think the funniest thing is that 2 years ago my company sent me to a college campus to do 2nd round interviews. Struck me as so funny that for someone without a degree I was now making the choice of which of these future college grads didn't make the cut.

In hingsight yes I wish I had gone to college because I think it would have made me 2nd job search and any future ones easier, but I have no regrets. I also think I have more street smarts than lots of people with degrees.