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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
  
Location: Texas | So I'm just looking at my options here.. Who has a full time job they like that didn't require a college degree?
It seems like every job I look at, even things that seem so easy and come with a pretty low pay still say "bachelor degree preferred"... I know preferred doesn't mean required, but I know there has to be some options for those who choose not to go to college. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 617
Location: London Ontario | I have one, although I don't think I needed it to get one. It doesn't hurt to have though.... |
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 Expert
Posts: 5290
 
| Unfortunately the economy still hasnt recovered enough for their to be quality jobs without a degree these days. I know people with Masters degrees working front counter at Feed stores. |
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 Popped
Posts: 20421
Location: LuluLand~along I64 Indiana | what kind of skills do you have? What kind of job would you like? |
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 Bulls Eye
Posts: 6443
Location: Oklahoma | I work for a horse trailer manufacturer. I am a dealer rep and cater to a handful of dealers across the country. I draw up trailers and do the pricing for them to give to customers. I really enjoy what I do because I'm able to be in the industry and it's fun to draw up some of these horse trailers |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | I feel like you can only get manufacturing type jobs without a degree. There are a lot that say that experience can replace the degree, but today's generation isn't going to be able to get the experience without the degree. Heck I feel like I can't get it with one. As much as I hated college, I'm glad I got the degree and yes the pay is low. Instead of fast food minimum wage getting raised the need to raise the pay for entry level graduates. I highly suggest looking at job boards and seeking which industries have the most postings and go into that field. Medical/health, marketing, sales & accounting seem to be the most popular around here. Anyway you look at it the job market sucks right now.
Not the answer to your question, but just something to think about. |
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 Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| Look into a vocational trade type job - electrician, welding, HVAC, plumbing - those people have schooling and skills - that do not require a college degree. Many of them are train as you go. You start out as an apprentice so you will get the crap work for a while but you work your way up. Sheet metal workers apprentice and go to school for almost 5 years before they can become a journeyman. And the wages are really good. I will say though those jobs are typically for men which means you are going to have to prove yourself in a "man's world." Meaning you need to be able to do the work and carry heavy loads when the job warrants. I have a friend who is a journeyman electrician and she loves it. Good luck! |
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Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | TheDutchMan01 - 2015-11-12 12:22 PM I feel like you can only get manufacturing type jobs without a degree. There are a lot that say that experience can replace the degree, but today's generation isn't going to be able to get the experience without the degree. Heck I feel like I can't get it with one. As much as I hated college, I'm glad I got the degree and yes the pay is low. Instead of fast food minimum wage getting raised the need to raise the pay for entry level graduates. I highly suggest looking at job boards and seeking which industries have the most postings and go into that field. Medical/health, marketing, sales & accounting seem to be the most popular around here. Anyway you look at it the job market sucks right now. Not the answer to your question, but just something to think about.
Thank you.. This is very helpful. I am currently in my second year of college, but it's making me miserable.. I keep trying to pin point what exactly it is that I dislike so much, but I can't. I have a job in sales at a jewelry store and I love working. So I've been trying to see what exactly my options would be if I stopped school, but that plan isn't looking too bright for me lol
Even working at a higher level jewelry store requires a degree..  |
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 Thick and Wavy
Posts: 6102
Location: Nebraska | mail carrier, fed ex, ups |
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 Underestimated Underdog
Posts: 3971
Location: Minnesota | I'm an auditor and field relief manager for UHaul. I did not need a degree, I worked hard and moved up throughout the company. The company is great but I'm actually demoting myself as I've gone back to school to become an EMT.
I'd say find something you love to do and do that. Whether you have a job with your college degree or you stop and find something else, do what you love. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 372
| FLITASTIC - 2015-11-12 12:04 PM
Unfortunately the economy still hasnt recovered enough for their to be quality jobs without a degree these days. I know people with Masters degrees working front counter at Feed stores.
That has little to do with the state of the economy and more to do with how screwed up the education is in this country.
When it became a "right" to go to college, and money was made easily available even to folks with no means or intentions of paying it back we had an environment that was artificially created in education.
Hence the advent of "for profit" universities. THe money was there, someone was going to take it.
Today we live in a world that an undergrad degree is the new High School diploma.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 12:30 PM
TheDutchMan01 - 2015-11-12 12:22 PM I feel like you can only get manufacturing type jobs without a degree. There are a lot that say that experience can replace the degree, but today's generation isn't going to be able to get the experience without the degree. Heck I feel like I can't get it with one. As much as I hated college, I'm glad I got the degree and yes the pay is low. Instead of fast food minimum wage getting raised the need to raise the pay for entry level graduates. I highly suggest looking at job boards and seeking which industries have the most postings and go into that field. Medical/health, marketing, sales & accounting seem to be the most popular around here. Anyway you look at it the job market sucks right now. Not the answer to your question, but just something to think about.
Thank you.. This is very helpful. I am currently in my second year of college, but it's making me miserable.. I keep trying to pin point what exactly it is that I dislike so much, but I can't. I have a job in sales at a jewelry store and I love working. So I've been trying to see what exactly my options would be if I stopped school, but that plan isn't looking too bright for me lol
Even working at a higher level jewelry store requires a degree..
Its only 4 years of the rest of your life. If you already have that much school under your belt I would say go ahead and tough it out for another 2 years. You already know there isnt as much available without a degree, so why not open yourself up to more job possibilities with a degree. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | you can go into retail and try to work your way up that way. |
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 Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| Many college degrees today are worthless. Having said that, without an education, your road to higher pay is much steeper. If you don't want to make the effort to get a meaningful degree, pick a trade and go to trade school.
There are plenty of jobs available in America right now for skilled labor. |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I know that there are a lot of jobs at hospitals and clinics. A friend of mine has an associates in vet tech but just got hired at a hospital doing like housekeeping. Is making decent money and the hours arent terrible. I worked as 911 dispatcher, I had a degree but many of my co-workers didnt. I also worked at a disability law form doing intake and managing disability application, pay wasnt great but more than minimum wage. I had benefits and good hours. I had a degree but many co-workers didnt.
My mom also works in sales and does a lot of traveling. She has her associates but her experience has allowed her to be a big player in the company. She works for an electronics company based overseas and she manages the north america accounts.
What are you going to school for now? |
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Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| That's what I did but I also have college degrees.
I make a good living but the road was long and steep. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| kboltwkreations - 2015-11-12 12:53 PM
outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 12:30 PM
TheDutchMan01 - 2015-11-12 12:22 PM I feel like you can only get manufacturing type jobs without a degree. There are a lot that say that experience can replace the degree, but today's generation isn't going to be able to get the experience without the degree. Heck I feel like I can't get it with one. As much as I hated college, I'm glad I got the degree and yes the pay is low. Instead of fast food minimum wage getting raised the need to raise the pay for entry level graduates. I highly suggest looking at job boards and seeking which industries have the most postings and go into that field. Medical/health, marketing, sales & accounting seem to be the most popular around here. Anyway you look at it the job market sucks right now. Not the answer to your question, but just something to think about.
Thank you.. This is very helpful. I am currently in my second year of college, but it's making me miserable.. I keep trying to pin point what exactly it is that I dislike so much, but I can't. I have a job in sales at a jewelry store and I love working. So I've been trying to see what exactly my options would be if I stopped school, but that plan isn't looking too bright for me lol
Even working at a higher level jewelry store requires a degree..
Its only 4 years of the rest of your life. If you already have that much school under your belt I would say go ahead and tough it out for another 2 years. You already know there isnt as much available without a degree, so why not open yourself up to more job possibilities with a degree.
I also agree, your student loans will hurt a lot more if you're paying on something you got nothing out of. I have steep student loans but also a job I love... makes the payments a little less painful. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | kboltwkreations - 2015-11-12 12:53 PM
outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 12:30 PM
TheDutchMan01 - 2015-11-12 12:22 PM I feel like you can only get manufacturing type jobs without a degree. There are a lot that say that experience can replace the degree, but today's generation isn't going to be able to get the experience without the degree. Heck I feel like I can't get it with one. As much as I hated college, I'm glad I got the degree and yes the pay is low. Instead of fast food minimum wage getting raised the need to raise the pay for entry level graduates. I highly suggest looking at job boards and seeking which industries have the most postings and go into that field. Medical/health, marketing, sales & accounting seem to be the most popular around here. Anyway you look at it the job market sucks right now. Not the answer to your question, but just something to think about.
Thank you.. This is very helpful. I am currently in my second year of college, but it's making me miserable.. I keep trying to pin point what exactly it is that I dislike so much, but I can't. I have a job in sales at a jewelry store and I love working. So I've been trying to see what exactly my options would be if I stopped school, but that plan isn't looking too bright for me lol
Even working at a higher level jewelry store requires a degree..
Its only 4 years of the rest of your life. If you already have that much school under your belt I would say go ahead and tough it out for another 2 years. You already know there isnt as much available without a degree, so why not open yourself up to more job possibilities with a degree.
Welcome :) and I agree tough it out. It took me 5 years, but I made it. What's your major now? Do you like sales? If so I would get a sales/marketing degree. I always see jobs open for those and all kinds of businesses need sales or marketing. You can always get an associates degree, but once you graduate you won't want to go back so don't step off the horse now. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| casualdust07 - 2015-11-12 12:58 PM
you can go into retail and try to work your way up that way.
Home Depot is really good about promoting from within .... Something to think about, a pal here in KS started out as a cashier for them, moved into kitchen/bath design, then applied and got their in-house scheduler/pay roll/ HR position. She is now applying for an area management position.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| If you are going to get a degree, get it in something that requires a degree. Ex-------Accounting, you can still do lots of other jobs, but only an accountant can do accounting--------Nursing etc.
Everybody knows somebody with a degree, that is working a dead end job. What nurse do you know, that can't find a job?
I hear people talking about getting in an industry, and working their way up.. That's awesome.........until the industry your in plays out, or the company you work for folds. then you have specialized skills that may not be marketable.
nothing wrong with a trade either. |
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 Go For It!
Location: Texas |
Become a dog groomer... Find a great teacher, that does awesome work, learn all you can, and eventually start your own business.
My husband started out driving a truck, bought a wrecker, then we started a pick a part (many many years ago), and then started buying scrap metal, and today we are one of the premier scrap metal buyers on the gulf coast. We "retired" about 10 years ago and our son now runs the business (he actually gets a lot of credit for making it into what it is today). It was LOTS of hard work and really labor intensive... but looking back today, it was all worth it.
Neither one of us have a college education, we just have a great work ethic, which is what it takes to be successful. Find something and grab hold of it. You don't have to LOVE to be good at it. I certainly didn't like driving that wrecker or sitting on that crane (an old Link Belt with no a/c) unloading trucks when it was 110 degrees out. Or any other time really, lol. But I/we did what we had to do. By the grace of God, it paid off for us, and I don't have to struggle these days. Find something that you think can be profitable and grab hold of it. Work your butt off and don't give up when things get tough. There is nothing stopping you but you. You can do it if you think you can! Just go for it!
Good luck!
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Expert
Posts: 1567
Location: Fairfield, IA | http://profoundlydisconnected.com/
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Troll Buster
Posts: 6045
| Look into getting in the insurance industry. It's a HUGE industry with a ton of different opportunities and insurance will always be around wether it be auto, home, health, life etc.
Best of luck to you, I don't have a degree past my high school diploma and make a lot more than the average joes who do have degrees.. You just have to work hard and prove everybody wrong :) |
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You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | lindseylou2290 - 2015-11-12 1:13 PM
casualdust07 - 2015-11-12 12:58 PM
you can go into retail and try to work your way up that way.
Home Depot is really good about promoting from within .... Something to think about, a pal here in KS started out as a cashier for them, moved into kitchen/bath design, then applied and got their in-house scheduler/pay roll/ HR position. She is now applying for an area management position.
my bf didnt finish his bachelors and worked is way up and is now the GM of a large chain outdoor store. He makes what I will hope to make five years out of vet school, LOL. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Well I'm planning on getting my real estate license. I tried college and hated it. It was a waste of money because I hated my major and had no idea what to switch to. My boytoy is in college now but is an after hours dispatcher for a power company and makes over $18 an hour and he's only been there 2.5 years. I used to do the same thing but moved on. There are some jobs out there that are kind of obscure that you have to really seek out. |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3310
Location: Jersey Girl | I have been at my job for 10 years and do not have a degree, however, it is required now. I would not beable to get this job if I were applying now.
Get the degree. For some reason employers don't think you are worthy unless you have one.
If college isn't for you then you need to have a trade.
Edited by fulltiltfilly 2015-11-12 1:42 PM
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | As an employment recruiter, I don't need a degree. so that's great, you're paid what you work for as it's 100% commission.
BUT also as an employment recruiter I can tell you the majority of the time we can't look at many people just because they don't have any sort of degree or schooling. Unfortunately. We all agree that school can be pretty useless, but completely necessary.
Edited by Crowned Image 2015-11-13 10:57 AM
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 312
Location: KS | I would get the degree. Its worth it.
I majored in Animal Science 5 years ago, loved the major. Came back home right out of college to marry my now husband who also grew up in the same area. My folks farm and run a very nice cattle operation, neither went to college, and with a lot of hard work have built themselves up. My husband does the same, farms, custom hay work, and raises cattle, he went to school for a semester and never went back, best decision he probably could have made. He does pretty well for himself. I work at and Implement dealership, love my job, not what I pictured my self doing, but make a good living and I know I wouldn't make what I do without the college education. Have no regrets.
I didn't enjoy the actually going to college either, but I had a goal and took all the hours I could, finished in 3.5 years instead of the 4 and worked while doing that, its possible. I also college rodeoed for 3 of those years. Good Luck to you and know that it goes a lot faster than you think.
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Get the degree if that's an option at all. It's probably easier at this point in your life than it ever will be again to be in school - adulting is expensive! Mortgage, insurance, truck payment, feed bill, med insurance, home repairs - it's never ending. I do know several very sucessful people who have worked their way up with no degree - I also know that the company I work for will not even look at your resume unless you have a degree. After you've got several years job experience, degrees are less important - but it's tough to get your foot in the door without one. I've recently had a friend change jobs and even after 20 years of experience - there are a lot of companies that flat won't consider you without a degree.
Edited by MS2011 2015-11-12 2:48 PM
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 Some Kind of Trouble
Posts: 4430
| I work for an accounting firm.. no degree. I am the youngest person here, have only been here for 7 1/2 years, but I am the highest billable rate employee under my boss (CPA). I'm in a small town and had the references and experience to be hired without the degree.. would not be so easy in a larger area. I get asked all the time if I'm going to become a CPA... heck no, I have a great job and can do all the same work without working 70 hour weeks like my boss. lol |
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 Texas Tenderheart
Posts: 6715
Location: Red Raiderland | I think you should stick it out and get the degree. What are you studying? I remember your post about going to SMU, is that where you go now?
I loved college but not for the actual classes.  The experience was one of the best times in my life. Maybe you aren't at the right university?
I actually had a T-shirt that said, "Texas Tech, the best 5 or 6 years of my life." My dad was not amused.  |
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Common Sense and then some
Location: So. California | If you can, continue your education and get that degree. There are so MANY qualified candidates applying for open positions, the degree may make the difference if you resume is actually reviewed or not. When the economy tanked, many went back to school and obtained their degree, it is almost impossible to get a decent paying job without a degree now. Yes, there are always exceptions to the rule and those that have been with their employeer for X number of years. The hard facts is that you need a degree to be competitive in today's job market. It will be worth it in the end. |
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Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas |
Nope I'm still at community college.. I think that's part of my problem with the dislike is just not being at the right place, hopefully I can get out of there soon though. I'll only end up at SMU if I somehow get my hands on nice scholarship so I may be retaking some classes
I'm thinking at this point I might as well stick it out. I took 54 hours(12 of thoughs being 1st semester the rest 2nd semester and mini semesters) total my freshmen year and failed/dropped about 20 hours because I had no reason to have signed up for that many classes and I think I just burned myself out.. It's no excuse just a learning experience.
My major right now is marketing and I think I want to change it to finance and maybe minor in sales. I've been the highest selling sales person in our store since we opened and i'm only there on seasonal currently so i'm thinking that might be a good path for me!
Thank you everyone for the advice |
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Texas Tenderheart
Posts: 6715
Location: Red Raiderland | outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 5:46 PM Nope I'm still at community college.. I think that's part of my problem with the dislike is just not being at the right place, hopefully I can get out of there soon though. I'll only end up at SMU if I somehow get my hands on nice scholarship so I may be retaking some classes
I'm thinking at this point I might as well stick it out. I took 54 hours(12 of thoughs being 1st semester the rest 2nd semester and mini semesters) total my freshmen year and failed/dropped about 20 hours because I had no reason to have signed up for that many classes and I think I just burned myself out.. It's no excuse just a learning experience.
My major right now is marketing and I think I want to change it to finance and maybe minor in sales. I've been the highest selling sales person in our store since we opened and i'm only there on seasonal currently so i'm thinking that might be a good path for me!
Thank you everyone for the advice
Hang in there and you will have that degree in no time. Do you have to go to SMU or can you go to any of the other schools around our beautiful state? How about Texas Tech? I'm a little bias because that is my alma mater. My niece just started at Tech and absolutely loves it. My entire family has gone there. What about going to UNT? |
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Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | Kaycee - 2015-11-12 6:06 PM outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 5:46 PM Nope I'm still at community college.. I think that's part of my problem with the dislike is just not being at the right place, hopefully I can get out of there soon though. I'll only end up at SMU if I somehow get my hands on nice scholarship so I may be retaking some classes
I'm thinking at this point I might as well stick it out. I took 54 hours(12 of thoughs being 1st semester the rest 2nd semester and mini semesters) total my freshmen year and failed/dropped about 20 hours because I had no reason to have signed up for that many classes and I think I just burned myself out.. It's no excuse just a learning experience.
My major right now is marketing and I think I want to change it to finance and maybe minor in sales. I've been the highest selling sales person in our store since we opened and i'm only there on seasonal currently so i'm thinking that might be a good path for me!
Thank you everyone for the advice
I love tech but I'm not sure if I want to go that far away from home! The only 2 schools I could go to and live at home are SMU or UTD.. But Tech is still on my list of "maybe's " I just have to see where i'm at when it's time to transfer, tech gives the best transfer scholarships for state schools! |
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Texas Tenderheart
Posts: 6715
Location: Red Raiderland | outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 6:11 PM Kaycee - 2015-11-12 6:06 PM outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 5:46 PM Nope I'm still at community college.. I think that's part of my problem with the dislike is just not being at the right place, hopefully I can get out of there soon though. I'll only end up at SMU if I somehow get my hands on nice scholarship so I may be retaking some classes
I'm thinking at this point I might as well stick it out. I took 54 hours(12 of thoughs being 1st semester the rest 2nd semester and mini semesters) total my freshmen year and failed/dropped about 20 hours because I had no reason to have signed up for that many classes and I think I just burned myself out.. It's no excuse just a learning experience.
My major right now is marketing and I think I want to change it to finance and maybe minor in sales. I've been the highest selling sales person in our store since we opened and i'm only there on seasonal currently so i'm thinking that might be a good path for me!
Thank you everyone for the advice
YESSS! Be a Red Raider! I grew up in Lucas and went 7 hours away to Tech. It only takes a few weeks to adjust to being out there because there is sooooo much to do and most students come from DFW or Houston so most rarely go home on the weekends and there is always something going on no matter what your interest. My niece has been going out to the riding club/polo team and riding to de-stress. Good luck in whatever you chose to do but get that degree, girl!
I got my degree in Exercise Physiology and worked my way up to being a pharmacuetical rep because they loved hiring folks with B.S. degrees. I did other grunt sales jobs before pharma but it gave me great experience. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7264
| I'm going to go out on a limb and say "get a degree - no matter WHAT it is" my dad told me that and he was RIGHT - again! It has opened SO many doors that would have never been opened. So very, very many places require a degree to just get in the door.
I always thought if I had to do it over again and couldn't get a degree for some reason, I would go to a trade school - automotive, welding - something like that - BUT, in order to make GOOD money doing that, eventually you'll have to start your own business - at least around here. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Griz - 2015-11-13 5:35 AM I'm going to go out on a limb and say "get a degree - no matter WHAT it is" my dad told me that and he was RIGHT - again! It has opened SO many doors that would have never been opened. So very, very many places require a degree to just get in the door. I always thought if I had to do it over again and couldn't get a degree for some reason, I would go to a trade school - automotive, welding - something like that - BUT, in order to make GOOD money doing that, eventually you'll have to start your own business - at least around here.
Agree, many employers want to see that you have what it takes to stick with it and make good grades, demonstrating self discipline. My daughter has a bachelors in economics and an MBA. She worked in a related field for a coule of years but now is a pharmacy rep and making crazy money. It is not related to her degree at all but they don't hire anyone without a degree and good grades. Good luck, I know it is tough, especially when you have no idea what you want to do. Our son was floundering in college, terrible grades, had to come home. We sent him to career testing at a place in Dallas. It was 3 days of testing, they tell you your strengths and what careers compliment them. He discovered a degree in Environmental Engineering and has been an A/B student ever since. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Learn a trade. Welders and electricians are two that are in demand with a high earning potential.
However, since you have finished two years, I would continue until you complete a program.
What program are you in? I would advise looking into what positions this degree would qualify you for, and just how many jobs are available. This would allow you to potentially pick another program if you feel the market is soft for candidates graduating from your current path. |
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  That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| I earned my bs and I'm on the board of a trade school here in Utah, and I can't understand why anybody wouldn't get a certification or degree in at least one of them. The job market is super competitive. You may not need it, but makes finding and keeping a job so much easier. Remember for employers, it is as much about the process as the degree. There is a huge gap in just the ability to work a computer between those who have gone to school and those who haven't. I pretty much refuse to hire somebody who hasn't done something. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | Griz - 2015-11-13 5:35 AM
I'm going to go out on a limb and say "get a degree - no matter WHAT it is" my dad told me that and he was RIGHT - again! It has opened SO many doors that would have never been opened. So very, very many places require a degree to just get in the door.
I always thought if I had to do it over again and couldn't get a degree for some reason, I would go to a trade school - automotive, welding - something like that - BUT, in order to make GOOD money doing that, eventually you'll have to start your own business - at least around here.
There are plenty of high paying jobs for welders and electricians for those willing to travel to where the work is... Without owning your own business.
I respectfully disagree with the "get a degree no matter what it is" philosophy. This has provided America with a very educated but largely unskilled workforce and a serious glut of folks with large amounts of debt they will never be able to repay.
In addition, many degree programs are about useless at providing graduates with work opportunities. I would advise a young person wishing to pursue a degree to take a careful look at the job market. Look at the number of positions available to graduates of the specified degree program AND the pay for those positions. Look at long term earning potential and long term opportunity. Then, add up the costs of the program and compare that to your expected income.
I know wayyyyy too many equine science majors that are working positions unrelated to horses with mountains of debt they are barely able to pay.
Education needs to be viewed as an investment. Not every degree has the same end value. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | After reading some of the posts I missed, I would encourage you to finish, being 2 years in.
I would think twice about marketing, though. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| barrelracr131 - 2015-11-13 8:09 AM
Griz - 2015-11-13 5:35 AM
I'm going to go out on a limb and say "get a degree - no matter WHAT it is" my dad told me that and he was RIGHT - again! It has opened SO many doors that would have never been opened. So very, very many places require a degree to just get in the door.
I always thought if I had to do it over again and couldn't get a degree for some reason, I would go to a trade school - automotive, welding - something like that - BUT, in order to make GOOD money doing that, eventually you'll have to start your own business - at least around here.
There are plenty of high paying jobs for welders and electricians for those willing to travel to where the work is... Without owning your own business.
I respectfully disagree with the "get a degree no matter what it is" philosophy. This has provided America with a very educated but largely unskilled workforce and a serious glut of folks with large amounts of debt they will never be able to repay.
In addition, many degree programs are about useless at providing graduates with work opportunities. I would advise a young person wishing to pursue a degree to take a careful look at the job market. Look at the number of positions available to graduates of the specified degree program AND the pay for those positions. Look at long term earning potential and long term opportunity. Then, add up the costs of the program and compare that to your expected income.
I know wayyyyy too many equine science majors that are working positions unrelated to horses with mountains of debt they are barely able to pay.
Education needs to be viewed as an investment. Not every degree has the same end value.
You raise a valid point with the example of the equine degree being useless.
This is why when choosing a degree you look at the job market first and see what degrees are needed.
The medical field is generally a safe one for high paying, job security job |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| Kaycee - 2015-11-12 6:21 PM
outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 6:11 PM Kaycee - 2015-11-12 6:06 PM outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 5:46 PM Nope I'm still at community college.. I think that's part of my problem with the dislike is just not being at the right place, hopefully I can get out of there soon though. I'll only end up at SMU if I somehow get my hands on nice scholarship so I may be retaking some classes
I'm thinking at this point I might as well stick it out. I took 54 hours(12 of thoughs being 1st semester the rest 2nd semester and mini semesters) total my freshmen year and failed/dropped about 20 hours because I had no reason to have signed up for that many classes and I think I just burned myself out.. It's no excuse just a learning experience.
My major right now is marketing and I think I want to change it to finance and maybe minor in sales. I've been the highest selling sales person in our store since we opened and i'm only there on seasonal currently so i'm thinking that might be a good path for me!
Thank you everyone for the advice
I got my degree in Exercise Physiology and worked my way up to being a pharmacuetical rep because they loved hiring folks with B.S. degrees. I did other grunt sales jobs before pharma but it gave me great experience.
RED RAIDER HERE TOO!!!! I was from Palestine and went off to Tech 7.5 hrs from home, knew NO ONE, and I was fully adjusted within a month! Its just a great place to go to school! I was on the 4.5 year plan too so I also got that T-shirt!! Too FUNNY!!!!!
The only thing bad is that I met and married a boy from MIDLAND and now I have to live in the oil patch... Just kdding.. sort of. lol |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
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I loved college, too, but also not for the classes. I made a ton of side $$ writing papers, tutoring, and charging others for copies of my class notes. I think I made way more money in college than I did for the first 10 years of my career afterwards. Maybe it's time to go back and get a master's or go to law school. LOL |
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Expert
Posts: 2685
| I do not have a college degree. I am a vet tech (legally called an assistant) and I love my job. I work at a relatively big equine clinic in OKC. We handle a bunch of repro (like 1000 recip mares a year) and performance lameness (racetrack mostly, some cutting). |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7264
| barrelracr131 - 2015-11-13 8:09 AM
Griz - 2015-11-13 5:35 AM
I'm going to go out on a limb and say "get a degree - no matter WHAT it is" my dad told me that and he was RIGHT - again! It has opened SO many doors that would have never been opened. So very, very many places require a degree to just get in the door.
I always thought if I had to do it over again and couldn't get a degree for some reason, I would go to a trade school - automotive, welding - something like that - BUT, in order to make GOOD money doing that, eventually you'll have to start your own business - at least around here.
There are plenty of high paying jobs for welders and electricians for those willing to travel to where the work is... Without owning your own business.
I respectfully disagree with the "get a degree no matter what it is" philosophy. This has provided America with a very educated but largely unskilled workforce and a serious glut of folks with large amounts of debt they will never be able to repay.
In addition, many degree programs are about useless at providing graduates with work opportunities. I would advise a young person wishing to pursue a degree to take a careful look at the job market. Look at the number of positions available to graduates of the specified degree program AND the pay for those positions. Look at long term earning potential and long term opportunity. Then, add up the costs of the program and compare that to your expected income.
I know wayyyyy too many equine science majors that are working positions unrelated to horses with mountains of debt they are barely able to pay.
Education needs to be viewed as an investment. Not every degree has the same end value.
I guess in my field - aircraft - WAY long ago, it only mattered that I had a degree. My degree is in journalism, the first job I got at Boeing was for industrial engineering - they only wanted "a degree" - I know now, here at Spirit (used to be Boeing) they want "degreed industrial engineers." Of course there's ALWAYS the "either a degree or years of experience, or a combo." But a younger person isn't going to have the years of experience, I got lucky, (I guess - sometimes I wonder)! Heck, there were people hired in with me that had degrees in forrestry and we were all hired as industrial engineers!
The way dad always explained it was a college degree shows you can start and finish something - but I am older than dirt, I'm sure the rules have changed. I didn't leave college with a lot of debt due to sports and musical scholarships but I was very blessed to have that.
Edited by Griz 2015-11-13 11:23 AM
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| i am odd man out i have a high school ed but i am a agent for a major truck line i am straight commission and i like like that
i have always worked for myself i have gone hungry slept in a tack room but i have learned i am well paid for my efforts but i also work 5 day 9 hrs aday no vacation
sometimes when i was with landstar 24/7 7days aweek my phone rang college is over rated |
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Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Any degree isn't good enough - as another poster mentioned - there are many degrees that are rather worthless as far as qualifications. Look at how much you are going to need as a salary and plan accordingly. (My dream job would be a vet tech at a equine sports medicine center.....but that's not going to pay my bills.)
I do believe a degree is important to get many companies to consider you, especially since you don't have much work experience.....but just any degree won't help. I'd look at finance, business management, lots of medical related fields.
There is no reason anyone can't work their way thru school, you don't have to accumulate mountains of debt.
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | I haven't read the whole thread, just the first page. So, somebody might have already said these things, but don't expect a degree to be the magic piece of paper that opens the door to a high paying job. You also need work experience and nowadays, you have to have the whole package to be competitive. The college degree IS the new high school diploma. And, if you drop out of college now, and gain a ton of work experience, and work your way up in a good company you will one day lose a promotion to someone with equal or less experience because they DO have a degree. Even if you just get an associate's degree, GET A DEGREE. You will never regret toughing it out a couple more years and doing it. You WILL regret it if you stop going now. |
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Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | barrelracr131 - 2015-11-13 8:13 AM After reading some of the posts I missed, I would encourage you to finish, being 2 years in. I would think twice about marketing, though.
What's wrong with marketing? I've never heard anyone say that before. |
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Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | kboltwkreations - 2015-11-13 8:28 AM Kaycee - 2015-11-12 6:21 PM outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 6:11 PM Kaycee - 2015-11-12 6:06 PM outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 5:46 PM Nope I'm still at community college.. I think that's part of my problem with the dislike is just not being at the right place, hopefully I can get out of there soon though. I'll only end up at SMU if I somehow get my hands on nice scholarship so I may be retaking some classes
I'm thinking at this point I might as well stick it out. I took 54 hours(12 of thoughs being 1st semester the rest 2nd semester and mini semesters) total my freshmen year and failed/dropped about 20 hours because I had no reason to have signed up for that many classes and I think I just burned myself out.. It's no excuse just a learning experience.
My major right now is marketing and I think I want to change it to finance and maybe minor in sales. I've been the highest selling sales person in our store since we opened and i'm only there on seasonal currently so i'm thinking that might be a good path for me!
Thank you everyone for the advice
I got my degree in Exercise Physiology and worked my way up to being a pharmacuetical rep because they loved hiring folks with B.S. degrees. I did other grunt sales jobs before pharma but it gave me great experience. RED RAIDER HERE TOO!!!! I was from Palestine and went off to Tech 7.5 hrs from home, knew NO ONE, and I was fully adjusted within a month! Its just a great place to go to school! I was on the 4.5 year plan too so I also got that T-shirt!! Too FUNNY!!!!! The only thing bad is that I met and married a boy from MIDLAND and now I have to live in the oil patch... Just kdding.. sort of. lol
I think I'm gonna have to plan a trip out to lubbock, I've never seen the campus, I've only driven past it |
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Texas Tenderheart
Posts: 6715
Location: Red Raiderland | kboltwkreations - 2015-11-13 8:28 AM Kaycee - 2015-11-12 6:21 PM outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 6:11 PM Kaycee - 2015-11-12 6:06 PM outrundaizy - 2015-11-12 5:46 PM Nope I'm still at community college.. I think that's part of my problem with the dislike is just not being at the right place, hopefully I can get out of there soon though. I'll only end up at SMU if I somehow get my hands on nice scholarship so I may be retaking some classes
I'm thinking at this point I might as well stick it out. I took 54 hours(12 of thoughs being 1st semester the rest 2nd semester and mini semesters) total my freshmen year and failed/dropped about 20 hours because I had no reason to have signed up for that many classes and I think I just burned myself out.. It's no excuse just a learning experience.
My major right now is marketing and I think I want to change it to finance and maybe minor in sales. I've been the highest selling sales person in our store since we opened and i'm only there on seasonal currently so i'm thinking that might be a good path for me!
Thank you everyone for the advice
I got my degree in Exercise Physiology and worked my way up to being a pharmacuetical rep because they loved hiring folks with B.S. degrees. I did other grunt sales jobs before pharma but it gave me great experience. RED RAIDER HERE TOO!!!! I was from Palestine and went off to Tech 7.5 hrs from home, knew NO ONE, and I was fully adjusted within a month! Its just a great place to go to school! I was on the 4.5 year plan too so I also got that T-shirt!! Too FUNNY!!!!! The only thing bad is that I met and married a boy from MIDLAND and now I have to live in the oil patch... Just kdding.. sort of. lol
Kbolt, I think we may have been cut from the same cloth!
ORD, go visit Tech and report back to us. My niece is out there right now and she can give you a tour.  |
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 Can You Hear Me Now?
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | brlraceaddict - 2015-11-12 12:26 PM
Look into a vocational trade type job - electrician, welding, HVAC, plumbing - those people have schooling and skills - that do not require a college degree. Many of them are train as you go. You start out as an apprentice so you will get the crap work for a while but you work your way up. Sheet metal workers apprentice and go to school for almost 5 years before they can become a journeyman. And the wages are really good. I will say though those jobs are typically for men which means you are going to have to prove yourself in a "man's world." Meaning you need to be able to do the work and carry heavy loads when the job warrants. I have a friend who is a journeyman electrician and she loves it. Good luck!
This^
Hubby is a plumber. He worked and only went to school for 8 weeks a year, pay was pretty good back in his first/second year and now it's great. He's almost ready to get his master plumber license, and has been doing it for 8 years. He also is in the process of getting his level 2 gas ticket. I have 5 years of business school... can't find a decent job in my area to save my life and have been trying to get an electricians apprenticeship for over a year. A lot of them don't think women can do it (I am having fun with this since a lot of them in our area are old timers). You will have to prove yourself 100x's more. He offered to apprentice me in Plumbing after he's a master plumber but we will  each other up working together all the time ... lol. |
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Can You Hear Me Now?
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | outrundaizy - 2015-11-13 4:26 PM
barrelracr131 - 2015-11-13 8:13 AM After reading some of the posts I missed, I would encourage you to finish, being 2 years in. I would think twice about marketing, though.
What's wrong with marketing? I've never heard anyone say that before.
Marketing is useful... it' helps you sell yourself to a prospective employer IMO. I've got mine in Management with a secondary in Marketing. Depending on the area it's a PITA to get a job in the Marketing side... |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | All right, here's my 2 cents. I've mostly stayed out of it because I'm on the fence, and I'll go into that a bit later.
Don't get a degree just to get a degree...that is pretty pointless, no matter what the major is. If you were to get a degree in say, accounting, or nursing, or something productive that will land you a job, that is a good idea.
Personally, I make good money and I'm only a high school graduate, but I also work in the family business. Do I love my work, no I don't but I'm good at it and it pays the bills with some extra left over. So, what is it I do...mainly, I detail cars, but have other duties as well. It is a terrible job...absolutely awful, you see some of the most unbelieveable gross stuff and you have to have a strong stomach for it. But, it is something you can do anywhere, without much investment or overhead (cleaning supplies, brushes, rags, etc.), not any or much government regulation (at least where I live) and it is good money. It is a lot of work, and hard work.
So, where am I on the fence? I'd like to be a veterinary, and it is hard to fully make a decision on that because of my current time commitments to work and my horse(s) and family and then try to add school on top of that. I believe I can do it, but I also have to decide what I want to accomplish. So, while I continue to work for my family, I'm able to accomplish more of my horse goals and be able to do and afford more of that, and right now that is important to me.
So, in short, you need to decide what you want to do, or at the very least what you can stand to do and have and do the things you want as well. You're only young once, so don't try to grow up too fast. Make a decision based on what is right for you, and not on what everyone else says or is doing. If you have your first 2 years about done and you still aren't sure, chances are the majority of the classes will transfer to something else in the near or distant future. Most of the first classes you take do. Keep your chin up, and don't rush it, and enjoy being young, and as my dad instructs me, think it all over carefully and don't make any rash decisions. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | ndiehl - 2015-11-15 9:45 PM outrundaizy - 2015-11-13 4:26 PM barrelracr131 - 2015-11-13 8:13 AM After reading some of the posts I missed, I would encourage you to finish, being 2 years in. I would think twice about marketing, though. What's wrong with marketing? I've never heard anyone say that before. Marketing is useful... it' helps you sell yourself to a prospective employer IMO. I've got mine in Management with a secondary in Marketing. Depending on the area it's a PITA to get a job in the Marketing side...
That^^
I have a few friends with this degree. One is an accountant (now going back for her CPA so she can make money at it), the other works in retail at a mall type store.
There are jobs available, but many of them are basically you traveling to set up store displays, going to trade shows to hand out flyers, that sort of thing. The pay is not great. I would advise looking at ads for the type of jobs you want. If you want a position with travel and don't mind paying dues for a while, then disregard. It's just a tough thing to do if you want to be at races every weekend or have a lot of time to spend riding.
Best of luck! |
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Jobs that don't require a college degree?