What career can I get without a college degree? (retirement plan, paralegal, job)
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I'm looking to make good money now, not a few years in the future after having wasted money on a bunch of boring classes.
“I've been working the same 9-5 cubicle job for the past four years and I'm seeing no signs of advancement or growth in the near future.”
Well, had you started back then you’d be finished now. But that’s water under the bridge. You don’t want to say the same thing in another 4 years.
The best career for someone who doesn’t want a degree is usually a trade. Always a demand.
As to getting a degree, it’s easy to say it doesn’t matter when you don’t have one. I know because years ago I didn’t have one either despite years of work experience and a great salary. I went back and ticked that box quickly without incurring loans or extra debt.
Community college is inexpensive. You may also qualify for financial assistance such as the Pell Grant.
Get off your behind and take some action.
A bit over 15 years ago I went back and got my business undergrad - did 120 credit hours in a little more than a year and spent maybe $6-7K. All while working full time. It’s possible if you find a quick, cheap and creative way to do it. And are laser-focused.
What do you want to do? Start with that. You'll never be happy with a job chosen solely on the basis of how little work it took on your part to get it.
Last edited by MarianRavenwood; 09-06-2020 at 10:09 AM..
What do you want to do? Start with that. You'll never be happy with a job chosen solely on the basis of the education required to get it.
Is it really the poor future prospects that you find frustrating and depressing? Or is it the constancy and sameness of a 9-to-5 regimen in an office characterized by too much repetition, too-tight monitoring, and turf fights among a bored-to-death staff?
If it's the latter -- you have to break the mold. Warehouses and distribution centers are always hiring, there's more variety here than the general public thinks, and it's unlikely that someone will be constantly looking over your shoulder. Or you can learn to drive a truck over-the-road.
And remember, the fattest paycheck in town isn't much consolation if, once you finish your education, you quickly come to dislike your new job. Talk to a few people in the trenches and learn the potential traps and pitfalls of where you're likely to go.
Last edited by 2nd trick op; 09-06-2020 at 10:28 AM..
What do you want to do? Start with that. You'll never be happy with a job chosen solely on the basis of how little work it took on your part to get it.
And a college degree isn't a coupon for a free job with no other effort. You do have to network and tailor your education to the kind of work you want to do.
What do you want to do? Start with that. You'll never be happy with a job chosen solely on the basis of how little work it took on your part to get it.
I honestly am starting to warm up to the idea of going to college.
I'm looking to make good money now, not a few years in the future after having wasted money on a bunch of boring classes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by That36guy
There are no trades that interest me. I don't care about being an electrician or HVAC guy. I wish I could go to college, but I'm 24 and it's too late for me. On top of that, I can't afford going to college for at least two years. I'm renting an apartment and the cost of living mixed with college tuition is too much to wrap my head around. Stuff like that is why I feel like I'm running out of options.
What is it that you are bringing to the table for it to be worth it for an employer to pay you good money?
No one is going to pay you a lot because you can't afford your regular expenses, you need to be offering something that makes it worth it to them.
And just getting a random bachelor's degree doesn't change that - you need to have some direction and ideally, get not just the degree but experience in the field in order to be an appealing job candidate for positions that are going to pay a good salary.
I honestly am starting to warm up to the idea of going to college.
Find something you are interested in, & go to a cc to start, anyhow. I know many people who got degrees going to school part time, & still working enough to pay expenses. You can't improve yourself by wishful thinkikng.
I honestly am starting to warm up to the idea of going to college.
And when you do, GET INTERNSHIPS. Do not graduate college without any work experience in your field or you're doomed.
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