Random thought: ATTN COLLEGE GRADS...Was college worth it?

[ScorpionBoy]

finish your degree.

i thought about driving truck around the time i had 3/4s of my undergrad work finished cause i was burning out. thankfully, i stuck it out. i am finishing my second degree now. i work for a large company and make decent money. sure, i am a minion in a cube but hope to break 6 figures before i am 45. stick to it!

 

[olivedrabcj7]

Wow. Great info.

I have talked to my dad about working for him and possibly running his business in the next 5-7 years when he decides he wants to retire. He basically said theres no way in hell he is going to hand over the keys to some 22 year old kid with no idea whats going on in that industry. (understandable). But at the same time he said when i graduate, if im still interested, he would put me to work and let me earn my way through his company starting in the service dept. making 12 bucks an hour. I would need to prove to him an understanding and ability to perform literally everything that goes on in the company.

I dont know if i want to do that or go out and try to find a job right out of school. I know that getting my foot in the door with his company has the potential 10 years from now for me to be making some serious money (generating over 2M in revenue annually on average). However, at the same time, I dont know if thats what I WANT to do. Im starting to see how doing something you like is the key to succeeding. If you dont like what you do, you probably wont do your best. Any thoughts?

 

[RichP]

Wow. Great info.

I have talked to my dad about working for him and possibly running his business in the next 5-7 years when he decides he wants to retire. He basically said theres no way in hell he is going to hand over the keys to some 22 year old kid with no idea whats going on in that industry. (understandable). But at the same time he said when i graduate, if im still interested, he would put me to work and let me earn my way through his company starting in the service dept. making 12 bucks an hour. I would need to prove to him an understanding and ability to perform literally everything that goes on in the company.

I dont know if i want to do that or go out and try to find a job right out of school. I know that getting my foot in the door with his company has the potential 10 years from now for me to be making some serious money (generating over 2M in revenue annually on average). However, at the same time, I dont know if thats what I WANT to do. Im starting to see how doing something you like is the key to succeeding. If you dont like what you do, you probably wont do your best. Any thoughts?

Get your degree and go into business for youself, not your daddys business either, YOURS. I'm having a tough time myself, been doing my own thing for the past 3 going on 4 years and may end up taking a normal job for someone else even though I dont want to. Oh well, up to pocono raceway for a service call..

 

[natcole299]

Folks, getting a job, and getting what you want out of a job has, in reality, almost zero to do with your level of education. It has to do with your ability to produce.

While there is some truth to this, getting an interview for good jobs often requires a degree. Without a degree your resume will get tossed out without a second look, unless you are fortunate enough to have somebody who can help get your foot in the door.

That being said, I think that much of the benefit of college, at least undergrad, comes from outside of class. I have a BS in Biology, but I think the things I learned from playing sports, meeting a wide variety of people, and juggling extracurricular activities with actually making it to classes are more valuable to me as a person.

The knowledge gained in college can be found elsewhere, but the experience is hard to duplicate.

 

[dphillips]

getting an interview for good jobs often requires a degree. Without a degree your resume will get tossed out without a second look, unless you are fortunate enough to have somebody who can help get your foot in the door.

Not always true!
I just finished a round of interviews for an opening. This was for an entry level position with the county for a treatment plant operator. I interviewed 8 people, three people with a BS in science. Sound like a perfect match right? The three with a BS had little to no practicle work experience and didn't even act like they needed a job. More importantly, I know they wouldn't stay long if I did hire them. (I wouldn't expect someone with a degree to stick around for an entry level job anyway.) Then I'd be short staffed again. So why waste my time.
I guess it all depends on your definition of a "good" job. It may not be the best salary, but it's a secure position w/benefits. No layoffs here. Oh well, I supose there are several ways to look at it. This is just mine.

 

[hadfield4wd]

I am also 34. Have 3 kids. When I didn't want to go to college my parents told me I can always go back to the trades after, but you typically (yes I know there are exceptions) will not be upper level management without the degree. I went. I have a business degree that I really do not use at this point. Companies typically want to train their own people anyway. I have had several jobs both in the trades and not. It does provide opportunities not previously, easily available. I know I'll never starve because I can go back to swinging the framing hammer if I need to.

I now have 8 years experience in sales I have switched companies a couple of times. The expereince I had looks great on a resume. I have been with CAT, Otis Elevator and my current employeer is Control Dynamics selling valves and systems. I have never strayed far from mechanical things and working with my hands on various equipment. I feel like I get the best of both worlds. It is all what you make of it like somebody earlier said. Overall I would not have had some of these opportunities without the education.

Matt

 

[5-90]

Sure, maybe there is a "dumbing down" going on in education, generally speaking. What the hell does that have to do with personal initiative? If your lazy, and a dumbass, a college education isn't going to change that. You will.

If you do not want to be a CEO, then you lack drive. People need to come to terms with their expectations, work and live accordingly. Bitch about it? Your lot in working life? That's just throwing a spotlight on how college, if you did it, really didn't teach you much about reality.

One good point - one not so much (IMO.)

Yes, there is a dumbing down in educations - for the reasons I stated. This damn well should stop - simply because it's going to spoil people who would otherwise be quite intelligent. We should also dispense with the "one size fits all" model we're running with - the world needs ditch-diggers, too; and not everyone is a mathematician (or going to otherwise excel in academe.)

As far as the other point - not wanting to be a CEO - I don't think that indicates a lack of drive. Sometimes, it's just a matter of not being interested. For instance, I never wanted to be rich. I just want to live comfortably doing something I enjoy doing, so I don't mind getting out of bed every morning. Lack of drive? Hardly - if I lacked drive, I'd not have done as much as I've done so far. Low expectations? Perhaps. But, I figure the world has enough millionaires, billionaires, and suchlike that I don't feel the need to add to the list. Get all the bills paid every month, go on vacation for about a month out of every year, and have a couple dozen K in the bank for emergencies is fine by me - I've got a good understanding of "you can't take it with you."

Hell, if I hit the lottery to-morrow, I'd still be driving a Jeep. Just a restomodded one. I've driven Ferraris and Porsches, and I'm not terribly impressed anyhow.

Is it a lack of intelligence on my part? Certainly not. Lack of drive? I don't think so. Low expectations? Perhaps - but I'm no yuppie, and I like working with my hands.

And, I wasn't talking about a "lack of teamwork" when I said I wanted to build something after I design it - it's my reward for sitting down and designing the thing in the first place. I understand greatly the value of teamwork - I just don't want to hold down a desk forever, y'know?

Take all of this as you will.

5-90

 

[Jeep914x4]

I say THESE DAYS a degree will only help you. Back in the day, you could get by just fine without even a highschool degree. Now a days it will be harder, not impossible but harder. I agree that experience is very very important. I have been working a full time job for a year now related to my BS in Management Information Systems.

Several of my classmates are still working at walgreens or looking for jobs. However, when we graduated I already had about 7 years experience in my field.

Now I make more money than my parents. :eeks1:

My brother in law, who is a lawyer, gets very upset that he makes less than I. The thing is I am damn good at what I do and have hands on experience backed by my education.

Not to mention the 5 and a half years I spent going to college were the best years of my life (so far). It was a hell of a ride...

 

[DaJudge]

It was definitely worth it. As has already been said, regardless of experience many employers want a degree.

Hopefully you have also taken advantage of the oppurtunity to broaden your horizons a bit.

 

[ScorpionBoy]

and hopefully, while you earn your degree, you realize that you have managed to master the art of educating yourself. at some point, you should have the realization that you can use alot of the formal study skillz to teach yourself whatever you need to know.

 

[5-90]

and hopefully, while you earn your degree, you realize that you have managed to master the art of educating yourself. at some point, you should have the realization that you can use alot of the formal study skillz to teach yourself whatever you need to know.

Half marks. Some of us are just born autodidacts (look it up...) and don't need to learn "study skills" or whatever else.

That was part of my problem in high school - I was ahead of the curve, and stayed there, because I was able to teach myself and retain far better than they expected me to. I stayed about two full years ahead of the system, without any particular effort...

5-90

 

[OT]

I believe my degree and post grad work in biological sciences helped me land a Director's post. YMMV.

Why, because of all the sh*t we have to deal with?
I think my situation was just plain bad judgement on the part of the members.:shhh:

I am a math class short of an associates in General Studies.
Would the one class and a degree make me any happier?
Hell no.
Not since I became my own boss and am finally free of the rat race.
Now, I can concentrate on keeping myself, my family, and my customers happy.
Notice I didn't mention manager?

 

[ScorpionBoy]

Half marks. Some of us are just born autodidacts (look it up...) and don't need to learn "study skills" or whatever else.

That was part of my problem in high school - I was ahead of the curve, and stayed there, because I was able to teach myself and retain far better than they expected me to. I stayed about two full years ahead of the system, without any particular effort...

5-90

i understand what you are saying.

there is some formal training at university level that is irreplaceable.

 

[old_man]

My question is....how many jobs do you see out there that pay $150k without a degree?

 

[Beej]

Why, because of all the sh*t we have to deal with?
I think my situation was just plain bad judgement on the part of the members.:shhh:

I am a math class short of an associates in General Studies.
Would the one class and a degree make me any happier?
Hell no.
Not since I became my own boss and am finally free of the rat race.
Now, I can concentrate on keeping myself, my family, and my customers happy.
Notice I didn't mention manager?

That's awesome you 10000 poster you. Next time I need something built for my XJ, I'll order it from you. Although a 100 lb item will probably cost me about 500 for shipping...

 

[Pat]

My question is....how many jobs do you see out there that pay $150k without a degree?

plenty of people make more than that without a degree. chances are, they own their own business and/or have been in their field for a long time, maybe had some sort of connection, and are very good at what they do.

plenty of people make less than that with a degree.

it's obviously situational - there is no magic formula. i do think a degree opens doors that might otherwise stay closed...experience could do the same though.

personally, i think the opportunity to get into one's family business (if it's a good one and you are interested in it) is a great one. however, i have friends that have passed up that opportunity to do something entirely different. it really comes down to what you want to to, what you want to be, and what it will take to get there.

"it's all about who you know, not what you know"

 

[olivedrabcj7]

personally, i think the opportunity to get into one's family business (if it's a good one and you are interested in it) is a great one. however, i have friends that have passed up that opportunity to do something entirely different. it really comes down to what you want to to, what you want to be, and what it will take to get there.

"it's all about who you know, not what you know"

I'ts an RV dealership. I know its kept my dad stressed out all the time but in my opinion he doesnt deal with alot of situations in the best manner. He does it to himself. Anyway, I want to make money. Not boasting at all, just trying to reference the situation...Ive grown up in a fairly wealthy family and I'd like to provide that for myself and my family someday. I just dont see my business degree providing me much opportunity to make that kind of money in the next 20 years. Ive always said I was going to be in business for myself and I enjoy seeing the benefits of my efforts.

I sat down with my dad a while back and sort of discussed this and he said another option would be for him to sell the business when he retires, then support me (both with his knowledge of business ownership and financially) with whatever I decide to do in business of my own. Either way I realize I need other experiences to be successful so that may wait a while. Just really unsure of where Im headed and Im running out of time to make a decision.

 

[muduck18]

I dont know if thats what I WANT to do. Im starting to see how doing something you like is the key to succeeding. If you dont like what you do, you probably wont do your best. Any thoughts?
__________________

There is nothing better in my book than doing what I like to do...
I would like to run my own film/multimedia business.. I have some of the equipment...
and i do some video on the side.

I am currently a network engineer at a $300m company. I make good money, and I am able to support my wife and kid. Without the BS, I would not be able to do what I am doing now or make what I am making.

I went to school and in a concentrated study for data communications/networking. and I enjoy/don't hate doing it.

I have found that if you really enjoy somthing it can be too much if you try to make it your living.
but
You have to be able to get up every morning and go to work with a smile on your face and the abilty to get work done.

My degree was worth it because without it people, many people would not have respect for me.

One thing is for sure, if you don't finish what you started even more people will have less respect for you.

For 5 generations my family owned a business that started as a carriage shop in the 1800's turned into a hardware store/ plumbing service and a gas station.
4 years ago, my grandfather sold the building, because he worked to make all his 5 boys get some form of education and move on and do what they wanted to do. My dad is a school teacher, he makes $hit, but he loves every minute of it, and has for the past 17 years.


:lecture: no one can tell you what is worth it or not, you have to be the judge of that.

Life is a garden 'dig it!' (joe dirt)

 

[jcnoble]

My job doesnt pay 150K with a degree. Maybe I need to switch jobs.

 

[djblade311]

to hell with jobs n money....college helped me get drunk n laid more than any other time in my life.









oh, for the record....college is important because it helps you make MORE money in the long run but persistence pays off no matter what you do. YOu need money to get more chicks...and beer