College degrees

[CrookedArrow]

Conversation about a college degree came up with a buddy. Neither one of us have one. I wish I would have stuck it out and had applied myself. Never too late though.

Anyhow I do OK but by no means am I sitting in money. I have seen some guys that fair well both with and without a college degree. I have pressed both my daughters to acquire a degree. I am not sure now if that is the right move.

I am not against ANY (legal, rightful) employment that "pays the bills". In the profession I am in there really isn't much difference in pay with or without a degree. Though if you want a Chiefs position in most places it is required.

A degree can also be a nice piece of ornamental artwork to show off. Your no smarter then the guy below you, though you have a degree that says you finished something. Hands on and common sense don't always mix.

I know a few guys that have faired really well without a degree and some that not so much.

[topduarte]

I agree what you said.

I have a degree and 90% of what I learned never applied to my job.

One thing is my dad was so proud when all 3 of his sons all graduated from college as no one ever from his family had ever graduated from college.

[Neck]

I agree. Tons of folks making boatloads of money that never stepped foot in a college. That said, I want my children to be armed with every possible tool at their disposal. A degree is just another tool in the tool box. May never need it but if they do it is there.

[GarrettH]

Getting my degree was part of the process of finding direction, if that makes sense... And graduating from Texas was always my dream. Getting my masters was pure drive to be more effective in education.

My sister never completed college and worked her tail off and is so high up in corporate real estate that money isn't anything she ever has to worry about

[Drycreek3189]

I didn't even finish high school, but it never kept me from making a living, and a better living than most of the guys I went to school with. I don't have anything against schooling, it just wasn't for me. Learned my trade in the dust, heat, cold, and in between. That was a different time though, and I imagine most kids now would be better off getting a degree.

[Chew]

Mine was more personal than economical. My parents didn't go to college and my did didn't finish high school. I wanted to set a good example for my kids...plus I enjoyed school. It has helped me at work financially (we get good incentives for having a degree...even more for a masters degree which I got in 2012). It enables me to work a nice side job (teaching) instead of security at a bar or directing traffic. But I agree that it is definitely not a requirement for success or financial independence...depending on your chosen career.

[CrookedArrow]

Getting my degree was part of the process of finding direction, if that makes sense... And graduating from Texas was always my dream. Getting my masters was pure drive to be more effective in education.

My sister never completed college and worked her tail off and is so high up in corporate real estate that money isn't anything she ever has to worry about

I do agree that some jobs require a degree. My wife has been a teacher for almost 30 yrs. She has a Masters Degree. Thinking on that would I want some schmuck without any degree teaching my kids? More then likely no.

My oldest daughter is also a first yr teacher. She is working on her Masters as well.

I do believe some jobs you really need them others not so much.

[12RingKing]

From a purely financial standpoint, it makes no sense to spend 100k on a bachelors degree to get a 70k a year job. Major universities have turned education into big business with the help of our government.

You could get a trade, work in said trade for 4 years, live like a college kid and invest your money and be head and shoulders better off at retirement. Compound interest when your young is big when you're old.

Obviously the mileage may vary.

[txwhitetail]

I think it's more important that it's a relevant degree. A lot of kids have a degree that would be more usefull using to wipe with.

[CrookedArrow]

I didn't even finish high school, but it never kept me from making a living, and a better living than most of the guys I went to school with. I don't have anything against schooling, it just wasn't for me. Learned my trade in the dust, heat, cold, and in between. That was a different time though, and I imagine most kids now would be better off getting a degree.

I was just fortunate to get my HS diploma. Neither my parents had any HS or college education. They struggled all their lives, sadly.

I was never a "school kinda guy". Sports and chasing skirts kept me in HS, no lie. Hard to tell my own kids an education is valuable but my wife reinforces that to them.

[systemnt]

I've met plenty of young ladies all working towards degrees of some sort.
They were hard working, and literally had people throwing money at them.

[bassmatt72]

Yes, never too late to get one.

Yes, I know many people who have and are doing very well with out one.

I'm in the same boat of professions and have moved up to the point of needing a degree if I really want to go farther. I could stay where I am now, without out a degree and do very well, or take on the challenge of getting my degree and trying to advance my career more. So, I am. I will be taking three classes this summer and attending FSCEO academy. My plans are to knock out the rest of a Bachelors degree over the next two years. Full time student and full time work at the ripe old age of 44!

[txwhitetail]

I've met plenty of young ladies all working towards degrees of some sort.
They were hard working, and literally had people throwing money at them.

Just trying to help them through college.

[12RingKing]

I've met plenty of young ladies all working towards degrees of some sort.
They were hard working, and literally had people throwing money at them.

Depending on their employer, FREE health checkups too!!!

[CrookedArrow]

I've met plenty of young ladies all working towards degrees of some sort.
They were hard working, and literally had people throwing money at them.

Blahahahhahahha just spewed tea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!