Do you have to directly use your college degree for college to be worth it?
This is something that I’ve been thinking about. I showed some serious school spirit this weekend. I attended an alumni event for a few hours where I drank free coffee and met a few interesting people.
The topic of using your degree came up a few times and I really wanted to write about this because I know many college graduates are torn on this topic…
“Are you working in your field?”
That’s what my new friend Ryan asked me. I confessed that I wasn’t. It turns out that he also wasn’t working in his field. Ryan is very ambitious and is working on all sorts of exciting projects. I for some reason get really excited when I meet someone that’s not afraid to try something new. I’ve always done my own thing. I have a feel that you may want to do your own thing.
Let’s get into our topic today.
Do you have to use your college degree?
I started college as a greedy 17 year old kid. I graduated in my 20s and a much different perspective on lie. I graduated from college debt free because I started this blog to hold me accountable.
Anything can happen after college.
From the moment that you begin studying to when you finish college, you’re going to be a different person.
Some people will study a topic and then fall in love. My cousin has been in school for a decade in his field.
Other people, are fed up with the topic and want to move into something new.
A lot can change from 17 to 26. It’s important to learn to go with the flow.
I don’t believe that you have to use your degree if you don’t want to.
You don’t have to do anything. It’s your life. A degree doesn’t guarantee you a job nor does it force you to work a specific job.
It’s your life. There’s nothing wrong with changing directions or with wanting to do your own thing. Just because you studied something for four years it doesn’t mean that you have to spend the rest of your life devoted to this field. It’s your life. Your choices.
This brings us to me…
Why am I not currently using my degree?
The main reason that I’m not using my degree or working in a specific job is simply: freedom.
When I wrote about unique ways I save money, I wasn’t afraid of hurting some feelings. Through finding unique ways to save money and increasing my income, I’m proud to say that I’ve been working towards total freedom by 30.
Now I realize that I could have a much easier life if I got a job. All I would have to do is go to work, show up, get my duties done, and come home. That’s a lot easier than going through launches, chasing people for money, and relying on freelancing clients. You never know what’s going to happen next.
I just love the freedom too much.
That’s the short answer of it all. I want freedom and options.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” –Nelson Mandela
Starting a blog in college opened my eyes to the opportunities that existed in the world outside of a 9-5 setting. I realized that I wanted to do my own thing. I also learned that I don’t do well with a boss.
Will I use my degree in the future?
Anything can happen next.
I can get sick of writing and just look for a job.
Truth be told, I’ve been thinking about this lately. Some days, I just feel like finding a job where I don’t have to stress about anything. Who knows what the future holds.
The best part of life is that you can always change paths. You can never screw up so badly that you can’t start again.
There will always be jobs out there waiting for you in your field. You don’t have to use your degree immediately to feel like it was worth it.
Why get a degree if you won’t use it?
What’s the point of going to college then?
It never hurts to have a backup plan. Anything can happen. Why not prepare for it? With a degree, you increase your odds of finding work or at least get your foot in the door.
College was also the best move to make in my youth.
I was pretty clueless at 17 and didn’t know what else to do. It sure beat hanging out at bars or getting myself into trouble. I found myself going in the right direction once I started studying business.
Many folks bash college, but I’m proud to have a degree. I was the first person in my family to get one. My parents were very proud and I set an example for my younger brothers. I also showed everyone that you can go to college and not be a broke joke when you’re done with it.
I suggest that we all focus on the importance of fighting the right battles. Life’s too short to be pissed off about work 24/7. Don’t feel bad if you’re not using your degree. Don’t worry if you never attended college. Make the best of your current situation!
What do you think about using a degree? Should you directly look for work in your field?
