Why a degree???

In recent years I have questioned the value of a degree. I seem to see people do better with certificates from technical school at a much less expense.

I did have a lot of jobs that I didn't need my degree for. But I think having that degree helped me get those jobs. Eventually I did use my degree to take a teaching job. And now I am a substitute teacher which also requires a degree. So, it is a great paying part time job that lets me feel semi retired. I am really glad I got the degree even though it seemed for many years that I wasn't using it. Of course the education I got at university was worth it just for the sake of education too.

It happens everywhere. The worst of it is that college and university is not cheap.

Here friends and recommendations are the best you can count on. Then experience, last place for certifications. I didn't complete my studies, it looked like a bad idea when I did, but once I knew how the situation really is, I'm not that upset anymore. You've been unlucky, urgh! At least you have a piece of paper you can show off.

I have my AA and keep questioning weather or not it will be worth it for me to get my BA. I do NOT want it just to be a paper on my wall.

In India, without a degree, we are useless and left half fed or starving.

Im again anouther one got my degree at 43 did not need it for the jobs I worked Im retired now in a retirement center

I totally understand what you're saying here. I never understood that myself. I had worked for the city of New York years ago and there were many college grads with degrees working there. I asked one of them and he said, well it will help me become something in the future. And he also said he was smarter than me. That's what I turned around and said, then why are you working here. He had no answers after that. So degrees work for certain things but not all.

my degree was a waste, a 2 year degree for better pay sure, 4 years? no point, would have been better off getting a certificate in something useful

In our country, I see more and more young men and women are taking some training soon after their school education.

I've always wondered that myself, and am guilty of the same thing as well. I received my college degree and worked at a retail store that did not require one. My current position in the pharmacy I could go back to school and become a registered technician for almost same amount of pay and more responsibility if I likes, but why bother when there is little financial advantage to it.