Is a degree a must to get a job?

No, it isn't. May be it will on many companies. But, let's see Thomas Alfa Edison, etc don't have high degree, they still success without degree. Honestly, we only need the knowledge and experience from formal education. If you could get out there, you need your self only to do your job, like a writer, programmer, motivator, coach, artist, informal scientist, even to be a director if you can prove your ability without degree(finishing the test, make a demo job in an period with low payment, etc)..

In our modern and sophisticated world, the job market is even more competitive. Apparently, the chance of landing on a well-paid job is becoming slim. Generally speaking, people with better or higher degrees have better job opportunities. This has become the trend to most firm and prestigious companies. Moreover, a degree has been a substantial tool of screening employers of their skills and qualifications necessary to work efficiently and contribute to the company. I believe that a degree is a must to make it easier to get a job as well as to get more or higher earnings.

Employers have the messed up idea that people who have degrees are more refined and will stick it out at a job longer.

the thing is, an employer cannot assess your knowledge through an interview only nor by looking at your physical appearance. they cannot disect your brain to see what's in there. so your school record will show them how you well you did in school and how far you have gone in your educational achievement. if you excelled in school there is a good chance that you will also excel at work.

Some people feel that having a degree is one source of competitive advantage to increase their salary when they find work - however, the number of degree graduates are so common, it is better off that they gain relevant work experience than to have a portfolio of certifcates that just provide the entry to a job. Alternatively, there are many businessmen who did not have an advanced degree to succeed in life - they found an opportunity and they took action to act on it.