My husband works full time, but we're still not making enough money! Potential careers sans college degree?

Question

We just got married not too long ago. I'm working in a call center overnight, and going to nursing school during the day. He works full time at a distribution place, but our annual income is still not enough to afford some of the things we want to do (like start a family, buy a house together).

We're not asking to be rich....we just want to live a little bit better. But neither of us have the financial security to stomach another student loan, so he decided not to go to school. I don't want to insult him by insisting that he apply for 2-3 jobs...but what type of jobs pay well without the employee having a college degree? Trade work? Technical work? He's a hard working man...and would do anything to put food on the table for his family. We just can't afford to put him through college now, and I'm at the end of my rope.

I don't know what the hell that last chick was saying.....but we're making a conscious decision together to try and get a house...I just wanted a little help knowing what potential jobs are out there.

Answer 1

Advancement in a career without possessing a college degree is possible and you should not give up hope!

There are numerous jobs for the taking that reward hard work over education. In fact, as an HR manager in some careers, I'd rather take someone with 5 years experience over a grad with a stamped piece of paper and no solid experience.

The quick answer is that your husband should look for job descriptions that value years of service in place of a degree. Make sure he's first talked with his boss or HR department to see what opportunities are available where he's at - you may be surprised! Is he due for a raise? Maybe they offer training he didn't know about.

Also, when interviewing or doing research for a job, be on the lookout for companies that offer educational reimbursement or offer skills training.

If your husband doesn't have a skill set to obtain the career of his dreams, look into certificate programs or associate degrees at local colleges (or online). These are cheap educational alternatives that look great to recruiters. Depending on your needs, state government agencies can also help people obtain basic skills.

If you are in dire need of money now, the only option is to get the 2nd job.

In summary:

1) Check with his current company for more opportunity
2) ID a position that rewards years experience and has career advancement.
3) Your husband should use his stable, hard working record to an advantage as a selling point to any prospective employer.
4) If he's missing skills, look for certifications to bolster resume.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I know this sounds stupid but make a budget.
Write down where every penny goes for a couple of months and you'll begin to realize what frivolties you spend your money on. Just give it a try and see if it leaves more room for saving. It might also let him finish school. It's very sad for someone to say they are not going to go to college anymore just to maximize their wants now. When you do a financial analysis of how much better off financially you'll be in the future with both of you going to school... you'll realize how stupid it is to have him NOT go to school.

I have friends who were very poor when they were first married. Both were going to school. Now she is an RN and he is in computers with the government. They drive an Audi. Go out and by pool tables and furniture on a whim.

Think about the future and not just instant gratification.

Edit: If he is not interested in going to college in the first place is another story. You have to want the degree to go. There are other more manual types of labor that take less training but also make pretty good money. Think electrician, plumber, Heating and Air repair... that type of thing.

Answer 3

State or Federal Prison systems, pay pretty well, but they also pay for so much of later college, and provide insurance benefits that would help you in starting a family. Only requirements is physically able to do the job, and a GED or high school diploma.


Or the army!

Answer 4

Is there a grandparent or aunt living in a bigger town, that would be willing to let you live with them until you get a job and move out? You can help them with chores and the like. Yes, that would be a pain, but you would at least have a home base to work from. They would probably know the area well enough to make some recommendations.

Answer 5

Honey, join the club with the rest of us. Learn to live within your means until you can afford the things you want. You don't have to have everything at once do you? Maybe you should find a better paying job while you go to school? You sound like you are very concerned about your husband but all I see are "I" want and "I" this and that in your paragraphs. Stop being so selfish and be glad you have someone who will work and who is willing to wait to get his education while you get yours. I know many women who would love to have him. Now, stop complaining and find yourself a better paying job. while you go to school. You whiners just take the cake!!!

Answer 6

Hi – I sell on eBay. It works for me. I profit about $3,500 a month and only work about 6 hours a day, from home, on the schedule I choose. You can work this in around other things in your life.

Please email me directly and I will be glad to share some tips on getting started and what kinds of things have worked for me.

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