Was college worth it?

Question

I went to a university and graduated back in May of 2005. Since then I've had three jobs, two of which I was paid 7.50 or less, and two out of the three jobs had me being laid off.

I'm 25, I can't find a good job, and I still live with my parents. I'm pretty upset at myself because I wasted my time and my parents money on getting a degree. Sure there are some people that are going to say college is worth it. But let's face reality, getting a college degree now a days means nothing. And plus, I've read a lot of people on here who did graduate college who can't find jobs or are working just to get by and aren't making good money.

A bachelors degree means bull now a says. There are people with degrees who are working for next to nothing at places like Walmart or they're waiting tables at some place, or working retail.

I'm pretty much down on the ground and struggling, which I thought I wouldn't be doing since I did graduate college.

So is college really worth it?

To answer some of your questions, I got a degree in history, since I liked studying history.

But a degree in history would only be good if I decided to teach or if I wanted to get my masters degree in something that required a major in history.

Answer 1

Yes, of course college is worth it. However, it's only as much as you make it. College is not an automatic ticket to a high paying job. College is the first step that opens all the doors. If you do nothing, of course you will end up no different than you started.

It also depends on your degree. If you went to school with no serious plan, with low academic standards, studied whatever you wanted to, and got a unemployable degree, then it's no wonder you are where you are right now.

Did you get good grades? Did you go to a reputable and difficult school? Did you have any internships or co-ops? Did you attend career fairs and make industry contacts? Did you even try looking for a job yourself? Did you pick a major that you are truly interested in?

If you can't answer yes to all (or even most) of those questions, it's no wonder you have not been successful.

A college degree is not worthless. It is ridiculously clear that college degrees are a necessity in an industrial job market, and anywhere you read, companies are having trouble staffing their companies with educated employees. The unemployment rate for college graduates is a fraction of the total unemployment rate. If you are not gainfully employed, then it is your fault, and not the higher education institution.

Answer 2

Success doesn't come overnight, or with a college degree. However, the latter is a good key to the former.

You are quite young yet; develop patience and begin to look for employment in other places (geographical, and in areas more suitable to your abilities and not so tied to your major in college. The degree will still show an employer that you've succeeded/achieved beyond the level of many others that may apply for the same position.

Most of all, do NOT give up.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It is what you make of it... One thing that I wish more counselors would emphasize is that college is not for everyone. I would definitely look into taking a Myers-Briggs test and get some career counseling. I'm sorry that your experience has made you regret getting your degree.
I believe it's not so much getting that degree but doing what you love. Of course, if you'd love to be a doctor, leaving out the school part is out of the question. But there are lots of professions that you can use your degree as a starting point. Many times employers are just looking for that piece of paper to see that you have what it takes to succeed... hard work, smarts, etc.
I'm just curious as to what you got your degree in. Think about the things that interest you and go from there. Keep your chin up and best of luck to you.

Answer 4

College is definitely worth it. There are recent studies which have shown the difference in lifetime earnings for someone with or without a degree, and the difference comes in near $1M. It sounds to me like you are in a depressive cycle - you had a bad job, so you got depressed, which caused you to lose your confidence and now it is even harder to find a good job. The good news is that you haven't been out of school for tremendously long, so there is still a lot of hope. Don't let a few bad jobs get you down. You need packaging to get a proper start in the job market. I'd be glad to talk to you about it, if you care. My email address is [e-mail].

Answer 5

i just graduated from a top 25 college last year, i sit around and do nothing all day in my bedroom playing video games and lookin at dumb stuff online, Im really good at video games now lol

i sorta like it tho, i havent worked since august, i went on a 3 month snowboarding trip this past winter and now im back home at the beach to go surfing for hte summer.....HOWEVER

I did apply and receive a stock broker job on Wall Street in NYC, turned it down, had a Commercial Mortgage Banker offer, turned it down.....I just dont like to work, and no i dont mooch off my parents either, i pay for everythign myself

Sometimes i feel like a waste of life but then i think what some of my friends are doing, working 10 hr days then commuting an hr home...that life sucks man...where is the fun, thats what life is supposed to be, doing what you want that makes you happy

To help you out though, go try and work for the post office, i did that for a summer, easiest job ever,, get paid 20 bucks an hr as a casual employee, if you want to do that as a career job, salary comes out to ike 30 bucks an hr w/ full benefits and i believe pension

Answer 6

College graduates earn more than High School graduates according to studies.
You need to start somewhere and gain experience.
Once you have the experience you will land a good job in the future.
Go to www.monster.com and search for an entry level position.
I assure you that you will earn more money in a few years. It may take you from 3 to 5 years to establish in your profession.
Just have patience and you will be rewarded for your hard work in college.
My three children started from $6.50 an hour job and in less than five years are now earning $80,000, $70,000, and $60,000 per year, respectively. They have degrees in MIS, EE, and CHEM-MBA.
I hope those figures will inspire you.
Good Luck.
By the way, what is your degree?

Answer 7

I believe college is worth it; not in the financial return/career propsect sense. But i believe it's worth it for the experience gain there as well as friends made.

But what you say is true too; that degree holders nowadays aren't like degree holders in the past. We have to get our hands dirty to get things done.

I believe college education won't ensure anyone a good and comfortable job, but it certainly open a few more doors; as compared to non-college education holders. At the end of the day; is the attitude & apitude that counts

Just my 2 cents worth

Answer 8

I know how you feel. Just because you go to college doesn't mean you are guaranteed success. You have to go out and get it!

I highly suggest you read the book "Think And Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.

It is truly a life-changing book that I think you would get a lot out of.

Answer 9

Worst case scenario: Go enlist in the Army.

With a Bachelor's from an accredited university, they'll put you in as an E-4 (instead of an E-1) and you'll have a leg up on making Sergeant if you have half a brain and some discipline.

If that works out, you can try for Officer Candidate School or get out with some hands on skill in something and some leadership experience.

It's $1699.50 per month base pay with either free food for you or money in lieu of, free housing or money in lieu of, and other benefits...

Answer 10

im in pretty much the same position as you... im one of those people you mentioned (that work at wal mart with a degree) . Its pretty depressing. Right now i would have to say it wasnt worth it, but things will turn around.