Any jobs out there that a person can be successful at without a degree?

Question

I dont have a degree but I dont want to have to work 2 and 3 jobs just to make ends meet. Is it possible that I can have a prestigious career just like those with a degree. Can I have the same job they have. Does it really matter as long as I can do the job or work. All a degree is, is just saying that you know and can talk about the field you got a degree in.

Answer 1

Not with that attitude. A degree is a little more than a piece of paper or bragging rights, in most cases those with degrees are held responsible in a court of law, so there is some reason to look at it more than 'just a piece of sheepskin'.

Trust me I have been in your position for the last seven years in the very degree oriented field of Occupational Safety. Also in my field you can't even get a certification unless you have a degree. I have seen complete idiots making 30%-even double what I make because they have a degree. For a corporate position you have to have a degree, because of liability.

And I will write this and people will probably give the thumbs down, but I was the same way until somebody said hey don't fight it-turn that negative energy (hate/want for a degree) into your studies and you will breeze through it and THEN you will be on a higher field because you are a double threat (experience and degree). The old GI Joe said it best-knowledge is half the battle, so go for the degree find your path start at the bottom and before long you will be able to surpass those that have been promoted around you.

Answer 2

Yes, you absolutely can do very well without a degree. There are many commission only jobs that have full benefits as well as 401K that hire people based on how well they can sell and thier motivation. I would suggest to you to look into an industry such as credit card processing, folks in that industry make around 60k-70k per year without having any degree. I personally know a guy who is 19 years old and is working for a great credit card processing company and for a fact is bringing home on average 7k per month before taxes, which is fantastic when you think about the number of people with degrees who have a salaried position bringing home that much or less. To be even more successful find a company that not only is commission only, but also pays you residuals, that way by the time you have vested 2-3 years you are easily making over 100k.

It is great to have your degree, but for some it isn't an option, my advice to you is if at all possible continue working toward it, but don't let anyone tell you can't succeed if it doesn't happen for you!

Answer 3

Absolutely. Good fields for people without a college degree, are real estate or sales. I would check out the occupational outlook handbook. I think if you do a search you can find it online. It will give you the list of many career fields, salaries, and educational requirements. It's so good that it also tells you the prospects of the career a decade from now. Not having a degree, is something I WOULD NOT recommend. Even if you chip away course at a community college for four years, it's better than saying you only have a high school degree. Even if you don't want to earn a degree, you will end up in a classroom anyway learning a trade, to be able to get into a high paying job. So choose wisely, don't waste money on one of those expensive career schools. If you're going to end up spending $20000 on a stupid career course, you might as well go to college. In the long run, people with college degrees will make hundreds of thousands of dollars more than those without a degree. Do a FAFSA form, to see if you qualify for financial aid, if your decision is about money. You may even qualify for a loan, that you can pay off in ten year's time or less! The best thing to do is go to your local community college to find out about the different degree, or professional certification programs they have. Don't limit your possibilities and at least try to find out your skills and abilities. Best wishes.

Answer 4

A degree is a stepping stone to get you more money in a field. Some jobs you don't need one. Try banking... you can be a collector w/out a degree. Good money too. It's a bit stressful but you can move around within the bank once you get your foot in the door.
But... I guarentee that you may want to get your degree after seeing what the salary differences are. Good thing about most banks is they help pay for school. Just one suggestion... Good Luck!

Answer 5

Real estate, sales, computer/IT type jobs.

You do need to have the skills, but you don't necessarily need a degree.

A college degree is about more than "knowing you can talk about the field you got a degree in." It shows an employer that you can learn, you have the tenacity to see a job through to the end, and you are willing to "pay your dues."

Answer 6

There are many jobs out there that you can be successful at without a degree. Can you speak a second language perhaps? Right now aside from my normal job I get paid pretty much whatever I chose to charge to be an interpreter and all i had to do was take a test to be deemed certifed.

Answer 7

You could go into realestate flipping houses or selling houses neither require a degree, or a career in sales for a lot of companys a degree is not needed.

Answer 8

That is the exact way I thought 30 years ago, then went back and finished my degree.There is more to it than you know, education wise. Wish I would of stayed in years ago and finished, it does broaden your knowledge base, and does open doors. Just for a note there is more involved in a job than what you see someone in a higher position doing, most of which unless you are there, cannot fathom.

Answer 9

Administrative Assistant , military reserves , stripper, need a degree to be a porn star now a days so thats out of the question.

Answer 10

My brother talked his way from being a waiter at an upscale restaurant to being a commercial real estate broker. He only passed one class in college. That is rare. Do phone customer service, they usually pay between $12/hr-$20/hr, depending on where you live.