Spin-off: Good job with/without degree

For those of you who have really good jobs without a degree:

How long have you been working in your field?

Do you think if say, you were younger and just starting out in your field right now, you'd have the same success?

What about those of you with degrees?

Do you think it's a big struggle finding a good job?

Or does it really just come down to being at the right place at the right time, having good connections, and the "right personality" for certain positions?

Re: Spin-off: Good job with/without degree

i have a BT (bachelors of technology), but did not have it when i started my job 7 years ago. i did have a connection for a foot in the door, though. i think thats very important. networking can open a lot of doors for you. its important to take what you can (especially in this job market) as long as its somewhat related to your field. gain your experience and move up the ladder.

Re: Spin-off: Good job with/without degree

DH is in civil service and started part time during the summers of HS. He was still part time there through his early 20s. (You have to do PT before you can get hired FT.) I believe he's been FT for 11 years now. He will be with this place until he retires.

DH never had intended on going to college. He didn't like school.

MIL went to college but never finished. She also is in civil service and has been there about 15 years. When she started she wasn't making the best money, but she took the exams to move up the ladder and she's done very well. She'll be there until she retires as well.

Message edited 10/22/2010 9:06:53 AM.

Re: Spin-off: Good job with/without degree

How long have you been working in your field? 12 years

Do you think if say, you were younger and just starting out in your field right now, you'd have the same success? No, but mostly because of the economy and the huge influx of qualified workers that are out of jobs right now.

I got a great job straight out of technical school and worked hard to get promoted and move up. Then I got the job I have now which is a different change of pace and I like it. Providing the company does well, I could see myself retiring here.

Re: Spin-off: Good job with/without degree

I do have a degree, but my BFF is a Licensed Customs Broker in Florida. She does very well $$$ without a degree.

She was in the import/export business for about 6 years before she decided to take the test. She failed it the first time and passed the second.

Re: Spin-off: Good job with/without degree

For those of you who have really good jobs without a degree:

Although I don't get paid a ton, I feel like I have a really good job because I have full benefits and retirement.

How long have you been working in your field?

5 1/2 years.
I was taking online college classes for 2 years when this job opportunity came up. It was good timing and I knew someone who helped get my foot in the door.

Do you think if say, you were younger and just starting out in your field right now, you'd have the same success?
Not at all. Things have changed in this business dramatically since I first started.

Re: Spin-off: Good job with/without degree

In my field 20 years.

The market is largely dictating my answer about current employment if I were younger. i don't think I would have the same success.

I do think my can do and people pleasing attitude got me this far and will take me farther.

Re: Spin-off: Good job with/without degree