What is the point of school?

[NC Coach]

That is a myth. Certain jobs, yes, do require degrees and in others it is preferable, but there are many, many, many (often overlooked) jobs that require no degree at all yet still over good salary and benefits.

Very few of my friends have degrees, and they are all doing just fine. Many of them (like myself) are even able to work part time and still make a full living.

I agree with this for the most part. Surely having a degree looks great if you want to go interview for a job compared to if you don't have a degree. It will without a doubt get you some interviews you'd never otherwise get. That's why I'm here...to get that degree just in case one day I need to get that interview that requires it.

Certainly, you can't say you can't get a decent job without a degree. I know quite a few six-figure earners (including myself) who have not spent one day in a college classroom. I personally have achieved the level of Chief Operating Officer for my company and a very comfortable living without the benefit of a degree, or for that matter hardly any college credit. I had 6 total credits through distance learning at our local community college when I found this website a few months ago...now I have 18 and counting.

And yes, I too, know people who work very minimal hours and make very large incomes...in financial services industries like mortgage, insurance and investing where being good at closing deals and building a repeat customer/referral base (which does take years of hard work) have paid off in a way that you can make big money and work part time. And in those fields while you do need specialized training and licenses, you do not need a degree at all to be wildly successful.

Nevertheless, I will strongly encourage my teenage son (who is starting his Junior year in high school) to get his degree. It will open doors he could not otherwise open. Of that I am certain.