Who Hasn't got a degree but earns good money?
24 May 2010, 09:41 AM
#31
My 2 pence worth - finish your degree, then you have a choice, to follow a career related to your qualification or to try something totally different and work your way up. Thats one more choice that you'd have if you ditch your degree. I think in these tough times you need all the options you can get.
Personally I don't have a degree but I've been very lucky, been in the right place at the right time.
I left school at 16 with 4 o'levels and did a few really **** jobs (working in an abattoir was one of the worst) but at that time having a bit of cash in my pocket was more important to me than thinking about the future.
I ended up working offshore on the rigs at 23 and still do now 12 years later, I get very good money and only work 6 months a year but I'm stuck here, my skills wont really transfer to any other business and I'll probably have to work offshore till retirement as I'll never earn the same anywhere else (I just hope the oil doesn't run out before 2040). I miss heaps of things every year, birthdays, weddings anniversarys ect.
I wish I'd listened to my parents when I was younger and stuck in at school
Personally I don't have a degree but I've been very lucky, been in the right place at the right time.
I left school at 16 with 4 o'levels and did a few really **** jobs (working in an abattoir was one of the worst) but at that time having a bit of cash in my pocket was more important to me than thinking about the future.
I ended up working offshore on the rigs at 23 and still do now 12 years later, I get very good money and only work 6 months a year but I'm stuck here, my skills wont really transfer to any other business and I'll probably have to work offshore till retirement as I'll never earn the same anywhere else (I just hope the oil doesn't run out before 2040). I miss heaps of things every year, birthdays, weddings anniversarys ect.
I wish I'd listened to my parents when I was younger and stuck in at school
24 May 2010, 09:44 AM
#33
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I left school with next to nothing in qualifications and now earn 65k a year with an energy company, running over 56 power stations for National Grid.
If you have common sense and work hard its better than a degree.
If you have common sense and work hard its better than a degree.
24 May 2010, 09:46 AM
#34
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Muppetising life
Posts: 15,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to agree with the sentiments of others here. Find a degree that you like, and then finish it. It may well be the case that you never ever need the degree you get. You may find that its never assists you in any way at all, ever.
However, even if you do find that to be the case, at least when you look back on your life you will have done a degree that you enjoyed, and there is no harm in enjoying what you do.
More likely, you will find that the degree will help you, especially in today's market. At a minimum a degree will open more doors, and often allow you to change paths in life much easier. As an example, if you want to be a teacher, a degree opens the door, same if you want to be an accountant. There are options if you don't have a degree, but they take several years longer, and I doubt those are enjoyable years
However, even if you do find that to be the case, at least when you look back on your life you will have done a degree that you enjoyed, and there is no harm in enjoying what you do.
More likely, you will find that the degree will help you, especially in today's market. At a minimum a degree will open more doors, and often allow you to change paths in life much easier. As an example, if you want to be a teacher, a degree opens the door, same if you want to be an accountant. There are options if you don't have a degree, but they take several years longer, and I doubt those are enjoyable years
24 May 2010, 10:17 AM
#37
I left school at 16 with only four o levels worked for my dad as a labourer and quit after 2 weeks which didn't go down well
After 6 months got a job as a YOP ( shows my age )
started as a salesman , manager at 19 store manager at 20 and then area manager
headhunted to a small company I took a risk at the start and was there 17 years to unfortunely bubble burst and company folded
I made very good money although stress and long hours came with that
so at 40 reduntant (and wealthy thanks to my property portfolia I built up )
took a pt job as a salesman no stress and sensible money as I sell lots
The boy
kicked out of school at 16 I made him work in a butchers shop and work unpaid in a oap care home to get a refrence trained as a mental health nurse qualified and has worked for 3 years 25k now going to Start a new life in Aussie in a few months time
the best thing I gave him was a smart suit and tie and a good firm handshake and made sure his apearance was A1 and he was polite and well spoken
it makes a difference as I spent 25 years interviewing people ( some with degreees )who didn't inspire me hence no job offered !
Degree ?
Don't think it's necessary
confidence , smart dressed , passonate and hard work
it helps who you know and how greedy to suceed
After 6 months got a job as a YOP ( shows my age )
started as a salesman , manager at 19 store manager at 20 and then area manager
headhunted to a small company I took a risk at the start and was there 17 years to unfortunely bubble burst and company folded
I made very good money although stress and long hours came with that
so at 40 reduntant (and wealthy thanks to my property portfolia I built up )
took a pt job as a salesman no stress and sensible money as I sell lots
The boy
kicked out of school at 16 I made him work in a butchers shop and work unpaid in a oap care home to get a refrence trained as a mental health nurse qualified and has worked for 3 years 25k now going to Start a new life in Aussie in a few months time
the best thing I gave him was a smart suit and tie and a good firm handshake and made sure his apearance was A1 and he was polite and well spoken
it makes a difference as I spent 25 years interviewing people ( some with degreees )who didn't inspire me hence no job offered !
Degree ?
Don't think it's necessary
confidence , smart dressed , passonate and hard work
it helps who you know and how greedy to suceed
24 May 2010, 10:19 AM
#38
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 15,271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would agree with some of the comments here that if you finish your degree you will have choices.
Although I did get a rubbish degree, even that allowed me to get roles that I could not have got without one, even ten years out of University it was easier to get in with the piece of paper.
Although I did get a rubbish degree, even that allowed me to get roles that I could not have got without one, even ten years out of University it was easier to get in with the piece of paper.
24 May 2010, 10:22 AM
#39
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Zed Ess Won Hay Tee
Posts: 21,611
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe you should add a poll with something like "above average earnings" instead of "good money"
I usually do OK, and i usually earn more than my good lady who is a teacher, the highest qualification i have is an A Level in design, she has a degree (she got a first in it)
She is currently studying a Masters Degree, which i believe will help her earn more in the long run (she wants the "head of year" job)
A lot of people with no qualifications can go out, get a simple franchise and earn good money if they are not pusscake-lazy-****.
I earned more on saturday then a lot of people i know make in a week, and i was home by 1pm (and drunk by 2pm)
I usually do OK, and i usually earn more than my good lady who is a teacher, the highest qualification i have is an A Level in design, she has a degree (she got a first in it)
She is currently studying a Masters Degree, which i believe will help her earn more in the long run (she wants the "head of year" job)
A lot of people with no qualifications can go out, get a simple franchise and earn good money if they are not pusscake-lazy-****.
I earned more on saturday then a lot of people i know make in a week, and i was home by 1pm (and drunk by 2pm)
24 May 2010, 10:31 AM
#40
Moderator
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: The Terry Crews of moderation. P P P P P P POWER!!
Posts: 18,687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry, this may be an intrusive question. I am about to finish my first year of university, but I'm wondering if it's really for me. I have started another thread about traveling which you may have seen, and i have really been thinking about going, rather than doing my second year at uni. What I'm concerned about is, although i may come back and think yeah i really want to carry on with my course, I may also come back and wish to find a career.
What I'd like to know is how many of you lot have been successful in your career without having a degree?
What I'd like to know is how many of you lot have been successful in your career without having a degree?
Does a degree invariably mean you get a well paid job? Definitely not - it's still up to you.
Can it be a pre-requsite for getting a job in a certain field? Yes and if this is the case in respect of the career you had planned then your decision is already made
Can it open progression/promotion doors that might not otherwise be there e.g. make climbing the career ladder easier? Yes.
Is it better to have even a poor degree than no degree? No.
Ask yourself two questions:
1) Do I NEED this qualification for the field I plan to make a career out of or will it at least help my career SIGNIFICANTLY
2) Do I WANT the degree badly enough to commit to it sufficiently to come out of uni with a good degree classification?
If the answer to the above two is not yes, Uni probably isn't for you
If you're not sure then you could take a gap year. Don't just doss the entire time though, get yourself some work experience - this is gold to prospective employers (especially if you do go on to get a degree). Also, if the subject matter isn't exactly what you envisaged, consider doing a combined honours degree.
Good luck.
24 May 2010, 10:34 AM
#41
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Zed Ess Won Hay Tee
Posts: 21,611
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're not sure then you could take a gap year. Don't just doss the entire time though, get yourself some work experience - this is gold to prospective employers (especially if you do go on to get a degree). Also, if the subject matter isn't exactly what you envisaged, consider doing a combined honours degree.
Good luck.
What do you want to do?
Do you need a degree for a career you have in mind
Looks AWESOME on her CV.
She also ended up with about 20-25k in student debt though which i personally think is utterly mental.
24 May 2010, 11:13 AM
#42
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,207
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I left UNI with nothing more than a taste for cheap beer and a working knowledge of the local nightlife. It was a struggle to get any decent job, had to go and work for the family business to earn anything like a decent salary and spent too long working 70 plus hours a week while constantly stressed. In the end I tried my luck at starting a few small business' of my own some worked some not and now I earn reasonable cash and try to never work more than 15 hours per week. IMO if you don't mind working for other people then a degree will be very useful. If you want to work for yourself then just get out there and make some money. Just remember to not be discouraged if things go wrong it happens and you have to keep going.
24 May 2010, 11:17 AM
#43
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (40)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Marlow, Bucks.
Posts: 6,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hung round in 'further education' until my non-appearance made it impossible to continue! Bummed round for a few years until I met my future wife who kicked me up the ****. Worked for a few years in an air conditioning factory and managed to get to the 10k per annum level, before I decided at 25 to join the RAF. Twelve years later, I and the family are comfortable and my earning potential in the next ten years far exceeds what I expected 12 years ago.
More importantly, I cant see myself doing anything else, I enjoy the job that much (even though I could earn possibly 30% more in civvy street), and the family are both settled and set up for the future (I struggled with a mortgage in the early days and still have the house now).
My advice, give yourself more options than I allowed myself, do your degree and the world is your oyster.
More importantly, I cant see myself doing anything else, I enjoy the job that much (even though I could earn possibly 30% more in civvy street), and the family are both settled and set up for the future (I struggled with a mortgage in the early days and still have the house now).
My advice, give yourself more options than I allowed myself, do your degree and the world is your oyster.
24 May 2010, 11:40 AM
#45
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 39,877
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The end result is pretty irrelevant, if you feel you want to go then do.
There will be endless stories of people who made it large without any decent education, or people working in McDonalds with a PHD in particle physics!
You don't need a degree to do well, but certain careers or jobs will require a degree to get into, so you need to consider that.
One of the main problems I see with now is that degrees have been so utterly de-valued that unless you have a very specific one you are no longer an attractive proposition to an employer.
When I came out of school, most people with degrees were the top 15% of people, you knew that they were usually going to be intelligent people, were prepared to work to a decent degree (no pun intended).
However, now every Tom, Dick & Harry can go to the plethora of Universities that have appeared, doing a vast array of subjects, plenty of which have little application in the modern world. We get applicants now and you just cannot make that call anymore, a degree on a CV is literally not worth the paper it is written on.
I would always choose someone with experience over a degree for the types of roles we would be looking to employ, so in that sense, a degree is worthless.
Also consider that you will come out of Uni with a huge financial burden, so you will need a pretty good job to pay it back.
If you are confident that your career warrants a degree and that you will be able to get a much better job at the end of it, it's a not brainer. Otherwise, you'd be better off getting a job and start earning money now rather than spending what you don't have. You can still get pissed and **** alot when not at Uni you know
For the record, I don't have a degree and earn in the region of £55-60k a year, so a lack of degree didn't do me any harm. I was going to go to Uni to do a Geology degree, and I definitely would not have ended up getting paid as much as I do now! That said, at least I may have enjoyed it more
Geezer
There will be endless stories of people who made it large without any decent education, or people working in McDonalds with a PHD in particle physics!
You don't need a degree to do well, but certain careers or jobs will require a degree to get into, so you need to consider that.
One of the main problems I see with now is that degrees have been so utterly de-valued that unless you have a very specific one you are no longer an attractive proposition to an employer.
When I came out of school, most people with degrees were the top 15% of people, you knew that they were usually going to be intelligent people, were prepared to work to a decent degree (no pun intended).
However, now every Tom, Dick & Harry can go to the plethora of Universities that have appeared, doing a vast array of subjects, plenty of which have little application in the modern world. We get applicants now and you just cannot make that call anymore, a degree on a CV is literally not worth the paper it is written on.
I would always choose someone with experience over a degree for the types of roles we would be looking to employ, so in that sense, a degree is worthless.
Also consider that you will come out of Uni with a huge financial burden, so you will need a pretty good job to pay it back.
If you are confident that your career warrants a degree and that you will be able to get a much better job at the end of it, it's a not brainer. Otherwise, you'd be better off getting a job and start earning money now rather than spending what you don't have. You can still get pissed and **** alot when not at Uni you know
For the record, I don't have a degree and earn in the region of £55-60k a year, so a lack of degree didn't do me any harm. I was going to go to Uni to do a Geology degree, and I definitely would not have ended up getting paid as much as I do now! That said, at least I may have enjoyed it more
Geezer
I think that covers it all very well. I have heard that employers are not all that impressed with a degree these days with the plethora of useless subjects and the devaluation as well.
Les
24 May 2010, 12:07 PM
#47
I'm a bit late into this discussion but maybe a professional opinion might be useful.
I've been a recruiter (electronics/software) for over 20yrs and i can say with hand on heart that you stand a much better chance in the end of securing a well paid job being degree qualified than not.
The crux of the matter though is in which degree you take up. Ologies are in the grand scheme of things a waste of time, easy to do, and mean bugger all apart from you can tell people you have done a degree. They will do bugger all to increase your chances of a well paid job with a decent career path.
Degrees in Law, Medical, Technology, Sciences, or Business related subjects are the way to go every time. They are of course much harder to do and result in overall lower pass rates than ologies, therefore merit a much higher regard in society generally. It's also these particular subjects that overall pay the best money and have well mapped career paths.
There are not enough people doing these types of degree subjects and there has been a general skill shortage at this level for many years, so those that do have one of these degrees command a much higher premium, even straight from uni.
As has been said....Do it early in life and get a head start. the older you get the harder it is.
I've been a recruiter (electronics/software) for over 20yrs and i can say with hand on heart that you stand a much better chance in the end of securing a well paid job being degree qualified than not.
The crux of the matter though is in which degree you take up. Ologies are in the grand scheme of things a waste of time, easy to do, and mean bugger all apart from you can tell people you have done a degree. They will do bugger all to increase your chances of a well paid job with a decent career path.
Degrees in Law, Medical, Technology, Sciences, or Business related subjects are the way to go every time. They are of course much harder to do and result in overall lower pass rates than ologies, therefore merit a much higher regard in society generally. It's also these particular subjects that overall pay the best money and have well mapped career paths.
There are not enough people doing these types of degree subjects and there has been a general skill shortage at this level for many years, so those that do have one of these degrees command a much higher premium, even straight from uni.
As has been said....Do it early in life and get a head start. the older you get the harder it is.
24 May 2010, 12:23 PM
#48
I have not got a degree, highest I did was an OND in computing, served me well as after a few rubbish jobs in IT I got a traineeship with the Police, did two years, left but went back when they had a permanent vacancy (they rang me), went back but stayed too long, 8 years, I had an epihany whilst stayign in a Caravan, nice hol, no complaints but I was skint.
I decided there and then to cut through the crap and get away from local government or at least get promoted, the promotion (to the job I was already doing) fell through as I didnt pass the "In Tray Test", ho hum, I went in to the managers after wards and I said that it meant I wouldnt be staying, they told me to calm down, go home and try again next year, I studied like mad, got them to pay for all my Oracle exams and then handed my notice in.
Got a better paid job at Woolworths (RIP) and did that for a while but it was a bit dull (despite Burgerking off here working there and making it much less dull !) , decided to go contracting havign been told by the contractors at GMP that I should do and it was local government that made me not feel up to it, so thanks to them it gave me the confidence to go contracting, got a brilliant first contract at Amec, great people, lovely surroundings, free dinners, did a year on contract on £400 a day ! and then they asked me to go perm, still do well and I love it.
I had to pull my finger out, was just plodding along at the Police, as loads do, some as they are scared of the big wide world and some as they couldnt get a job anywhere else. I studied and thought about it, got to a position where I was ready to move, I listened to podcasts about databases, read trade mags, websites, tried stuff at home, just lived and breathed it and the interview went 100 percent my way, it is defintely a case of the effort you put in.
I decided there and then to cut through the crap and get away from local government or at least get promoted, the promotion (to the job I was already doing) fell through as I didnt pass the "In Tray Test", ho hum, I went in to the managers after wards and I said that it meant I wouldnt be staying, they told me to calm down, go home and try again next year, I studied like mad, got them to pay for all my Oracle exams and then handed my notice in.
Got a better paid job at Woolworths (RIP) and did that for a while but it was a bit dull (despite Burgerking off here working there and making it much less dull !) , decided to go contracting havign been told by the contractors at GMP that I should do and it was local government that made me not feel up to it, so thanks to them it gave me the confidence to go contracting, got a brilliant first contract at Amec, great people, lovely surroundings, free dinners, did a year on contract on £400 a day ! and then they asked me to go perm, still do well and I love it.
I had to pull my finger out, was just plodding along at the Police, as loads do, some as they are scared of the big wide world and some as they couldnt get a job anywhere else. I studied and thought about it, got to a position where I was ready to move, I listened to podcasts about databases, read trade mags, websites, tried stuff at home, just lived and breathed it and the interview went 100 percent my way, it is defintely a case of the effort you put in.
24 May 2010, 12:56 PM
#49
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 15,271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm a bit late into this discussion but maybe a professional opinion might be useful.
I've been a recruiter (electronics/software) for over 20yrs and i can say with hand on heart that you stand a much better chance in the end of securing a well paid job being degree qualified than not.
The crux of the matter though is in which degree you take up. Ologies are in the grand scheme of things a waste of time, easy to do, and mean bugger all apart from you can tell people you have done a degree. They will do bugger all to increase your chances of a well paid job with a decent career path.
Degrees in Law, Medical, Technology, Sciences, or Business related subjects are the way to go every time. They are of course much harder to do and result in overall lower pass rates than ologies, therefore merit a much higher regard in society generally. It's also these particular subjects that overall pay the best money and have well mapped career paths.
There are not enough people doing these types of degree subjects and there has been a general skill shortage at this level for many years, so those that do have one of these degrees command a much higher premium, even straight from uni.
As has been said....Do it early in life and get a head start. the older you get the harder it is.
I've been a recruiter (electronics/software) for over 20yrs and i can say with hand on heart that you stand a much better chance in the end of securing a well paid job being degree qualified than not.
The crux of the matter though is in which degree you take up. Ologies are in the grand scheme of things a waste of time, easy to do, and mean bugger all apart from you can tell people you have done a degree. They will do bugger all to increase your chances of a well paid job with a decent career path.
Degrees in Law, Medical, Technology, Sciences, or Business related subjects are the way to go every time. They are of course much harder to do and result in overall lower pass rates than ologies, therefore merit a much higher regard in society generally. It's also these particular subjects that overall pay the best money and have well mapped career paths.
There are not enough people doing these types of degree subjects and there has been a general skill shortage at this level for many years, so those that do have one of these degrees command a much higher premium, even straight from uni.
As has been said....Do it early in life and get a head start. the older you get the harder it is.
24 May 2010, 02:05 PM
#52
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I didn't get a degree and was working in a job which I ended up detesting. I decided to do a degree whilst working in order to change career and ironically the change of career came within the first 6 months into the degree.
I carried on and finished the degree (over 5 years) but as others have said it is not easy doing 15+ hours a week studying whilst holding down a full time job.
Best to get it out the way now rather than the hard way, later on down the line.
There will always be numerous examples of people who don't have one doing well. Being successful comes down to more than just waving a bit of paper about saying Yes! I can do "education".
It's your life at the end of the day, just make sure your decision is the right one for you!
I carried on and finished the degree (over 5 years) but as others have said it is not easy doing 15+ hours a week studying whilst holding down a full time job.
Best to get it out the way now rather than the hard way, later on down the line.
There will always be numerous examples of people who don't have one doing well. Being successful comes down to more than just waving a bit of paper about saying Yes! I can do "education".
It's your life at the end of the day, just make sure your decision is the right one for you!
Last edited by Fabioso; 24 May 2010 at 02:11 PM.
24 May 2010, 02:22 PM
#53
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Kent
Posts: 3,905
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I went the opposite way ......
I had a high flying job, Paid very well, company cars (Jaguars ) all at the age of 25 through to 32.
One day something inside me said, why are you doing something you hate, money isnt everything. So jacked the job in, didnt even know I was going to do it until I arrived at work after sitting in traffic asking myself what was the point of life.
They tried to keep me, but I knew in my heart of hearts i hated it. made me work my 3 months that I hated even more.
Now I work 2 or 3 days a week and love life even more than the money.
Money dont make you happy, I am living proof of this !!
Wish
Age 37
Education isnt everything .... Common sense is !!!
And Its not what you know its who you know !
I had a high flying job, Paid very well, company cars (Jaguars ) all at the age of 25 through to 32.
One day something inside me said, why are you doing something you hate, money isnt everything. So jacked the job in, didnt even know I was going to do it until I arrived at work after sitting in traffic asking myself what was the point of life.
They tried to keep me, but I knew in my heart of hearts i hated it. made me work my 3 months that I hated even more.
Now I work 2 or 3 days a week and love life even more than the money.
Money dont make you happy, I am living proof of this !!
Wish
Age 37
Education isnt everything .... Common sense is !!!
And Its not what you know its who you know !
Last edited by Wish; 24 May 2010 at 02:23 PM.
24 May 2010, 02:26 PM
#54
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Northants. 22B sold, as-new Lotus Omega instead.
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I jacked in Uni during my year abroad in Germany. Instead of the usual foreign university thing that most language undergraduates take, I got a job over there. It was amazing to me as an impecunious student to actually get paid (OK, not very much, but enough to buy my old BMW 2002), so I just couldn't see myself going back to the deprivation of student living for another year.
Prior to that I had enjoyed Uni life, but learnt nothing new really. This was before student loans, so the whole experience cost me nowt. These days that might be an expensive risk to take, so probably not worth it: stick with your course.
NB: I've been well above your threshold salary for 13 consecutive years now, but still no degree to my name.
Prior to that I had enjoyed Uni life, but learnt nothing new really. This was before student loans, so the whole experience cost me nowt. These days that might be an expensive risk to take, so probably not worth it: stick with your course.
NB: I've been well above your threshold salary for 13 consecutive years now, but still no degree to my name.
24 May 2010, 03:23 PM
#55
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It seems like you're quite motivated by money. In my opinion you shouldn't really be thinking about a long term job, you should just see it as a stepping stone to starting something on your own. You're never going to be truly rich working for someone else. OK, you might get a job earning £45k+ or whatever, but ultimately it's going to take a long time to become a millionaire at that rate (not sure how 'money money money' you are!).
If mega money is really what you want above anything, then you'd be better off getting hold of a copy of 'How to Get Rich' by Felix Dennis to see what's required.
If money is not your prime motivation, but having a 'good job' is, then no doubt a degree is a good thing to have.
If mega money is really what you want above anything, then you'd be better off getting hold of a copy of 'How to Get Rich' by Felix Dennis to see what's required.
If money is not your prime motivation, but having a 'good job' is, then no doubt a degree is a good thing to have.
24 May 2010, 03:58 PM
#56
Drag it!
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Flame grilled Wagon anyone?
Posts: 9,866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think what ever decision you make, you have to stick by it and make sure no one can kick it back in your face.
I woke up one Thursday morning during lower sixth form, and pretty much decided i didn't want to go to Uni, as i could see myself spending most of it out of my tree on beer. Whilst this would have been fun, it wouldn't gain me anything poistive in life.
I walked into school, and told them i was leaving and wouldn't be coming back. I was told by many, including teachers, that i didn't have what it takes to do higher education, and one teacher told me i would spend the rest of my life working on my dads pig farm.
I went home, rang round every single accountancy practice within a 10 mile radius, trying to find out if they had any vacancies. The following day i had an interview, and by 4pm i had a job offer. the following Monday i started work earning a princely sum of £2860 per annum (1992).
I left there in 1995, when things were looking dire, and whilst working full time, i went to night classes, and the nights i wasn't at night classes, i worked on my dads farm
I am now a partner in a very good Accountancy practice, and look after a very interesting mix of clients.
Best decision i ever made!
I woke up one Thursday morning during lower sixth form, and pretty much decided i didn't want to go to Uni, as i could see myself spending most of it out of my tree on beer. Whilst this would have been fun, it wouldn't gain me anything poistive in life.
I walked into school, and told them i was leaving and wouldn't be coming back. I was told by many, including teachers, that i didn't have what it takes to do higher education, and one teacher told me i would spend the rest of my life working on my dads pig farm.
I went home, rang round every single accountancy practice within a 10 mile radius, trying to find out if they had any vacancies. The following day i had an interview, and by 4pm i had a job offer. the following Monday i started work earning a princely sum of £2860 per annum (1992).
I left there in 1995, when things were looking dire, and whilst working full time, i went to night classes, and the nights i wasn't at night classes, i worked on my dads farm
I am now a partner in a very good Accountancy practice, and look after a very interesting mix of clients.
Best decision i ever made!
24 May 2010, 04:13 PM
#57
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Cardiff. Wales
Posts: 11,758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No degree , in fact I the only qualification I can remember getting at school was my cycling proficiency certificate
Now I earn over twice the national average , own 2 properties ,have good savings and have a fairly large share portfolio all of which allows me to opt to take voluntary redundancy in a few months and retire at 48 with a nice pension paid on reaching 50. Happy days!
Chip
Now I earn over twice the national average , own 2 properties ,have good savings and have a fairly large share portfolio all of which allows me to opt to take voluntary redundancy in a few months and retire at 48 with a nice pension paid on reaching 50. Happy days!
Chip
24 May 2010, 04:15 PM
#58
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Cardiff. Wales
Posts: 11,758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, and to all those with degrees do you have the common sense gene removed when in university as most of the graduates that we see seemed to have had it done
Chip
Chip
24 May 2010, 04:25 PM
#59
common sense/hard work isn't what gets you in the door though.
Personally I don't have a degree, however I do earn good money in the IT sector.
Once you're in then yes, hard work and common sense go in your favour
But from experience(as I'm actually recruiting at present) employers look to see your education background - gives us something to fall back on incase it all goes wrong.
24 May 2010, 04:30 PM
#60
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 2,278
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts