Every time I encounter someone new, there’s a familiar question that pops up: “What do you do?” For me, it used to be straightforward to respond, “I’m an engineer,” thanks to my college education. In contrast, my partner, Jake, often hesitates when asked the same question because he doesn’t possess a traditional job or a degree.
When he mentions he never attended college, some people’s reactions are telling; they often avert their gaze or display a look of pity, as if to suggest, “Oh, how unfortunate; you must not be very intelligent.” But I quickly step in to clarify. “Jake is currently a stay-at-home dad, and he excels at it. While many of us were busy studying, partying, and racking up student loans, he was serving our country in the Navy for six years and exploring the world. He might not have a conventional job now, but he brings nearly a decade of experience with electronics to the table.”
It frustrates me that society has become so conditioned to categorize individuals based on their titles. When did we stop asking the more engaging questions that reveal who people really are? For instance, “Where did you grow up?” or “What hobbies do you enjoy?” or “What led you to your current path?”
Similarly, my own identity is not solely defined by my engineering degree. Although I pursued engineering, my true passion lies elsewhere. I was fortunate to land a position at a law firm where I assist with patent processes for various inventions. When people ask what I do, they often seem puzzled that I transitioned from engineering to the legal field, which highlights another common misconception: just because I studied one subject doesn’t mean I’m limited to that area.
Interestingly, I once harbored a desire to study English, but I chose to follow my aptitude for math and science. Had I not attended university, I would have undoubtedly charted a different course. Society often sends the message that a degree is essential for success, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Many people believe that only degree holders can thrive, but I know countless mothers with degrees who are not working in their respective fields. They may have studied finance, education, or nursing, but they choose to stay home and raise their children, a task that certainly doesn’t require a textbook or a final exam.
This reality underscores that while college can be beneficial for acquiring transferable skills, it isn’t the sole determinant of one’s value or capabilities. My engineering background sharpened my research skills and problem-solving techniques, allowing me to navigate both building structures and patent office rejections with clarity. The same applies to mothers; a finance degree might make one adept at household budgeting, while a nursing degree equips another to discern when to seek medical help for their child.
Conversely, there are successful entrepreneurs who never set foot in a business school, individuals who dropped out of college and went on to become millionaires, and scientists who realized their potential extended beyond classroom walls. It all boils down to how we leverage our learning experiences. I refuse to be defined by a single piece of paper.
I’m more than just an engineer. I’m a mother, a partner, a writer, a technical advisor, a swimmer, a creative soul, and a philanthropist. Don’t ever feel like your degree was wasted because you opted for a job that suits your lifestyle better or chose to stay home. Most of what you learned will surface when you need it. You may not be in an office utilizing your expertise for someone else, but you’re enriching your family’s life with those same skills—and that’s profoundly rewarding.
A college degree can cost a substantial amount—sometimes upwards of $100,000—but it doesn’t define your identity. It merely indicates that you pursued and completed a specific course of study. While it holds significance, it isn’t everything. Perhaps one day, society will recognize that people are incredible, talented, and intelligent, regardless of their educational background.
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In summary, a college degree is valuable, but it doesn’t define who you are or what you can achieve. Your experiences and the skills you’ve developed throughout your life matter just as much, if not more.
Keyphrase: College Degree Importance
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