judging someones employment

I know the title sucks but I couldn't think of a better one.

Do you think that if someones does really well and becomes wealthy in a job they didn't require a college education for (as in they worked their way up from the bottom rather than entered at corporate level with a degree) that they haven't achieved as much?

Ive always been pressured into having a tertiary education and when nursing fell through I went back into tech support. Im not earning ridiculous amounts of money right now. But im on a path that in 5-10 years vould lead to exec and even though i would be required to get a business degree it would be part of my training. My parents have told me that i haven't acheived anything and they would rather i had got the same position im in now by doing a computer degree (igot in via previous experience).

Is this the common way of thinking?

My husband makes over 100k a year without a college degree, some people might think a degree = success but I sure don't see it that way

My best buddy is 24 years old and brings in 100K a year minimum. He owns all 4 of his vehicles, his house, and is currently working on expanding it. He doesn't have his degree....He has his high school Diploma and like 18 college credit hours.

I actually think the opposite in some ways. I think a person has often achieved MORE by working their way from the bottom up.

I have a University degree, granted, just a BA... but I can tell you, the five years I was in school were basically fun and games compared to "the real world".

Quoting The (super kinky) Master:" I know the title sucks but I couldn't think of a better one. Do you think that if someones does really ... [snip!] ... the same position im in now by doing a computer degree (igot in via previous experience). Is this the common way of thinking?"

Having no degree, I have always earned my positions by hard work, dependability and the desire to learn more and do more.

I am fairly certain most people look more favorably on college educated positions than ones earned in this way.

I don't think I care too much though.
It is what it is.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Fairy [God] Mother ®:</b>" My husband makes over 100k a year without a college degree, some people might think a degree = success but I sure don't see it that way"</blockquote>




Yeah the company i work for is the second biggest internet company in the country grossing $800 million profit a year, the guy who runs it started it 19 years ago selling 5 ports from a makeshift service from his mums garage

My husband busted his ass to get into his job. He makes significantly more than I do (I have a degree and he does not). I totally admire his work ethic and motivation.

Quoting The (super kinky) Master:" I know the title sucks but I couldn't think of a better one. Do you think that if someones does really ... [snip!] ... the same position im in now by doing a computer degree (igot in via previous experience). Is this the common way of thinking?"

I think that way of thinking is common ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS.
I think most parents want "the most" for their kids. Usually that involves a path in life that provides for as many good options as possible. Typically, the more education you have the more good options you have. BUT, that is how it usually is. There are always exceptions.... and i dont know how education and career opportunity is in Australia.
Here in the US, most thoughtdul, smart parents want their children to have at least the same education level as they have themselves. Many want their kids to achieve a higher education level.
If my brother or I hadnt finished college, my parents would have had a very difficult time with it.
If my LO doesnt want to finish college, we will have a difficult time with that issue, as well.

I assume your parents will be satisfied if they know that what you are doing has a rock-solid chance that you will be secure in your job, have good earnings and do something they think is worthy of respect. I assume if you show them that they will have something to brag about it a couple of years they will feel better about your decision.

Here is some unsolicited advice:
Think about your short-range and long-term career plan and be able to "map it out." Then, ask them to take their "parent hats" off and put on their "friend hat, show them "the map" and askthem to be supportive of the decision. From what i have seen you write on other threads, it seems like you are making good, practical decsions about your career. Perhaps they need to be reminded that you are an adult and making good adult decision.

Here's my little story:

I have a Master's degree and my husband has a Bachelor's degree. We have my M.S. diploma framed and displayed in a room.

I asked him once if it made him feel bad to see my advanced degree out there when he didn't have one. He said:

"It did for a minute...but then I remembered that I went to school for less time and make twice as much as you. I feel better now."    

It's all a matter of what you use to gauge success. If it's education, I'm more successful. If it's money, my husband's more successful. If it's working hard and climbing to where you want to be, my parents blow us both out of the water.

Nope. My dad makes over 100k working as a CFO of a company with no college degree. I think that if you enjoy and are good at what you do and you can provide for your family then you are successful, no matter how much or how little of education you have had. But then again, everyone's view of success is different.

<blockquote><b>Quoting TheNuge:</b>" I think that way of thinking is common ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS. I think most parents want "the most" ... [snip!] ... practical decsions about your career. Perhaps they need to be reminded that you are an adult and making good adult decision."</blockquote>




I suppose it depends on what you're willing to do for wor. My best friend is a ultrasonographer, 6 years of uni and earns $60,000. His ex is a chef whose working as a dump truck driver in Kalgoorlie for $250,000

Quoting The (super kinky) Master:" <blockquote><b>Quoting TheNuge:</b>" I think that way of thinking is common ESPECIALLY ... [snip!] ... 6 years of uni and earns $60,000. His ex is a chef whose working as a dump truck driver in Kalgoorlie for $250,000"

lol.
My husbands neice is getting her masters in social work. she wont make enough to support herself. it's ridiculous.
I know LOTS of people without fancy degrees that do very well. I also know lots of people with advanced degrees that do very well.
It all depends on the person and their drive/ambition. People with drive and ambition tend to research a path to success.
Parents try to guide the children toward solid paths to success while their brains are still developing and they benefit from adult decison-making skills. At some point, the "child" doesnt need the help. it sounds like they are trying to help you. BUT, you are an adult and it seems like you are making good decisions.

Quoting The (super kinky) Master:" <blockquote><b>Quoting TheNuge:</b>" I think that way of thinking is common ESPECIALLY ... [snip!] ... 6 years of uni and earns $60,000. His ex is a chef whose working as a dump truck driver in Kalgoorlie for $250,000"

I'd drive a dump truck for $250K!

I have totally been wondering if I am doing the right thing. The reason why is because I am currently a security officer and make 12.50 an hour..which is pretty good for around here. I only have my GED. I am currently going to school online for my associates in criminal justice, but often wonder if it is even worth it! One of my supervisors had a bachelors in criminal justice and worked here making hardly more than I do..and if he left I could easily apply for his job and most likely get it just for the simple fact I have experience with working for this company.

Quoting TheNuge:" I'd drive a dump truck for $250K!"

The money here is in the mines, at oe stage the cleaners were earning in excess of $80,000