Do you think you need a degree to make a substantial income?
By FitCoachJess
@FitCoachJess (278)
United States
August 6, 2008 6:50am CST
I have read all these studies that show that income goes up with each degree you get. For example, people with a Bachelor's degree might average "X" amount of dollars, an higher amount with a Masters, and so on.
Now I have been looking through the job ads lately, and I see ads like "must be proficient in Word, Excell, etc..., have 5 years of experience, a Bachelor's degree... $13.00 per hour."
Now I didn't quite finish my Bachelor's degree and I get between $50. and $125. an hour. I used to think I needed a Master's degree, or I couldn't charge so much for my work. I was wrong. I just have to be good at what I do.
I would like to hear other people's experiences with this.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@joannacrizel (378)
•
6 Aug 08
there are a lot who earn a lot even if they don't have a bachelor's degree. Missing a bachelors degree is not a must for someone who like to earn.
@joannacrizel (378)
•
8 Aug 08
thank's for marking my response the best! I may not have a degree but I am trying my best to earn for me and my family's living so I'm bothered a lot by their answers causing me to defend my side.
@manojjonam10 (350)
• India
6 Aug 08
well traditionally speaking u must have to get a degree to earn well, but all your earning depends on ur skill level these days
@FitCoachJess (278)
• United States
6 Aug 08
I suppose you are right that it used to be more traditional that you MUST have a degree, but I am seeing more and more that people who do not have degrees are making lots of $$$$$. I think education matters, whether you get it in school or you are self educated. Knowledge is power! Thanks for your input :)
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
8 Aug 08
There are some wonderful exceptions to everything, Fit. Since part of what I teach involves employability skills, I've done quite a lot of research on this. When we look at averages, income doubles with a bachelor's, triples with a Master's, and is almost 4X as much for doctorates. You're in a specialized area. You have to just about audition for everyone until you become recognized It's sort of like a performer combined with an athlete and a PA. I'm an exception, too, because I have many more degrees than anyone should have, and I sometimes have troubl making ends meet. Nobody teaches to earn the big bucks!
@FitCoachJess (278)
• United States
6 Aug 08
Every country has different standards of income, true. And although my hourly rate is high, I do not work a 40 hour week every week, so it isn't always all that much. Thanks for your comment!
@chenmeiyi (972)
• China
6 Aug 08
i am a sophomore now,and i think it is not necessarily for everyone to pursue a
master degree or doctor degree,but a bachelor degree is a must.
most importantly,we should put knowledge into practice,double doesn't mean double
income.
experience also counts a lot in comparison with degrees.knowledge is actually endless
and what we need to do is to make the most use of ourselves in the limited studying
time,effeciency matters.
take care.
@FitCoachJess (278)
• United States
6 Aug 08
I agree that a Bachelor's is desirable, but not necessarily a must. I dont have mine. I will say that I have studies anough to have a Doctorate or 2... You are right, what you do with your knowledge matters. Thanks for your comment!
@lixiaos77 (1030)
• Shijiazhuang, China
6 Aug 08
I need a degree because if it can show my ability in certain area. But i believe work experience is more important. When choice a degree, i will consider my work experience at first. If the degree ralates to work experience, job hunting will be more easy.
@ruby222 (4847)
•
6 Aug 08
Im sure that it isnt essential to have a Degree or a Masters in order to earn a reasonable salary.It certainly is good to be literate and numerate,but I know of many people that have made a very good living from unskilled jobs.I see what you say about the use of the computer and the understanding of the Word programme is fairly essential,but im sure that you will make your way in life .
