I knew I was going to college before I could even do long division. Getting a four-year degree was the expectation in my family, and as I got older, I felt like it was my only route to success. Looking back, there was little to no conversation on the alternatives high school graduates could consider. What if students were given time and space to explore other options rather than being influenced to attend university?
Eden McGee, a 2021 Western Washington University linguistics graduate who has struggled to find a job, wishes he had taken more time after high school to focus on his passions and figure out what he wanted in life.
“There are so many questions that you can't answer for yourself until you start to have experiences,” McGee said. “There needs to be more experiential education, experiential jobs and more opportunities for young people.”
Seth Hymes, author of “Skip College For Success,” feels strongly about finding your career without a college degree. He recommends looking to trade schools, digital marketing and simply working your way up the corporate ladder.
One in four American adults believe that college is crucial for development and becoming a well-rounded person. While that may be true, many people believe that there are equally fulfilling opportunities that are more cost-efficient.
“College is one expensive way to get these experiences,” Hymes said.
Traveling is one of the many ways that young adults can learn about themselves and have broad life experiences. Seeing the world can provide that same sense of independence and develop critical thinking skills, much like what one would learn in a college classroom.
“The standard should be, ‘I’m going to take a breath and look at my options.’ And college should be one of 15 things you look at,” Hymes said.
For those whose passions lie in a field that requires a degree, college can be a valuable and necessary investment. Those with a bachelor’s degree earn around 70% more than workers with only a high school diploma. Combining that advantage with genuine passion can lead toward long-lasting fulfillment.
Having a career that you're content with means understanding your values and what you do and do not tolerate in a work environment. This requires knowing yourself on a deeper level by understanding what type of work gives you a purpose, what culture you thrive in and what boundaries you need to maintain your well-being.
Marina Lopez was in her second year at Western when she started to question whether the path she was on aligned with her passions. Long days at the tutoring center made her feel increasingly disconnected from her school work, which led her to feel uninspired.
Stepping away from school was nerve-wracking because she didn’t have a set plan.
“It was scary at first,” she admitted, “but once I started to figure out that it was the best thing for me, I started to love it.”
After dropping out, she immediately moved to Hawaii and delved into her creative side by starting her own hat brand, Fika Caps.
"Since I’ve dropped out, I have felt so much happier with myself," Lopez said. "I didn’t feel good when I was forced to do something I did not want to do, but now I’m surrounding myself with people I want to be around and hobbies that I want to pursue."
Tuition costs at a four-year university have risen 17.4% in the past 20 years, according to the Education Data Initiative. Because of this price, the average college graduate leaves with a diploma and around $28,000 in debt.
With rising tuition costs, students are being forced to think more critically about their future and if they’re the right fit for a college setting. There is not one learning style that fits all, and it’s important to assess if the college schedule is meant for you.
“Consider college if you are academically above the average high school student, you enjoy learning and can see yourself sitting in a classroom for four years while professors talk,” said Western Economics professor John Krieg.
There’s also a strong financial incentive: college graduates earn about 86% more on average than those with only a high school diploma. Still, not all successful jobs start with a degree, and many jobs don’t even require one.
Getting a diploma is a huge accomplishment, but the job market has become so competitive that oftentimes that's not enough. Companies that are hiring want to see real-world experience and useful skills.
Since the job market is constantly evolving, some employers are making their hiring processes more accessible by dropping degree requirements. Companies such as Google, Apple and Starbucks are now dropping degree requirements and solely focusing on skills and experience.
“If you’re applying for a company and they need someone to do certain tasks, they’re not going to look for your thesis or your midterm; they care about hiring someone who can do the job,” Hymes said.
There is no single way to a successful career. Every person has their own set of ambitions, challenges and skills that shape their path. It’s up to you to find what works best.
Melody Marichalar (she/her) is a campus life reporter who is majoring in news/editorial journalism and minoring in creative writing. When she's not writing, Melody enjoys anything fashion related, traveling and striking up conversations with those around her. You can reach her at melodym.the front@gmail.com.
