I Don’t Want To Go To College, But I Want To Be Successful: How To Achieve Success Without A College Degree

It may seem like a simple path to graduate from high school, go to college, get your degree, get a job, and start building your career, but what if you are not interested in attending college? Many people think to themselves, “I don’t want to go to college, but I want to be successful.” However, they may not know the best path forward.

There are ways to achieve success without spending four years on a college education right out of high school. Understanding more about your choices could help you make the best decision for your future. 

Can you succeed without college? Exploring alternative options

While many people have heard about alternatives to college, they may not have been presented with all the options. Below are some ways to further your career without going to college right away to complete a four-year degree program.

Learning new skills outside of a traditional classroom: certificate programs and on-the-job training

College is not the only option for someone who is interested in learning new skills. Certificate programs exist for a variety of well-paying industries, such as healthcare, IT, or trades, such as being an electrician or plumber. Some of these certificates can be completed in a short period of time, and many may be fully online. 

On-the-job training, while less structured than formal training programs, can have additional benefits beyond expanding your skill set. Learning while working empowers you to earn money and develop real-world skills that may never come up in any sort of classroom, online or otherwise. 

Choosing to attend college later and work now

Whatever decision you make immediately after high school does not need to be the definitive option for what you choose to do with the rest of your life. Even if higher education is not for you right away, it can always be a choice you make later.

If you do not have a clear sense of what you want to do for your career, delaying college can be a wise option. You can work for a while and learn more about what kind of work you enjoy and what is most meaningful to you. If you don’t attend college until later in life, you may also be more financially healthy when you do go, potentially allowing you to pay tuition, fees, and living expenses without taking on student debt. 

Finding your own definition of success to succeed without a college degree

Society may promote an idea of what a conventionally “successful” person looks like, often including a college degree and a particular job in a high-powered corporate setting. However, for many people, that kind of lifestyle may not bring much purpose or happiness.

Success can look different for each person. It may involve developing a passion, working a job that gives back to your community, or pursuing a career that prioritizes work-life balance. Your own path to success may not involve a college degree or any formal education at all. 

Learning your passion areas

While some people may discover their passions in college, higher education is not the only way to learn more about what excites you. One of the more effective ways to discover your passion may be to try lots of new things and to keep an open mind. It can be helpful to not set any sort of limits on yourself. You do not need to restrict your exploration to what your family thinks is interesting or what your friends are doing. 

Work experience or a college education: What matters more?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy and job market have changed. College degrees may have once been considered a gateway to many careers, and applicants without a degree may not have even been offered an interview for many jobs. However, attitudes might be shifting.   

The growing power of work experience over a college education

Due to a number of factors, including the pandemic altering the labor market, the growing cost of higher education, and the rise in certificates and credentialing programs, employers may not be prioritizing a college degree as much as they used to. Many jobs in growing industries, such as social media management, may now assess candidates primarily based on their previous work experiences. It may be more common for job postings to now list “bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience” as a job requirement. 

How employers view candidates who did not attend college

There may be many factors behind changing attitudes of employers toward college degrees. Taking this change into account may help you position yourself for the job search process, including interviews. 

Why many employers prioritize skills over a college degree

In part because of the large amount of turmoil in the labor market over the past few years, many employers may now value a person’s demonstrated skill set over their diploma. Having the experience to do the job from day one can be an important asset, as job turnover can be high and employers may not want to spend time or resources on employees for whom there is a steep learning curve. 

Navigating the job market

In the job market influenced by this larger labor shift, it can be valuable to continue to develop your skills in order to stay competitive. You might prioritize learning as much as you can while you are on the job and think about ways to communicate your value to prospective employers in the future. 

Building a career without going to college

Institutions of higher education can often provide career assistance to students, including through campus career centers and a large professor and alumni network that can help new graduates make connections. However, it is possible to also build a successful career without these support systems—including in fields traditionally considered “professional,” where the majority of employees may have college degrees. 

It may help to reach out to people whose work interests you to forge your own connections and continually demonstrate your competence in your chosen area of work. Relationships and word of mouth can make a big difference in hiring decisions. 

Resources for support as you navigate your career options

Trying to pursue success without a formal education can be stressful. If you find your level of stress is impacting your mental health, there are a number of support options available: 

• Online therapy: Online therapy services allow you to receive counseling from anywhere you have a reliable internet connection. 
• National organizations: Some large organizations, such as the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), provide education and resources specifically for mental health concerns. 

Unsure about college?

Speak with a therapist to explore options

Benefits of online therapy for students

If you’re currently working in addition to pursuing a new career, it can be complicated to fit traditional in-person therapy into your schedule. Online therapy may be a more beneficial option in this scenario. With online therapy, you can connect with a therapist via audio, videoconferencing, or live chat at a time that works for you. You can also contact your therapist 24/7 in between sessions, and they’ll respond as soon as they can. 

Does online therapy work?

Research suggests that online therapy may be just as effective as in-person therapy at addressing mental health concerns, including stress. One study found that participants who completed an online therapy program reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, two mental illnesses that can be related to stress.