I Don’t Want To Go To College, But I Want To Be Successful

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 may be 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. 

Why many students question the traditional college path

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, and students may question the traditional college path. 

Pressure after high school

Despite questioning whether college is worthwhile, you may face pressure from parents, teachers, and advisors after graduation. While societal norms may be slowly shifting, higher education has often been seen as the route to financial security and success. While parents may want the best for their children, it’s important to understand that academic and family pressure may be a risk factor for depression.

Rising costs of higher education and more 

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. 

Statistics suggest that tuition costs have risen significantly in the past 10 years, adjusted for inflation. Therefore, prospective students may worry about accumulating student loan debt and financial distress when there are other options available.  

Defining success 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.

What success really means to you

Success can look different for each person. It may involve developing a passion, working a job that gives back to your community, finding a high-paying role, or pursuing a career that prioritizes work-life balance. If you want the freedom to travel, a successful role may allow you to take time off and work remotely. After you define success in your own life, you can better determine whether you need to attend college to be successful or if other paths may align more closely with your goals.

Rethinking education and career goals

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. Traditional college education is one way to learn, explore opportunities, and make friends that support learning and success, but you may also find this on alternative paths, such as volunteer work, apprenticeships, tech bootcamps, and the military. The support of a therapist can help you rethink your education goals with an objective lens and make more informed decisions. 

Career paths that do not require a four-year college degree

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.” 

Types of careers available

• Commercial pilots go through flight school, where they learn to fly through a combination of technical instruction and practical flight hours 
• Project managers can complete online certifications and courses to develop skills
• Skilled trades such as plumbers, electricians, and carpenters may learn their craft through trade school or apprenticeships
• Police officers and detectives gain hands-on training at the police academy
• Technical careers like air traffic controllers, IT specialists, or vocational nurses are often required to attend technical school, rather than a four year college program
• Real estate agents complete state licenses and exams before selling homes
• Digital and creative careers, such as content creation and photography, may require a portfolio or social media following

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.  

Alternative education options to consider

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.

Community college and certificates

College is not the only option for someone who is interested in learning new skills. Certificate programs and community college programs are often shorter and more intensive, allowing you to build industry skills quickly. 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.

Community colleges are also flexible and adaptable — with short programs, weekend, evening, and online classes —  for those balancing work and family commitments. The cost of tuition at community colleges is about a third of the cost of tuition at four-year colleges.

Online degrees and self-paced learning

Today, various institutions offer online degrees for students that allow students to learn at their own pace. This form of education offers numerous benefits, including lower costs, the flexibility to learn from anywhere, and the opportunity to network with professionals.

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.

Financial considerations when skipping college

A recent survey of Americans suggests that the cost of tuition is the biggest barrier to pursuing higher education. 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. Before skipping college, some financial considerations to be aware of include:

• Student loan debt, which can lead financial distress and mental health symptoms among college grads 
• Potential reduction in lifetime earnings and a lower standard of living
• Early entry into the workforce allows you to gain practical skills and start saving or investing sooner
• You’ll have to manage regular household expenses without the support of all-inclusive campus utilities and fixed costs like dining hall passes
• Specialized trades that don’t require a degree, such as airline piloting, may offer higher earning potential
• It may be difficult to get hired as some employers may ignore applications from people without college degrees 

Building valuable skills outside of college

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. 

Hard skills employers value

Hard skills are teachable and measurable skills that are usually developed through training programs, certifications, or job experience. For example, programming in C++ is a hard technical skill that can be assessed by employers. You may develop valuable skills through:

• Certification programs: Programs where you can learn specific skills to advance in your career or apply for a new job
• Personal projects: Independent projects or hobbies that help you build and develop hard skills
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals in a particular field or with a specific skill set
• On-the-job training: Gaining practical skills and experience directly from the workplace

In fast-growing industries, employers may assess whether a candidate possesses the needed hard skills based on their degree and previous work experience. For this reason, some job postings may explicitly require a “bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience” as a prerequisite.  

Soft skills that drive long-term success

Soft skills are personal traits that influence how you interact with others and approach work tasks. Research suggests that soft skills are important for individual success in the workplace. Some soft skills that can promote career success include emotional intelligence, positive communication, humility, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, and creativity.

Mental and emotional challenges of choosing a non-traditional path

It can be easy to doubt and compare yourself to others when choosing a non-traditional path. Social pressure may be both verbal and nonverbal. Hearing skeptical opinions from family members and observing friends and peers on the traditional path may make you question yourself. 

Staying focused and confident

The fear of falling behind others, sometimes known as educational FOMO (fear of missing out), can be reduced with a mindset shift. To stay focused and confident, you can:

• Write down everything you’ve learned to visibly see your progress
• Create your own timeline rather than comparing your efforts to the traditional timeline
• Establish a backup plan to mitigate any risks and stay confident in your journey
• Remind yourself that you are gaining applied skills, rather than learning information to forget later on
• Lean on friends and family members that support your independence and innovation 

How BetterHelp can support career and life decisions

When you’re uncertain about your future or experiencing mental health symptoms, it can be helpful to speak with a compassionate professional. When honest conversations are combined with therapeutic practices, they can help build self-assurance and confidence. Advice from therapists may also help when you’re navigating difficult decisions. 

Convenient support for students and young adults

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. Also, online therapy is often more affordable than traditional therapy, making it accessible for students and young adults. 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.