A guide to thriving without a college degree

In today's world, the traditional path of attending a four-year college after high school isn't the only route to success. In fact, about 45% of new high school graduates immediately enroll in college, but a staggering one-third of them drop out, often left with debt and no degree to show for their time and money. Moreover, many students enter college unsure of their goals, pressured by parents or society, only to later regret their decision. A staggering 59% of these students feel that college was a waste of time.

While college can be an excellent choice if you know why you're going, are academically inclined, approach it with purpose, and have a solid financial plan, it's not the right fit for everyone. If you're not ready, unsure of what you want, or simply want to explore life before committing to more education, it's perfectly okay to consider alternative paths. In fact, more people today believe that it's easier to secure a well-paying job without a bachelor's degree than it was 20 years ago, and they’re not wrong.

The challenge, however, lies in knowing what career opportunities are available without a degree and how to pursue them. This is the focus of Karin Klein’s book, "Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree." The book explores the vast world of options available to those who choose not to attend college, including well-paying jobs and employers that value skills and experience over formal education. Klein emphasizes that success is not just about making money; it’s about building a career and life that bring you happiness and fulfillment.

In "Rethinking College," you'll find real-life stories of individuals who have carved out meaningful lives without a four-year degree. These stories provide a practical roadmap for how it’s done, showcasing diverse career paths that don’t require a college education.

Most high school counselors are only equipped to suggest two alternatives to college: joining the military or entering the skilled trades. While both are valid and rewarding paths (and are covered in Klein's book), there are many other opportunities that are often overlooked.

For those with creative talents, careers in film editing, writing, costume or makeup design are viable options. Wylie, one of Hollywood's top sound designers, never attended college. Ben, a successful rock musician, transitioned into managing rock groups and eventually running events for a major venue, where he now earns a substantial income.

Entrepreneurship is another path where formal education is often unnecessary. For instance, Noah, who was ranked by Food Network as having one of the 10 best bread bakeries in the country, never went to college. Erin and her husband saved up to buy a yacht, and Erin turned their adventure into a business by starting a public relations company catering to the yachting industry.

Volunteer work, both domestic and international, can open doors to future opportunities and provide invaluable life experiences. For example, Taylor traveled across Europe through Worldpackers, eventually becoming the editor of an online travel magazine. Mario began as a volunteer with Americorps, advanced through the organization, and now runs a successful nonprofit that empowers urban youth.

Volunteering not only enriches your life but also makes you a more attractive candidate to employers. Many companies value the real-world experience gained through volunteer work and are more inclined to offer tuition assistance if you decide to pursue a college education later. Additionally, college admissions officers often prefer applicants with unique and authentic life experiences over those who simply excel in academics.

For example, Benjamin developed a passion for the marine environment during his time in the Coast Guard. Now, he's pursuing a PhD in marine studies, a path he wouldn’t have considered right after high school.

In summary, "Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree" encourages readers to explore the many fulfilling career and life paths that don't require a traditional college education. By considering alternative routes and embracing real-world experiences, you can create a meaningful and successful life that aligns with your passions and goals.