how long does it take to "make it" in this day and age?

What is your definition of made it? I don’t think you ever make it. You always need to grow, learn, and change. If you don’t, you will be replaced.

Everyone has a different definition of "making it." I've been in my career over 25 years and still am learning and improving every year. I'm satisfied in the sense I don't feel the need to climb anymore ladders. However, none of my steps were given and did not happen instantly. You need to measure your success by how happy you are with your career. Constantly, worrying about "making it," will make you miserable.

Damien S,

You cant put a time limit on life. There are various seasons and reasons. You cant measure your success which is what I believe you mean by "make it" according to others. I can tell you the more instruction and skills you receive and gain along with having a respectful and humble demeanor the faster you will rise and prosper. I wish you the best on your journey.

When I came out of college the economy was bad (2008 recession) and it took me a long time to feel like I was "making" the salary I expected to earn right out of school. I'd say it took me a few years to get to a point where my salary was "making ends meet" and even then a few years after I figured out what I wanted to do before I had enough experience to command a higher salary. There are some careers and degree choices that lend to a higher salary with no experience just the degree. Otherwise, a degree is just one of many factors. If I could give myself advice back in college I would have taken out less student debt so my income wasn't eaten up by repayments when I graduated, and I would have gotten more internships with good companies during my summers and landed a good entry level job at one of those companies. I just didn't know enough to make a good choice to help accelerate my career. That said, within 3 years I figured out what I wanted to do and have been on that path ever sense. If I would have gotten that great job right out of college, I may never have found my true passion/calling.

This is about my journey, maybe it will help you: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-career-journey-ashley-marshall/