7 answers
Aiden
Student
Blacksburg, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
354 views
What is important about college if there are some jobs that pay more than jobs if you go to college?
What is important about college if there are some jobs that pay more than jobs if you go to college? I have been wondering this question for a long time because I wanted to be an anesthesiologist but then I realized how long I would have to go to school for it, and it’s sooooo looong.
Login to comment
7 answers
Elizabeth Mitchell
User Experience Architect
33
Answers
Saint John, Indiana
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
If you're still interested in anesthesiology, you can always try being a nurse in that field. My (male) cousin went that route and he gets paid very well.
In the end, you want to find a career that YOU like. Even if you start in one career, doesn't mean that you have to stick with it for the rest of your life. Many people have made dramatic pivots to completely different careers and have been successful.
Although your salary is important, it's not the most important thing. You could have a huge income but be extremely stressed, work long hours, and not have time for fun.
Just keep in mind school isn't cheap and student loans have to be repaid. Make sure your future jobs will be able to support those loan payments. For example, don't take out $300k in loans and your expected salary would be $50k. The prestige of the school won't pay your student loans. It may open some doors initially, but it may not be beneficial in the long run.
In the end, you want to find a career that YOU like. Even if you start in one career, doesn't mean that you have to stick with it for the rest of your life. Many people have made dramatic pivots to completely different careers and have been successful.
Although your salary is important, it's not the most important thing. You could have a huge income but be extremely stressed, work long hours, and not have time for fun.
Just keep in mind school isn't cheap and student loans have to be repaid. Make sure your future jobs will be able to support those loan payments. For example, don't take out $300k in loans and your expected salary would be $50k. The prestige of the school won't pay your student loans. It may open some doors initially, but it may not be beneficial in the long run.
Praveen Prabhakar
Program Manager
48
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
Deciding whether to pursue a college education is a crucial choice that relies on various factors, such as your career objectives, personal passions, and financial concerns. Although some well-paying jobs don't require a college degree, there are numerous reasons why higher education can still be valuable:
Developing Knowledge and Skills: College offers a structured learning setting where you can gain knowledge, skills, and expertise in a specific area. It features a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses theoretical foundations, practical applications, and critical thinking capabilities. This knowledge and skill enhancement can lay a solid foundation for long-term career success.
Expanding Career Opportunities and Advancement: Many professions and industries necessitate a college degree as a basic qualification. Possessing a degree can unlock access to a broader array of career opportunities and boost your chances of securing competitive positions. It can also pave the way for career progression and increased earning potential over time.
Building Professional Networks and Connections: College presents opportunities to establish a network of peers, professors, and professionals in your chosen field. These connections can prove invaluable for future job prospects, internships, mentorships, and collaborations. Networking can significantly improve your career prospects and grant access to a wider range of opportunities.
Fostering Personal Growth and Development: College is not solely about academics; it also offers opportunities for personal growth and development. It serves as a platform to discover new ideas, broaden your horizons, cultivate critical thinking skills, enhance communication abilities, and gain a wider perspective on various subjects. These personal development experiences can contribute to your overall growth as an individual.
Enhancing Job Stability and Adaptability: In a rapidly changing job market, having a college degree can offer you greater job stability and adaptability. It equips you with transferable skills that can be applied across different industries and positions. Moreover, many employers appreciate the discipline, commitment, and work ethic displayed by individuals who have successfully completed a college education.
It's crucial to remember that while certain professions, like being an anesthesiologist, demand extensive education and training, there are plenty of other rewarding and well-paying careers that may not require as much time in school. It's vital to research and explore various career paths, take into account your personal interests and aspirations, and make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances and objectives.
In the end, the choice to pursue a college education should align with your long-term career ambitions, personal interests, and the value you attribute to the knowledge, skills, and experiences acquired through higher education.
Developing Knowledge and Skills: College offers a structured learning setting where you can gain knowledge, skills, and expertise in a specific area. It features a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses theoretical foundations, practical applications, and critical thinking capabilities. This knowledge and skill enhancement can lay a solid foundation for long-term career success.
Expanding Career Opportunities and Advancement: Many professions and industries necessitate a college degree as a basic qualification. Possessing a degree can unlock access to a broader array of career opportunities and boost your chances of securing competitive positions. It can also pave the way for career progression and increased earning potential over time.
Building Professional Networks and Connections: College presents opportunities to establish a network of peers, professors, and professionals in your chosen field. These connections can prove invaluable for future job prospects, internships, mentorships, and collaborations. Networking can significantly improve your career prospects and grant access to a wider range of opportunities.
Fostering Personal Growth and Development: College is not solely about academics; it also offers opportunities for personal growth and development. It serves as a platform to discover new ideas, broaden your horizons, cultivate critical thinking skills, enhance communication abilities, and gain a wider perspective on various subjects. These personal development experiences can contribute to your overall growth as an individual.
Enhancing Job Stability and Adaptability: In a rapidly changing job market, having a college degree can offer you greater job stability and adaptability. It equips you with transferable skills that can be applied across different industries and positions. Moreover, many employers appreciate the discipline, commitment, and work ethic displayed by individuals who have successfully completed a college education.
It's crucial to remember that while certain professions, like being an anesthesiologist, demand extensive education and training, there are plenty of other rewarding and well-paying careers that may not require as much time in school. It's vital to research and explore various career paths, take into account your personal interests and aspirations, and make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances and objectives.
In the end, the choice to pursue a college education should align with your long-term career ambitions, personal interests, and the value you attribute to the knowledge, skills, and experiences acquired through higher education.
kassidi Brown
Creating storyboards
4
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
kassidi’s Answer
Having an job is important , try going into a field that makes you happy , nowadays it's a bit diffcult finding jobs so it can be hard to start the proccess.
Going to college helps you have knowledge under your belt you could go to community and have cheaper, better resources for your education.
you can also see what other hobbies you are into and go that route.
It's ok to change your mind about what your wanting to do in your career .
Going to college helps you have knowledge under your belt you could go to community and have cheaper, better resources for your education.
you can also see what other hobbies you are into and go that route.
It's ok to change your mind about what your wanting to do in your career .
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
203
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Aiden!
Even though becoming a anesthesiologist takes a long time (usually 12 years after high school, because it involves a bachelor's degree, medical school, & a residency), many anesthesiologists find the time and effort worth it.
They all have personal, unique reasons why.
Also, there are multiple ways to achieve a goal. Yes, you can't become a anesthesiologist without putting in a lot of years. But you 𝘤𝘢𝘯 become a nurse and do similar things in the field!
You get to decide your reasons why for entering a field [or not] - and how long you want to stay in school.
If you want to learn about what you desire from life, you can take some assessments:
✶ 10 Core Values Quizzes to Identify What's Important to You | https://www.developgoodhabits.com/core-values-quiz/
✶ Find your reason for being: Ikigai | https://ikigaitest.com/
✶ Career Cheat Sheet | https://mcusercontent.com/369fa35ddf618ce16d456d326/files/f245c692-64f7-4728-a5ed-b58d472ccf17/Career_Change_Cheat_Sheet.pdf
✶ Stanford University - Guide to Choosing a Medical Specialty | https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/md/documents/resources/Roadmap-to-Choosing-a-Medical-Specialty-.pdf
Sending you the best and support as you consider medicine :)
Even though becoming a anesthesiologist takes a long time (usually 12 years after high school, because it involves a bachelor's degree, medical school, & a residency), many anesthesiologists find the time and effort worth it.
They all have personal, unique reasons why.
Also, there are multiple ways to achieve a goal. Yes, you can't become a anesthesiologist without putting in a lot of years. But you 𝘤𝘢𝘯 become a nurse and do similar things in the field!
You get to decide your reasons why for entering a field [or not] - and how long you want to stay in school.
If you want to learn about what you desire from life, you can take some assessments:
✶ 10 Core Values Quizzes to Identify What's Important to You | https://www.developgoodhabits.com/core-values-quiz/
✶ Find your reason for being: Ikigai | https://ikigaitest.com/
✶ Career Cheat Sheet | https://mcusercontent.com/369fa35ddf618ce16d456d326/files/f245c692-64f7-4728-a5ed-b58d472ccf17/Career_Change_Cheat_Sheet.pdf
✶ Stanford University - Guide to Choosing a Medical Specialty | https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/md/documents/resources/Roadmap-to-Choosing-a-Medical-Specialty-.pdf
Sending you the best and support as you consider medicine :)
Jason White
Channel Manager
34
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Good question. In economics we call this opportunity cost. That is the cost of choosing to do one thing over the various alternatives. There’s no good answer as to why people choose what they do other than that’s simply what they want to do. It’s really based on what you want out of life and what’s fulfilling to you. For some people like myself they want to start making money early in their careers as opposed to the many years down the road that some professions do. neither are bad options just simply based on what you want. And yes there are various professions that make a lot more money with far less school than some that require years of additional school. The people that often go that route feel they have a calling to that particular job or field of study.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Aiden,
If you truly, truly want something, you pretty much "suck it up" and jump through the hoops. It's good that you are having these thoughts now, rather than half-way through medical school!
So, the question then becomes, what do you want to do? Something in the medical field? There are good jobs operating all the high-tech diagnostic imaging equipment that don't require nearly as much schooling. Something in the skilled trades? Working on overhead power lines? Truck driver?
I want to say a word about something nobody talks about. Anything that requires physical activity of any kind - from the skill of a surgeon's hands, to Tree Trimmer, requires that your body cooperate with the plan. If things go right, at some age, sometimes around 40, your body starts "talking" to you. Working out, going to a chiropractor, those things only help so much. You reach a point where you start thinking it's time to do something else. If you are good at what you do, perhaps you can go into Training, or Management. But those positions will possibly require college. So, perhaps getting at least a 2-yr degree at this time might serve you well down the road.
There are community colleges with special programs for Health Care, and Skilled trades. I would recommend looking at what they have to offer, and evaluating how that would serve your needs.
If you truly, truly want something, you pretty much "suck it up" and jump through the hoops. It's good that you are having these thoughts now, rather than half-way through medical school!
So, the question then becomes, what do you want to do? Something in the medical field? There are good jobs operating all the high-tech diagnostic imaging equipment that don't require nearly as much schooling. Something in the skilled trades? Working on overhead power lines? Truck driver?
I want to say a word about something nobody talks about. Anything that requires physical activity of any kind - from the skill of a surgeon's hands, to Tree Trimmer, requires that your body cooperate with the plan. If things go right, at some age, sometimes around 40, your body starts "talking" to you. Working out, going to a chiropractor, those things only help so much. You reach a point where you start thinking it's time to do something else. If you are good at what you do, perhaps you can go into Training, or Management. But those positions will possibly require college. So, perhaps getting at least a 2-yr degree at this time might serve you well down the road.
There are community colleges with special programs for Health Care, and Skilled trades. I would recommend looking at what they have to offer, and evaluating how that would serve your needs.
Brianna C., MS, SLP
Speech language pathology
148
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hi, Aiden,
This is a great question. There is a misconception that college is absolutely necessary if you want a well paying job, and that is not the case. As you said there are jobs that require trade school, apprenticeships or just on-the-job training that have large salaries on average.
However, salaries aren't the only aspect of a job/career, and having a large salary may not be someone's largest priority. There are people who make six figures a year and are miserable because they hate the job that they spend the majority of their waking hours doing. There are also people who make six figures a year who enjoy their job and would do it even if it didn't pay as much.
So what KIND of work do you enjoy doing? If you enjoy working with your hands, fixing machines, and doing more physical labor, a job like HVAC, electrician, mechanic, or welder sounds great. If you want a more person-centric job, technical certifications like xray tech or sonograph tech may be more your speed.
If you want to work in healthcare, many of the jobs take such a long time to train because it's very specialized and important information. Administering anesthesia wrong can literally kill someone or leave them with lifelong problems. I WANT my anesthesiologist to be someone who committed to the scientific and medical training necessary to do that job well. If you are someone who enjoys learning more specialized, academic information, attending college or health care sounds like a great idea. However, of you aren't a fan of extended schooling, and you don't like health care work environments, that may not work for you.
Try shadowing professionals in multiple different jobs that you are interested in to see which work environment you can truly see yourself enjoying and working well in. It may be one of the trades, it may be something that requires college.
This is a great question. There is a misconception that college is absolutely necessary if you want a well paying job, and that is not the case. As you said there are jobs that require trade school, apprenticeships or just on-the-job training that have large salaries on average.
However, salaries aren't the only aspect of a job/career, and having a large salary may not be someone's largest priority. There are people who make six figures a year and are miserable because they hate the job that they spend the majority of their waking hours doing. There are also people who make six figures a year who enjoy their job and would do it even if it didn't pay as much.
So what KIND of work do you enjoy doing? If you enjoy working with your hands, fixing machines, and doing more physical labor, a job like HVAC, electrician, mechanic, or welder sounds great. If you want a more person-centric job, technical certifications like xray tech or sonograph tech may be more your speed.
If you want to work in healthcare, many of the jobs take such a long time to train because it's very specialized and important information. Administering anesthesia wrong can literally kill someone or leave them with lifelong problems. I WANT my anesthesiologist to be someone who committed to the scientific and medical training necessary to do that job well. If you are someone who enjoys learning more specialized, academic information, attending college or health care sounds like a great idea. However, of you aren't a fan of extended schooling, and you don't like health care work environments, that may not work for you.
Try shadowing professionals in multiple different jobs that you are interested in to see which work environment you can truly see yourself enjoying and working well in. It may be one of the trades, it may be something that requires college.