Education is the process by which knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits are acquired. It is the primary factor that encourages us to distinguish between right and wrong, because without it, we cannot perform necessary tasks or achieve our goals. On the other hand, formal education is a “classroom-based” education in which learning occurs on school grounds. It begins in kindergarten and elementary school and progresses through secondary school, high school, and college universities.
Parents thought us to be excellent in school because this serves as an excellent foundation for our future careers. The more certificates and diplomas we have, the more well-compensated jobs we can obtain. However, due to socioeconomic status, some people are unable to enroll in a formal school for a variety of reasons, including “poverty.” Children are compelled to work in order to support their families, and thus are unable to attend school.
Traditionally, formal education has aided us in acquiring knowledge of the sciences and arts. We receive specialized training to prepare us for our career jobs. Before we can practice our chosen profession, whether it is teaching, law, or medicine, we must complete certain educational requirements and obtain a license or certificate. However, a college education does not guarantee success. According to a survey conducted by the Do it website, 56% of college graduates remain unemployed and unsuccessful as a result of limited employment opportunities, and many careers do not pay well enough to justify the cost of a degree. Moreover, there are also individuals who do not possess a degree but successful in their careers. Some are entrepreneurs, and it is a clear indication that those without a four-year degree now, almost outnumber those with a bachelor’s degree or higher according to CNBC/Survey Monkey Small Business Survey, with the exception of those 65 and older.
As proof, entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, the late Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, are among the world’s wealthiest people without a formal education. All of them left school early. In the Philippines, Joe Magsaysay, the CEO of the famous Potato Corner, dropped out of school to bust tables, wash plates, and work at a fast food restaurant’s cash register. Within a few years, he rose to the position of manager, overseeing five stores. His friends asked him to manage Potato Corner, which he co-founded. They pooled their funds and launched the food cart business in 1992, offering franchises at every opportunity. Today, Potato Corner operates over 550 stalls throughout the Philippines and the world. These individuals are excellent examples of how you can succeed in life without a college degree.
The reality is that while a college degree is required for many careers, it is not required for all. Having said that, you can be successful without a college degree if your skills and abilities qualify you for employment. For example, start-ups in the technology sector may be more interested in your skillset and potential than in your degree. Additionally, you can start a business in an area where you excel, such as consulting, marketing, design, or freelance programming — all of which pay well without a degree.
While education is critical for some and has been accepted as a social obligation, it does not guarantee success with whatever you gain from spending so much time in educational institutions. Perseverance and diligence are required for success. It is entirely up to your own will and determination.
Tags: successful people without formal education, inspiring examples, self-taught, success stories, lifethinkler
