Normally I try to be upbeat here, but things have happened in the last few weeks that have made me even more thankful that I am earning a degree. Five friends (well, three friends and two acquaintances) have recently experienced some personal setbacks in their life. Only one of those women has a degree and a career to fall back on and rebuild their life. The other three women have no clue what they are going to do.
I understand that having a degree does not guarantee you a great job, especially in this economy. But it certainly opens more doors and gives you the opportunity to apply for better jobs. While all four of these ladies I am speaking of have been stay at home moms for some time, they have all worked in the past. Difference being, one was a teacher and has a career to go back to, while the others are probably looking at minimum wage positions as a starting point.
An education is so important for so many reasons. You never know what is going to happen in life or when you are going to be thrust into the position of single parent, bread winner, etc. A degree can also be the beginning of a much loved career, instead of just a job. And on average, a person with a bachelor’s degree will make more money than a person with a high school diploma. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule, but it has been proven time and time again that a degree equals better jobs and better pay.
I’ve realized from my own experiences and now watching my friends that you never know when life will throw you a curve ball. It is always better to be prepared. Having a degree is just one more way to be prepared for the unknown.