In today’s society, it’s a common perception that a university degree is the ultimate benchmark for success. We often measure a person’s worth based on their educational background, and it’s not uncommon for people to judge others who haven’t pursued higher education.
I know this post veers away from my usual personal finance-related content. And if I’m honest, I don’t really know what I am expecting to get out of this post, nor do I know what the response to this post will be.
But I just had a longing urge to get it out of my system, a rant even, maybe.
So I guess this post aims to challenge the norm and explore alternative paths to success. I want to discuss why it’s important to recognize the value of non-academic achievements, and share stories of people who have found alternative paths to success outside the conventional educational framework.
So let’s begin by understanding the societal pressures that perpetuate the belief that a university degree is the only measure of success.
The Pressure to Pursue Higher Education
From a young age, many of us are taught that education is the key to a successful life. Parents, teachers, and even our peers often reinforce this belief, encouraging us to study hard, get good grades, and attend a prestigious university.
As a result, we can become conditioned to think that those who don’t follow this path are somehow less successful or less capable than their degree-holding counterparts.
But what happens when someone chooses not to pursue higher education?
They may find themselves subjected to condescending questions and judgmental attitudes from others.
In fact, the key reason I felt the need to write this post is because, recently, I was at a house-gathering/party hosted by a friend of mine, and as I was there I overheard introductions occurring between two attendees who had not met before.
In this particular conversation, one of the attendees was asked by the other, “So, what do you do?”. To which the conversation veered toward the (paraphrased) dialogue:
Respondent: “I work part-time at a bakery.”
Inquirer: “Oh, really? So are you studying on the side then?”
Respondent: “No, I’m not pursuing a uni degree and I don’t plan to either.”
Person A: “Oh, I see. Well, I only ask because a university degree is really important these days. I feel like it’s hard to get anywhere in life without one.”
Respondent: “I don’t necessarily agree. I think you can establish a successful by taking all kinds of pathways, not just academic achievements.”
Inquirer: “But don’t you want to have a stable career and make a decent living?”
Respondent: “Of course, but I believe I can achieve that without a university degree. Plus, I enjoy my job and that’s what I’m really passionate about.
Inquirer: “Well, I guess everyone has their own priorities. But don’t you feel it’s important to have a solid education if you want to be successful?”
At this point, my eavesdropping was interrupted by another conversation, but what I heard was enough to get me thinking about this topic.
First of all, I was shocked by this interaction and found it incredibly disrespectful.
Of course, this is quite a direct opinion held by the inquirer, and I’m sure most of us would not be this direct, even if we did share the same views.
But I guess my takeaway from this encounter was that society has done a great job (or horrible job, depending on how you look at it) at conditioning us to define the metric of what success looks like.
Because just like in that conversation that went down, when someone reveals that they work in a non-university qualified role, like retail for example, the immediate assumption may be that they must be attending university or working towards a degree.
But the part that really doesn’t sit well with me, though, is when they do reveal that they aren’t pursuing higher education, they might be met with surprise, disappointment, or even pity.
I think it’s essential to recognize that this kind of judgment is unfair, unfounded, and frankly hurtful.
A university degree is not the sole measure of a person’s worth or potential.
There are countless examples of individuals who have achieved great success without following the traditional educational path.
And let me make it abundantly clear – I absolutely am by no means trying to diminish the benefits of obtaining a university degree. I slaved away for over 6 years working to obtain my aerospace engineering degree. So I know firsthand that pursuing higher education requires significant effort, dedication, and sacrifice, and those who have earned a degree should be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments, I want all that too!
But it doesn’t mean we should, or be entitled to, judge others who have not traversed the same path as us.
The Value of Non-Academic alternative paths to success
Expanding the Definition of Success
To challenge the status quo and redefine success, we must first expand our understanding of what it means to be successful. Success is a personal and subjective concept, and it should not be limited to academic or professional achievements alone. Instead, we should celebrate and acknowledge the diverse range of skills, experiences, and accomplishments that contribute to a person’s growth and development.
Consider the talented artisans, entrepreneurs, and tradespeople who excel in their respective fields without holding a university degree. Their expertise, passion, and dedication are just as valuable as the knowledge and skills of a degree holder.
I work in a highly technical industry focused on the design and launch of rockets, with the objective of launching them into space. Inherently, this industry necessitates the skillsets that are developed from technical higher education degrees.
But you know what else it also necessitates? The skillsets developed from trades, logistics, procurement, and everyday administrative roles, amongst countless other non-higher education-related roles.
Without these diverse skillsets, applying the skillsets I learned from my own university degree would be met with guaranteed failure.
What I’m trying to say is, it’s important to recognize the hard work and determination of these individuals, rather than dismiss their achievements simply because they didn’t attend university.
Additionally, we should also value the personal growth and development that can result from overcoming adversity, exploring new interests, or engaging in community service. These experiences can be just as transformative and meaningful as academic success, helping to shape a person’s character, resilience, and sense of purpose.
Success Stories Without a Degree
There are countless examples of individuals who have found success and happiness without a university degree. These people have pursued their passions, honed their skills, and defied societal expectations to make a difference in the world. Here are just a few examples:
Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, dropped out of high school at 16. Despite his lack of formal education, Branson went on to build a business empire that includes ventures in the music, airline, space and telecommunications industries.
Coco Chanel, a pioneer in the world of fashion, never attended university. She started her career as a seamstress and eventually founded one of the most iconic fashion houses in history.
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., dropped out of college after just six months. His vision and passion for technology led him to create some of the most innovative and influential products in the tech industry.
These stories demonstrate that success can be achieved through various paths and that a university degree is not the only measure of a person’s worth or potential.
Encouraging a Shift in Perspective
Promoting a More Inclusive View of Success
To create a more inclusive and compassionate society that promotes alternative paths to success, we must actively challenge the belief that a university degree is the only path to success.
Celebrate different accomplishments: Recognize and appreciate the achievements of individuals in various fields, regardless of their educational background. This can help break down the stigma associated with non-academic accomplishments and foster a greater appreciation for diverse talents and skills.
Encourage personal growth and development: Support the pursuit of personal interests and passions, regardless of whether they align with traditional academic or career paths. This can help individuals develop a strong sense of self and discover their unique strengths and abilities.
Challenge societal norms: Engage in open and honest conversations about the limitations of defining success solely by academic achievements. Encourage others to question and challenge conventional wisdom, and consider alternative perspectives on success.
Advocate for equal opportunities: Work towards creating a more equitable society where everyone has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background or education. This includes promoting access to quality education, vocational training, and other resources that support diverse paths to success.
Conclusion
The belief that a university degree is the ultimate measure of success can be limiting and harmful. It’s essential to recognize and celebrate the diverse range of accomplishments that contribute to a person’s growth and development, rather than fixating on academic achievements alone.
By challenging the status quo and embracing a more inclusive view of success, we can create a society that values and supports the unique talents, skills, and experiences of all individuals, regardless of their educational background.
In the end, it’s important to remember that success is subjective and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving it. Whether you hold a university degree or have followed alternative paths to success, what truly matters is your dedication, passion, and determination to make a difference in the world.
