My College Degrees Were Worth It, Even Though I'm Not Using Them | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

My College Degrees Were Worth It, Even Though I'm Not Using Them

You may find yourself down a path that you didn't plan on when you started college, and that's totally fine!

11
My College Degrees Were Worth It, Even Though I'm Not Using Them
Pixabay

One day while I was cleaning spit-up off the floor while simultaneously fixing one of my son’s broken toy trucks and holding the baby, I thought to myself, how did I end up here?! I was a career-driven teacher who worked hard to get my Bachelors in Education and Masters in Literacy, while planning a wedding and buying a house by age 24. Although I always wanted a big family and my husband and I had been together since high school, I had a deep passion for teaching and I was very devoted to my career. I never really thought about not working.

When my son was born almost 2 years ago I had a difficult decision to make. I tried returning to work part-time, but my son had a few health concerns and I found myself dreading work each day. I decided to take a leave from my position as a Reading Teacher to stay home with my baby. A few months after that, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter! Whether or not I was going to return to work the next year was a no-brainer for my husband and I. My paycheck would have gone directly toward paying for childcare, and although giving up my career for the time being was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, I have no regrets today.

When I think about my future and when I'll go back to work, I honestly don't know what the plan will be. People have asked me if I think my education was a waste, or if I regret getting my Masters and certifications because of all the student loans I have. The truth is, no I don’t.

I’m grateful for my education and degrees, even though I’m not using them at the moment.

In today’s ever-changing world, most of my friends are working in an industry that they don’t have a degree in. Three out of the five years I was in college, I was taking classes that had nothing to do with education; and this wasn’t a mistake. College is more than just a gateway to a career. The experiences that I had in most of my college classes have taught me life lessons that I will never forget. They’ve made me a better reader, writer, and speaker, and have given me confidence, life-long friends, and real-world knowledge that I use today, even though I’m not working.

You may hear people say that a college degree isn’t necessary, and that may be true for some people, but I would strongly recommend it. I even think about continuing on to get my PhD some days, despite the crazy looks I get when I tell people! When you graduate from high school and think about your future, you see endless possibilities ahead of you. College not only gives you a safe place to “find yourself,” but it also gives you exposure to some of the best classes you will ever take. All of the things that we do shape us into who we become, and I owe a lot of the person that I am to the things that I learned in my college classes.

So, if you decide to pursue a career in an unrelated field to your degree, or if you find yourself on a path that you didn’t plan on, don’t let other people influence you and don’t worry about “wasting” your degree. Do what makes you

happy and what fulfills you, and if that means staying home and wiping baby butts for a few years to better yourself and your family, then by all means, own it.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15002
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6502
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4804
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4231
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments