[curiousgeorgie]

I don't have a college degree and my job doesn't require one. However, coworkers around me mention their degrees and I feel so out of place for not having a degree. Is it political suicide for me to admit that I do not have a degree? Does anyone share about not having a degree and how has that impacted you in the work environment.

[Curlyben]

Experience counts MORE than any piece of paper any day.
Admit it and be proud.

I don't have a degree and yet I am IT manager for a multi-million dollar company, but I have buckets loads of experience.

[adam_89]

Hey! I never even graduated high school, and yet here I am making good money and I am sure that everybody I work with does have a high school education at least. This too where I work is a multi-million dollar company. I don't feel that ashamed, but privaliged I guess.

[curiousgeorgie]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Curlyben and adam_89.

[dontknownuthin]

I feel that it's best not to share anything personal at work that puts you in a negative or potentially negative light, or that you don't want broadcast or used to make a case for not promoting you, etc. Don't make the mistake of thinking colleagues are friends in the same way as non-colleague friends because you may one day supervise them, be supervised by them or compete with them for a promotion or retention of your job in the event of layoffs. Your manager now may not care you don't have a degree, but the person who takes that job next just might see it as a shortcoming... why draw attention to it? They are unlikely to ever look at your resume again unless you give them reason to do so.

If you feel having a degree would improve your prospects, go get one! There is no reason including money, time, age or anything else you can think of as an excuse that cannot be overcome with all the options out there today for college. I am back in school at middle age to change careers mid-stream. It's the best thing I've ever done for my self-esteem, social outlets and prospects for improved income in the future. I will be in my new career well beyond middle age but will still have a 20 plus year run in my new career. Better than another 20 years in the career I find boring and like "treading water" financially.

Take care!

[curiousgeorgie]

Thank you dontknownuthin for your perspective. I think I will go back to school as soon as my teenager graduates from HS this year.