"Over the last 40 or 50 years, we've portrayed work differently and reward some forms of education far more passionately than others."

~ Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs ~

Do you think that’s true?

According to a September 2014 article in USA Today, a whopping 2.5 million new, middle-skilled jobs will be created by 2017. That’s nearly 40 percent of the total job growth expected in the U.S. economy in the next few years. And guess what?! They are all expected to pay at least $13 an hour (and many much more than that) while requiring far less schooling than a bachelor’s degree. In many cases, that high school diploma is enough for a ticket to a good job.

This topic was weighing heavily on my mind after a recent discussion with a new acquaintance who barely has a high school diploma. He’s a lovely man who loves to read, has a passion for the English language, and is always continuing to learn on his own. Sadly, not all those around him are as thrilled by his lack of a formal education. I was baffled as he’s management level and well-spoken. He worked his way up... why does a lack of a degree matter now?

Education does not equal success. I have plenty of college-educated friends working retail. On the flip side, there are people like my father-in-law who owns a very successful business, and barely managed to graduate from high school.

Did you read Lisa Lavender’s column in our Aug. 7 eNewsletter? Yep… another amazing success story in this industry, sans college education.

Success does not happen based on someone’s degree or education, it happens through a person’s passion, drive, and desire to learn… in a classroom or in the field.

Sure, a college education definitely helps! Sure, there are some jobs that require a college education! I just don't believe a degree is a magic, golden ticket to success. I'll leave that to Willy Wonka.