Why Not Go to College - Essay Example

For example, multi-billionaire Richard Branson became successful because he knew he wanted to do something with music. He opened a small company that sold mail-order albums and was able to save enough capital to open up his first record store. From his savings, he was able to build his record label with new artists and soon his wealth started increasing (Lorenz, 2006). People who are motivated and dedicated can teach themselves whatever it is that they need to know to follow the profession they have selected. If this is not possible, then there are also the possibilities of internships or apprenticeships, where individuals are taught the skills they need to perform the job they are trying to get without having to pay with their own money to learn (Forbes staff, 2006).

Then there is the question of money. It has been said many times that one can make more money if he has a college education, but this argument is questioned by several studies. Challenging the idea that non-college-educated individuals can earn close to or the same as college-educated individuals, Michael Robertson (2008) admitted there may be some truth to the statement after examining the results of a 45-year survey. However, Forbes staff (2006) indicates that those who choose not to attend college can gain 4-5 years of work experience while their peers are in class. Thus, they do not acquire the huge college loan debt that often worries college graduates. Furthermore, if they invest their college money rather than spend it on education, they may also end up making money from the investment.

In addition, there are several examples of very wealthy people who have managed to make their fortunes at young ages because they were not wasting their energies in the classroom and were out there waiting to take advantage of opportunities that came. These include Barry Diller, who started in the mail room of the William Morris Agency and became president of Paramount Pictures by age 32; Matt Drudge who has made a name for himself in the blogosphere; and Rachael Ray who started at the Macy’s candy department and became an Emmy-winning television personality (Lorenz, 2006).

People are not limited to going to college to become successful. They can teach themselves the things they need to know or find other means of gaining the real-world experience they need to accomplish their jobs. Because someone says college-educated people make more money than non-college-educated people does not mean that it is always true. By avoiding school expenses related-debt, the opportunity to invest the money and the additional experience on the job, or pursuing another income opportunity, non-college-educated people may make far more than the college-educated as proven by true-to-life stories. Finally, hard work and a willingness to find opportunity are what determine success, rather than a piece of paper with a degree.