How important is your education? If you had a million dollars, would it make a difference in your life? I know that a million dollars would make a difference in most people’s lives. According to a 2017 US Census Bureau report, that is about how much more money you can earn you in your lifetime with a college degree versus having only a high school diploma . That number is even greater if you did not finish high school.

Of course, some people make excuses and say that there are millionaires who have a high school diploma or less. Also, they will say that there are those with college degrees who are unemployed. These are exceptions to the rules. I say to those naysayers, go ahead and make excuses for your own failures and continue living in denial.

Reasons for Going to College

Although money is a major necessity in life, education is important for more reasons than just money. Everyone should have some formal education to have the ability to communicate with others. The ability to speak read and write are probably the most important abilities that we as individuals can have. Without the ability to read and write, you could be stuck in a job that you don’t like. You would be at the mercy of others who may or may not want to help you. Your ability to earn will be limited and you will be subjected to doing jobs that others will not accept. Those who think they are better than you are and have less than acceptable morals will take advantage of you.

It is not impossible to become successful without a high school diploma. However, there is a chance that without a diploma you will not be as successful as you would with one.
I know firsthand that without a high school diploma there will be many closed doors. For reasons beyond my control, I left school and went to work at an early age. I was embarrassed as an adult that I had to select that I only had a GED on a job application. Getting in front of a hiring manager to show them that you are well qualified and have great abilities is difficult enough without adding the obstacle of having no diploma.

You can complete your education

I chose to change that and have earned a college degree at the age of 45. You can too! It is never too late. You may be the smartest person in your circle of friends; however, very few hiring managers will talk to you if you do not have education beyond high school. As time and progress moves forward, it will not become easier to find a job without a college degree. In fact with the advances in technology having a college degree will become vital to your success.

The job market for young adults fresh out of high school is declining. The income that you can get without a college diploma is far below what it is for a college graduate. An eighteen-year-old fresh out of high school will not earn enough to take care of him or herself without assistance from others. On average, they will be living at or below the national poverty level. After knowing these facts, you be the judge, how important is your education to your future?