Disillusionment of higher education

i've been thinking about this topic lately. seems that when you are in high school everyone around you talks about college, and the pressure to attend higher education. so those who can, do.

but what "they" dont tell you is that sometimes having a college degree means absolutely nothing. at least thats my perspective as of late.

see, going to college is good in that if you know what you are aiming for (ex-doctor, lawyer, etc) you must have this education to obtain that goal. but what if you are not as determined in a career? what if you just don't know what you want to be "when you grow up"? should you still pursue higher education when some people are just as successful going straight into the workforce?

at times i feel thats the route i should have done. at times i feel guilty that my parents paid for college, and yet i've got nothing to show for it. i feel like i have wasted their money. sure, i have a BA in Psychology. but am i working in that field? nope. then recently i went back to school to learn about medical billing/coding. but am i in that field? nope-in fact, i'll be lucky to find a job in the medical field at all. everyone wants experience, but nobody is willing to hire you to get that experience. so once again i have wasted precious money and time and have nothing to show for it.

i know there are many others who feel the same way. higher education boasts that its the way to get what you want, or at least have an edge over others. i have to say i dont find that to be all true. in fact, at Techskills the instructor was surprised that i was there, since i already have a college degree. what people dont seem to realize is that it makes no difference if you have one or not. you can still end up on the cutting room floor with the resumes of those who did not attend higher education.

yes, i'm disillusioned. the "pie in the sky" of education has shown me a new reality. when and if i ever have children will i encourage them to go to college? i cant say for sure. i would encourage them to obtain their dreams, and if it means college than so be it. but if he/she wants to go straight into the workforce, i certainly wouldnt stop that either.

don't get me wrong, like i said, higher education can be beneficial for those who know what they want and how to get it. i have college friends who have done excellent by way of their degree and are in promising employment (teacher, lawyer, artist to name a few) and i'm very happy for them.

but do i think its for everybody? thats the qustion...