I would say that a degree is not necissary but doesn't ever hurt. Some trade jobs do not matter if you have a degree or not. I will be finishing my general 2 year degree at the end of this semester. I am VERY happy I am going to college. I have learned a lot or knowledge in just the two years. In HS, I was the kid who didn't really give a shit. I hardly squeaked out a B average to get on the Honor Role. I will be graduating with High Honors this year (3.5+ GPA). For the first time in my life, I achieved strait A's last semester taking 17 credits and working on average 35 hours per week.
In college, I started taking classes I cared about and studied my ass off. I have learned a lot about business, accounting, economics, and other classes I had no interest in before. I am very interested in them now. I was never a reader and dreaded a reading assignment in class all through my life. I have now read a few books due to general interest (The Millionaire Next Door and Rich Dad Poor Dad to name a couple).
Just the two years I have taken in general college courses at Normandale has changed my whole career path. I planned on being an accountant and making a decent amount of money sitting behind a desk all day. I was a very quiet person who seemed to go with the flow. You all know that has changed quite a bit
I now am dead set on owning my own business. I love meeting new people and gaining a greater understanding of the world. I am most likely going to quit my job soon at ACE when my back heals to get a sales job so I can improve my selling and persuasion skills. I will probly get an internship in the summer and possibly start up a very small business. I am only looking to start a company with a very low overhead. Right now, I am contemplating desicions for next year. I may apply to transfer to the Carlson School of Management. Very good school and very expensive (would put me in great debt. I have paid my way so far but no way I could keep up.)
I have to decide weather I have solid grounds to open my own business or go to college. College is going to put me way into the hole but in will better my chances in becoming a better euntreprenuer. If I did not go to school and complete my MBA, I could have made a lot of money.
Most people come out of college in great debt (obviously) and a person who jumps strait into the workforce can start building a net worth. I have to decide.
The decision of college is an important one that should not be taken lightly by anyone. We are in a changing world. Our partents did not need an education when they grew up. My mom for example has worked at her job for 35 years now :O . We are in a time where the average american will change their career 5-6 times before they retire. A college degree is required for most any postion now. Although it has benifited me greatly, I will admit it is not for everyone.