Every time I encounter someone new, I’m often met with the same inquiry: “What do you do?” In the past, it was straightforward for me to respond that I am an engineer, as that was my field of study in college. My partner, however, has a more complicated answer. Lacking a college degree and a conventional job, he often hesitates when faced with the same question.
When he mentions that he has not attended college, some people react with a look of pity, as if to imply he’s less intelligent. But if I’m present, I quickly interject: “He’s a stay-at-home dad who excels at it! While many of us were busy studying and enjoying college life, he dedicated six years serving in the U.S. Navy and traveled the globe. Though he isn’t currently employed in a traditional role, he possesses nearly a decade of experience in electronics and is highly capable.”
It frustrates me that society has become so fixated on labels and titles that they overlook more personal, interesting questions like, “Where did you grow up?” or “What are your hobbies?” Defining oneself is not always straightforward, even for someone like me who holds a degree. While I studied engineering, it wasn’t my true passion, and I sought a career that would allow me to leverage my strengths. I eventually found a law firm willing to train me in patent assistance, leading to a career in a field that initially seemed unrelated to my studies.
This leads me to another point: having a degree does not confine me to a single area of expertise. I’ve always had a passion for writing, but I felt compelled to pursue engineering due to my aptitude in math and science. If I hadn’t gone to college, I would have undoubtedly found another path. Society often propagates the notion that individuals without degrees lack value, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I know many mothers with degrees who are not in traditional office roles. They might have studied finance, education, or nursing, but have chosen to stay home to raise their children—a role that no textbook or final exam can prepare you for. This raises questions about the actual worth of college degrees. They may provide valuable skills, but they do not define our capabilities or our contributions to society.
For example, my engineering degree honed my research and problem-solving skills, which are applicable in various contexts. Whether I’m analyzing a building’s structure or addressing rejections from the patent office, I approach both situations with the same set of skills. Similarly, a finance degree could mean you’re managing household finances, while a nursing background equips you to make critical health decisions for your child.
On the other hand, there are successful entrepreneurs who never completed college and millionaires who dropped out. It’s about how we utilize what we learn, and I refuse to be defined by a single piece of paper. I am more than my profession—I am a mother, a spouse, a writer, a technical advisor, and so much more.
Don’t feel disheartened if your job doesn’t align with your degree or if you’ve opted to stay home. You are still applying your skills in meaningful ways. A college degree, while often costly and significant, does not encapsulate your identity. It merely indicates that you pursued a specific path and completed it. It holds value, yet it is not the entirety of who you are. Perhaps one day society will recognize the diverse talents and intellect of individuals, regardless of their educational background.
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In summary, while a college degree can provide valuable skills, it should not be the sole measure of a person’s worth or capabilities. Each individual’s journey is unique, and the contributions we make in our lives extend far beyond academic titles.