The high school diploma. Our parents always reminded us about the importance of having one. Is it still important?
Forbes says that the college degree is the new high school diploma. If that is true, then what is the worth of a high school diploma?
It is a hard question to answer objectively. The truth is that worth is subjective.
In a business to customer (B2C) relationship, worth is determined by the customer. If a business owner was selling a pair of sneakers for $200, the amount of purchases of that product will determine if it is truly worth that price.
In a work relationship between the employer and employee, worth is determined by both parties. If the employer does not like the employee’s performance, he is going to terminate the employee. If the employee does not like the working conditions, she is going to quit working for that employer.
Worth can be hard to quantify in numbers.
The truth is that no level of education is going to guarantee your success. It is your job to be the guarantor by not giving up.
Can a high school graduate make more money than a baccalaureate graduate? Yes.
Does a high school graduate have the same earning potential of a baccalaureate graduate? It depends on the industry.
Twenty years ago, our parents’ advice was to go to college because graduating with a degree guarantees us a great career. Here we are now in the 21st century with more students than ever enrolling in college.
How valuable is a college degree nowadays if Forbes and The Washington Post are equating it to a high school diploma?
So, let’s take a look at some professions that do not require a college degree.
Plumbers:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $29,020
Average annual salary: $52,950
Maximum annual salary: $84,440
Locksmiths:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $22,060
Average annual salary: $39,160
Maximum annual salary: $59,110
Tile and Marble Setters:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $21,450
Average annual salary: $41,820
Maximum annual salary: $70,970
Fashion designers:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $34,110
Average annual salary: $72,620
Maximum annual salary: $126,290
Telecommunications installers / repairers:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $30,840
Average annual salary: $53,710
Maximum annual salary: $75,040
If you only have a high school diploma, your potential is not limited. Limits only exist in the mind. You can break those limits by setting the intention and start reaching your finish line.
This is an excerpt of my book, Reaching The Finish Line.
Working at home takes a level of discipline beyond that of the workplace employee.