Our parents always reminded us about the importance of having a high school diploma. Is it still important?
Forbes says that the college degree is the new high school diploma. If that is true, then what is a high school diploma worth?
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, he / 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 is less likely, but it is possible.
Decades ago, our parents’ advice was to graduate from high school and go to college if we want to guarantee a great career. In this 21st century, more students than ever are enrolling in college. How valuable is a college degree nowadays if Forbes and The Washington Post are equating it to a high school diploma?
I want you to look at some professions that only require a high school diploma to determine its worth.
Plumbers:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $38,690
Average annual salary: $61,550
Maximum annual salary: $103,140
Tile and Marble Setters:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $33,120
Average annual salary: $48,910
Maximum annual salary: $80,030
Fashion Designers:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $37,090
Average annual salary: $79,290
Maximum annual salary: $160,850
Telecommunications Line Installers / Repairers:
National Estimates
Minimum annual salary: $40,180
Average annual salary: $64,640
Maximum annual salary: $101,120
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 first book, Reaching The Finish Line: A Practical Guide to Discovering the Champion in You.