Why I Won't Get a Degree: Finding My Own Path to Success

Not everyone's journey follows the traditional route, and that's perfectly okay. While many see college as the default next step after high school, I've come to realize it's not the right path for me. Here's why I've decided against pursuing a degree, and what I plan to do instead.

My Educational Background

It's not that I struggled academically. In fact, I performed well in school and certainly have the capability to succeed in higher education. I even gave post-secondary education a try at a TVET school studying mobile development. While the experience helped me build a valuable network of connections, it ultimately reinforced my feeling that traditional education isn't aligned with my goals.

The Financial Reality

Let's address the elephant in the room: college is expensive. Yes, loans are available, but starting at age 23 would mean graduating around 27 with significant debt and years of lost income. When I consider my long-term objectives, this financial burden doesn't make practical sense for the return it would offer me.

No Clear Passion for Academic Fields

I've done plenty of soul-searching, and I simply don't have a passion for the traditional fields that universities excel at teaching. Medicine, law, and similar professions don't resonate with me. At best, I might pursue an MBA or similar credential mainly for the status it confers—but that's not a compelling enough reason to invest years of my life.

I was once interested in computer science, but with the rapid advancement of AI, even that field doesn't captivate me as it once did. The landscape is changing too quickly, and formal education often struggles to keep pace.

What Degrees Actually Provide

In my view, a degree primarily functions as a tool to secure high-paying employment without feeling like an impostor. However, I don't see myself working for corporations long-term. My ambition isn't to climb the corporate ladder for decades—I want something different for my life beyond my 30s.

My Alternative Path Forward

Instead of pursuing a traditional degree, I'm focusing on building businesses and acquiring practical skills. When I need to learn something specific, I prefer:

• Paying for direct mentorship from experts

• Taking targeted courses that address specific knowledge gaps

• Learning through real-world application

This approach allows me to remain nimble, adapting to changes and opportunities as they arise, without the rigid structure of a four-year program.

My Vision: A Simpler Life

Ultimately, my goal is to live on a farm and create a peaceful, honest living. This vision doesn't require the credentials that universities provide. It requires practical knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and the ability to build something sustainable on my own terms.

Different Paths for Different People

I recognize that this path isn't for everyone. Many careers absolutely require formal education and credentials—doctors, engineers, and numerous other professions depend on the structured learning and certification that universities provide.

But that's the beauty of life in the modern world—we have choices. We can assess our own situations, goals, and preferences to chart the course that makes the most sense for us individually.

Conclusion

My decision not to pursue a degree isn't about rejecting education. It's about choosing the type of education that aligns with my specific goals and vision for the future. It's about acknowledging that success can take many forms, and the traditional path isn't the only valid one.

As I build my businesses and work toward my vision of a peaceful life on a farm, I'll continue learning every day—just not in a classroom. And I'm perfectly at peace with that choice.