You don’t have to have a college degree (aka a piece of paper with your name on it) to secure a well-paying, personally fulfilling career.
Sure, if you want to be a lawyer, doctor, engineer or an accountant, you’ve generally got to hit the books. But these professionals aren’t the only ones living great work lives. If school isn’t for you — right now, or ever — consider one of these routes:
Media and Communication Equipment Workers
If you love the idea of working in the film industry, this could be the job for you. Media and communication equipment workers are currently highly in-demand in the movie and film industries. The average annual pay is just under $80K, and you typically only need a high school diploma to take on this job, which involves installing, maintaining and repairing audio and visual equipment. You will probably have to do on-the-job training and you might find that getting a certificate in a related field will increase your chances of getting hired, but a 4-year degree is not a prerequisite.
Direct Sales and/or Website Developers
As you look for work, you will probably notice that some no-college-required careers overlap a bit. A great example of this is direct sales and website developing. If you are an extroverted person who is highly organized and motivated to succeed, and/or if you are a whiz at creating websites, you can turn these skills into a successful career. For instance, you could get into direct sales and work for a company like Amway selling their products directly to others—your drive and personality will be vital aspects in this new endeavor. Then, as a bonus, if you are also a computer-type who can whip up a website, you can do your direct selling in person and online. To learn more about how Amway works and what makes it ideal for self-starters, visit the company’s YouTube channel.
Boilermakers
For those who have a mechanical bent to their vocational interests, being a boilermaker can be a lucrative career choice. The median salary is just over $56,000 a year, and most people typically learn on the job as an apprentice, not by attending college. Boilermakers will assemble, install and repair boilers and other containers. It is also currently in high demand, with even more job growth projected for the near future. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is a good place to start to find resources and a network of others in the industry.
You Can Succeed in Business, Without a College Degree
Even if you plan on going to college someday, you don’t have to get that expensive diploma in order to start working at a really good job. By looking into any of these well-paying careers or finding other ideas on your own, you can easily and immediately launch a terrific job that brings in a great and regular paycheck.