Have you ever felt embarrassed by your lack of a degree?

[X #911]

The worst part is when the subject comes up in a group setting when people are asking about where they went to school. Do you take the vague route and mention where you have attended school without pointing out that you didn't graduate? Or when directly asked about graduating do you lie? Is telling the truth about a monkey on your back worth looking like a loser? Will the degree, once earned, finally give you relief or will you still find something to be embarassed about? In other words, even though it's accredited, [insert non-traditional school here] wasn't good enough compared to [insert traditional school here].

I tend to avoid the conversation entirely. When asked directly, I tell the truth. When asked where I went to school I tell them where I attended school if only for a semester.

I know what you mean. Someone might ask me where I went to college, and I almost do not know what to think of their question. First thought is they will think I'm dumb for not having a degree. But tell them that I did not go to college (even though I have a few traditional credits on my transcript). Then they are shocked because of how knowledgable I am. And I just tell them I wing it. Sometimes I make myself feel "inferior" with my friends (that I did not go to high school with that did not know that I didn't go to college), my friends that became my friends later in life. [Note: I said I made myself feel inferior they don't. True friends would not do that to you. ] Anyway, making myself feel inferior around a few friends/people in general because they have degrees and I do not. A couple that is good friends of ours (hubbie & me that is) are both engineers. Told them at the restaurant that I was going back to school. Made myself feel like I was not good enough, because I don't even have an Associate's and BOTH of them have Bachlor's, maybe even a Master's degrees.

YES! My whole adult life, it has bothered me to not have a degree. I don't know why... My husband doesn't have a degree, nor does he want one and he is perfectly happy with that. He really is the most intelligent person I know. I tell him all the time that he could be one of those people who can get their BA in 4 weeks easily! But he doesn't really care about that. He is a self-made computer software consultant and doesn't see a degree getting him anywhere.

For me though, I made the mistake of going to a 2 year unaccredited art college and now it is usless Most of my working life (I get to be a SAHM now) I continued to have my lack of a degree hold me down. It really affected my self esteem. But I always had a problem with going to a B&M school. I just couldn't take being in the classes. That is why I liked TESC. My first online experience was great, but when I found CLEP I was hooked.

I now feel more confident with every test I take. Since I want to be a teacher and need a degree, I feel like I am finally (20 years later) on the right track.

Kim

I really enjoy reading all your posts. (Even the olders ones.) It helps me to have a little insight of some of your personalities, your goals, background of where you came from, and most importantly where you are headed.

The funny thing about this thread is yesterday I just had this conversation with my friend, who too does not have a degree. Her Uncle works for a company that he is higher up in the company, and is asked ALL the time "Where he went to college?" (Asked mostly by the younger employees with a four year degree.) He just replies something like "You would not know the college, it's a private one in a small town. In reality I know that he went to the local 2yr junior college. The other employees (I was told) are still trying to 'beat it out of him' (so to speak). He still won't share where he went to school. He is embrassed by the fact he did graduate from a BIG name four year University. [ok maybe embrassed is not the word more like, he feels that he will be judged or made fun of because he doe not have a four degree like they do.]

It does not matter wheather you graduated high school, 2yr, 4yr, etc.
Whats important is that you are moving forward in WHAT you desire. And it does not have apply only to education. Go through life with what you hold to be important and not what others do.

I asked my husband if he desires to clep any exams. He said that he was happy with his two little AAS degrees. I am proud of him for the education that he HAS on paper. But more proud of him for being my husband, Father of our child, and hard working firefighter.

For you Moms that are trying to further your eductional dreams that you desired, I know that you can do it!!!! (Some of your posts made me realize that I can do it too!)

I am pursing a degree in Accounting, so that I can have on paper what I already know in my head. Most of the last 15-20 years I have worked in the office field. I have been blessed to have employment with companies as office manager/payroll clerk/vice president right hand person/underwriter assistant/bookkeeper. [I won't mention all the "junky" jobs that I had to go through just to get that "one break" from a company that hired me for my "go get 'em" attitude and not the other gal/guy who had a degree. The junky jobs were tough, but you do what you have to to pay the mortgage & keep "food on the table"]

But the best "job" that I have EVER have had is being a Mom!!! [I say "job" but it is a true gift that I get to care for our child, and not have to go to the office. Not there is anything with that, just saying that we are fortunate to have have me be a stay-at-home parent.] When our child starts school I will return to the "corporate world", (knowing that it will have been a five year absense of employment-some employers do not like this regardless of the reason why) I decided I needed the 'edge' for getting hired. An a degree will give me that edge. Plus that fact I will feel better about knowing I finished a personal goal that I started twenty years earlier!

I thank you all (once again) for your knowledge that you share in this forum. I truly appreciate it. Helps me know that one day I will have that degree too! Wishing you well until I "see" you again. Apologize for the lengthy post.