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Home Business an Opportunity for College & Non-College Graduates

by Mary Emma Allen on June 25th, 2007

I have to agree, for the most part, with Sean regarding his post,  Wise Up! Skip College.  Buy a Franchise!  A college degree isn’t the end-all as far as earning an income or developing a career.  However, you might want to develop a home business other than a franchise. 

When I first heard the idea, several years ago, that college might not be the best choice for making a good income, I was appalled.  I’d been brought up on the idea that the desirable aim of every young person (and many older ones) was getting a college degree and the more degrees the better.  So I went to teacher’s college. 

There is nothing wrong with getting a college degree, but it doesn’t guarantee you a good job and high income.  Often you’ll find when you graduate there are no jobs readily available in your field.  Also, you’re saddled with college loans.  However, some graduates do find good jobs, yet discover, in the long run, the security isn’t there that they thought would be.

As Sean detailed, many of the wealthy owners of prominent businesses, particularly those involving the Internet, do not have college degrees.  Those with college degrees often end up working for business owners who may not have graduated from high school.

Home businesses and franchises don’t automatically guarantee you a high income either.  However, a home business usually can be started while you’re going to school or working for someone else.  To succeed, you need to have a good work ethic and the willingness to learn more about your chosen field.  Often what you do may be an outgrowth from what you studied in school/college, so your education isn’t lost.

I was brought up on the idea that college was desirable.  So I attended teachers’ college and received a degree to teach grades K-6.  Due to various circumstances, I never taught school full time after graduating from college.  However, I’ve been involved in home business and jobs related to my knowledge attained there.

My major was elementary education and my minor in English and writing.  I’ve developed a career and home business realted to writing.  I’ve tied this into my education major by writing for children and creating writing programs I teach in schools, adult education, and online.  I’ve also done substitute teaching for more than 30 years.  In addition, I’ve had home businesses in areas other than writing and publishing that had nothing to do with my college education.

For some careers you do need specialized training which you can receive only at a 2- or 4-year college and beyond.  However, many students, of all ages, develop home business while attending college which they continue when they’re finished.  These businesses may be an outgrowth of what they’re studying or may be totally unrelated.  Then they have another option if they desire or can’t find a job in their field when they graduate.

These are some ideas to consider when you’re thinking about your future and options.

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POSTED IN: Advantages, Business Blogging

2 opinions for Home Business an Opportunity for College & Non-College Graduates

  • She Love Loves to Travel
    Jun 25, 2007 at 11:09 am

    I grew up thinking that a higher education was a necessity and my daughter followed that train of thought. She spent a lot of money going to college to become a landscape designer and the money just isn’t there. The benefits are pretty bad as well. She’s rethinking what she can do with that piece of paper right now!

  • Mary Emma
    Jun 28, 2007 at 5:59 pm

    That is a frustrating aspect of today’s world. It’s a “whole different ballgame” in many ways, and the old adage, “go to college and get a good job,” doesn’t necessarily work.

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