As a millennial, I grew up with a clear roadmap to success: go to college, get a degree, and build a career. It was drilled into us that education was the great equalizer—a surefire way to rise above challenges, land a good job, and secure financial stability. But as I’ve entered the workforce and navigated adulthood, I’ve had to confront a reality that often feels at odds with what I was taught.
It’s no secret that, today, many people who skipped the traditional college route are thriving in ways that, at times, leave me questioning the value of the time, energy, and resources I poured into formal education. Seeing people less formally educated move ahead and make more money, especially when I’ve invested so much in my degree, can be frustrating. But this shift in how success is measured isn’t just an anomaly—it’s a reflection of a rapidly changing world.
The Changing Face of Success
In the past, a college degree was the golden ticket. It opened doors to higher-paying jobs, more prestigious positions, and a level of respect that was hard to attain otherwise. However, as the job market has evolved, the skills that drive success have evolved too. Now, entrepreneurship, technology, adaptability, and hands-on skills can hold more weight than diplomas.
Take the tech industry, for example. Many of the most successful innovators didn’t finish college, and yet they lead multimillion-dollar companies. The reason? They honed practical skills, developed innovative ideas, and seized opportunities. In many industries, the ability to think creatively, solve problems quickly, and deliver results has eclipsed the need for formal education.
The Emotional Impact of a Shifting Landscape
It’s only natural to feel some disappointment or frustration. I know I’ve asked myself, Why did I spend years studying, writing papers, and paying off student loans, only to feel left behind by those who took a different path? But here’s what I’ve come to realize: formal education is just one tool in a vast toolbox of life, and while it may not be the fastest route to wealth, it can still be a deeply fulfilling one.
The frustration comes from comparing myself to others, and when I do that, I lose sight of my own accomplishments. Sure, someone else may have built a successful startup, but that doesn’t devalue the personal growth and knowledge I gained through my education. We all define success differently, and for me, the value of my education goes beyond earning potential—it has shaped how I think, how I approach the world, and the kind of impact I want to have.
Redefining Success for Ourselves
The idea that success is only measured in financial terms is a trap. As millennials, we’re living in an age where careers can be flexible, where new industries pop up overnight, and where the traditional career ladder no longer applies to many of us. So maybe it’s time to redefine what success looks like in the millennial age.
Success doesn’t always have to mean wealth or prestige—it can mean finding meaningful work, achieving personal goals, or building a life that reflects our values. For me, success also means helping others through my work and creating an impact that extends beyond my bank account.
Learning from Others’ Paths
Rather than feeling frustrated by the success of others, I’ve started to see it as a chance to learn. How did they achieve that level of success? What risks did they take that I can emulate? Are there skills or strategies they’ve adopted that I can incorporate into my own life?
The key is not to discount the value of education but to realize that, today, education isn’t confined to the classroom. Learning is ongoing, and whether it’s through formal study or hands-on experience, every opportunity to gain knowledge is valuable. We just have to be open to learning in new ways.
Embracing Adaptability
At the heart of it all is adaptability. The world is shifting quickly, and the ability to evolve, embrace new skills, and think creatively is crucial. While I value my formal education, I also see the importance of staying flexible and curious. The more I can adapt to this changing world, the more opportunities I’ll find to succeed on my own terms.
The takeaway? Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. And while it might be hard to adjust to a world where less educated individuals sometimes thrive beyond what we’ve imagined for ourselves, it’s essential to remember that our paths are unique. The journey may look different for each of us, but that doesn’t make it any less valid or valuable.
Moving Forward
As I continue to navigate my career and personal life, I try to remind myself of this: success is deeply personal. I might not take the same path as others, and I may never be the wealthiest person in the room, but that doesn’t make me any less successful. My education, experiences, and values shape my definition of success—and that’s more than enough.
What I’ve learned is this: embrace your journey, remain adaptable, and let go of comparisons. The world may change around us, but we get to define what success looks like in our own lives.
This post is a reflection on the frustration and realization many millennials face when education doesn’t seem to guarantee the success we were promised. It’s a call to redefine success on our own terms, embrace adaptability, and take control of our narrative in a world that values skills over degrees.
Author Info:
Max E. Guttman
Max E. Guttman is the owner of Mindful Living LCSW, PLLC, a private mental health practice in Yonkers, New York.
