College Graduates: Here's Why You Should Stop Feeling Guilty That You're Not Using Your College Degree Opinion Career

I used to have this horrible guilty feeling eat away at me. $50,000. That's what I spent on my Master of Education degree. $50 freakin' K! And I wasn't even using it.

I remember the day my husband and I made our last student loan payment. Rather than feeling excited, I felt overwhelming guilt. I felt guilty because I never really used the degree in the way I thought I would. Circumstances led me down a different path.

But then you know what I realized?

• I didn't use it in the traditional sense to teach, but that doesn't mean I haven't applied what I learned in other ways and situations.

• I'm not defined by a piece of paper or the money I spent. I'm defined by the priceless experiences I had while earning that degree and the topsy-turvy road that got me where I am right now.

And I'm proud of that. Because as other people continue to remain stuck and feel defeated before work even starts for the day, I FEEL FIRED UP!

I have learned that nothing compares to feeling fulfilled in your career. Because when you do, pure joy surrounds you in every aspect of your life.

So, don't let a piece of paper you received five or 25 years ago dictate how you feel when you go to work today.

Figure out what gets you excited, motivated, inspired. Be willing to be a little uncomfortable. AND THEN GO FOR IT! I promise you will have zero regrets.

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