Your Degree Is Not Worthless—It’s a License to Problem-Solve Your Way to Success
- Martin Jarvis
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
There’s a loud narrative out there that certain college degrees are “worthless.” People throw around judgments like that about sociology, psychology, philosophy—even business degrees. But I believe that’s simply not true. And I want to speak to anyone who’s ever doubted the value of their education, or felt like their degree was a mistake. Because I believe it’s time to see it differently.
Years ago, my father shared something with me that stuck. He told me the real value of earning a degree wasn’t just about impressing an employer—it was about proving you could stay committed to something difficult for four, five, or even more years. It showed consistency, discipline, and resilience. And while that still holds value, I want to take it one step further: your degree is proof that you know how to solve problems.
Think about it—just getting through college means you’ve already mastered the art of overcoming. You learned how to get assignments in on time. You figured out how to manage stress, stay motivated, meet deadlines, and stay above a GPA minimum, even when life was coming at you from all sides. That’s not just academic work—that’s real-world training. That’s problem-solving. And that skill set? That’s priceless.
People get hung up on trying to find a job that matches their major. But that’s a limited way of thinking. Your degree isn’t a lock—it’s a key. It opens up the ability to look at your life, spot opportunities, and figure out how to make them work.
Let me tell you what I mean. I’ve been a mailman for over 30 years. But in my 50s, I went back to school—at night—earned my associate degree, then my bachelor’s, then my MBA. That journey didn’t land me a fancy office job. But it rewired how I think. It gave me tools. It gave me confidence. And most of all—it gave me the mindset of a builder.
I realized I needed more income. So I solved the problem. I invested in a rental property. Paid $26,000 for it. Put in some work. Today? I’ve earned nearly $100,000 from that investment—and it’s now worth $185,000. That’s not because I had a job in real estate. It’s because I had the ability to see a problem (income), recognize a solution (property), and act on it. That’s what my degree gave me. The skill to see possibilities.
The same thing happened with my wife. I spotted a business opportunity I couldn’t run myself—but I knew it had potential. I placed it in her hands. She took it and turned it into something incredible. Again, it was problem-solving in motion.
Now, I’m almost 67. I’ve got over 30 years with the Postal Service. People keep asking me when I’ll retire. But they don’t realize—I am the investment. I’m earning great money, maxing out my 401(k), building my retirement, and stacking Social Security credits. Why would I walk away from that before I’m ready? I stay healthy, I stay sharp, and I stay focused. That’s a business move. That’s not luck—it’s strategic living.
So here’s what I want to say to you: don’t let anyone talk you out of the value of your degree. If you earned it, you already have what it takes. It doesn’t matter if it’s not in high demand. You’ve proven you can learn, adapt, and overcome. Now take that mindset and apply it to real life.
Got a financial goal? A dream? A business idea? Treat it like a final exam. Map it out. Solve the problem. Use what you’ve learned to make your life work.
It’s not about the subject on the diploma. It’s about the muscle you built earning it. And if you’ve got that muscle? You can do anything.
So go ahead. Look around. Spot the opportunity. Trust yourself. You’re already more capable than you realize.
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