Millennial Who Quit Job for College Can’t Find Work as Employers Cut Degree Requirements – Declares Degree is ‘Worthless’

By: Georgia | Published: May 13, 2024

Dan Colflesh, at 34, left his job to chase the college dream, only to find himself jobless and calling his degrees ‘worthless’. 

He pursued a physics associate degree and a bachelor’s in political science, but three years post-graduation, the job offers aren’t rolling in.

A Tough Job Market

Despite his qualifications, Colflesh has hit a wall. “No one will hire me. My bachelor’s degree is pretty much worthless,” he lamented in an interview with Business Insider

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The quest for a better career seems to have left him with nothing but debt and disappointment.

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Overqualified and Overlooked

After applying to over 100 jobs without success, Colflesh’s frustration is palpable. 

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He reflects on the changing job market dynamics, noting, “Once you could have a bachelor’s degree in just about anything and get some kind of good-paying job.”

The Experience Paradox

“Now you have to have an insane amount of experience,” Colflesh stated, highlighting the shift in employer expectations.

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Even with a solid educational background, the lack of extensive experience is a major roadblock.

Desperate to Work

Amid common employer complaints about a lack of willing workers, Colflesh’s story stands out.

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“I keep hearing employers talk about no one wanting to work, and I desperately want to work,” he explained, emphasizing his eagerness to find employment.

The Challenge of Being Different

Colflesh also faces unique challenges due to being autistic.

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“I’m always going to seem off to most non-autistics,” he shared, pointing out how this affects his job prospects and networking opportunities.

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Navigating Social Hurdles

The social aspects of job hunting are particularly tough for Colflesh.

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“The general lack of acceptance of autistic people makes social networking challenging,” he noted, underlining another barrier in his quest for employment.

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Unwavering Determination

Despite the setbacks, Colflesh remains determined. “I’ll keep looking no matter how bleak it gets, because I have to,” he declared.

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His resilience shines as he continues to seek opportunities.

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The Evolving Job Landscape

Colflesh’s struggles come at a time when major companies like Walmart, Accenture, and IBM are dropping degree requirements.

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This industry shift asks: what’s the real value of a college degree today?

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Education's Diminishing Returns

Reflecting on his journey and the broader trends, Colflesh’s experience suggests a disconnect between educational achievements and job market realities.

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The value of a college degree is increasingly questioned.

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Broader Economic Trends

The unemployment rate for American men is relatively low historically, yet issues persist.

A red and white sign that reads 'NOW HIRING' on a green lawn

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With fewer men in the workforce now compared to decades ago, the employment landscape is undoubtedly shifting.

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What's Next for Millennials?

As millennials like Colflesh grapple with the challenges of a shifting job market, the value of higher education is under scrutiny.

Two Millennial men wearing business attire are shaking hands. On the table in front of them are documents

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With degrees becoming less of a guaranteed ticket to employment, what lies ahead for the next generation of job seekers? Will the trend of disregarding degrees continue, reshaping career paths forever?

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