I will never earn a college degree. No regrets. I returned to college at least 4 times. I tried and tried. I am a high performer when I'm motivated. But I have

I will never earn a college degree. No regrets. I returned to college at least 4 times. I tried and tried. I am a high performer when I'm motivated. But I have trouble sustaining momentum. Entering college for the last time 5 years ago, my goals were: brush up on latest technology, earn CompTIA certifications. Mission accomplished. Pell Grant well-spent. My parents are the types who don't understand non-traditional education. My father scoffs at anything that isn't accredited. But we're living in the future now. Education has been disrupted by technology and disrupted by culture. I had straight As in grade school and a bright future. Unfortunately, my childhood wasn't as loving as I had always thought it was. I suffer from C-PTSD. I was homeless, penniless, jobless, all at once. I lost everything I owned. I've bounced back from all that, but I still visit the hospital too often. I've worked at a steady job in the education industry for 3 years now. That's a new record for my tenure at anything. They don't require a degree. They don't even require the relevant certifications I've owned -- they make no difference in my paycheck, and they won't pay for me to earn or renew them. But we love each other, I've found a great team, I am in my niche. I'm here to stay. No degree necessary.