[jhspaybar]

I consider myself smart and motivated, I was in sales for about 8 years by choice rather than going to college. I was good at it, but 2 years of college(a double major), and a few years in industry and I'm now making 5x what I did. It's an anecdote sure, but I haven't changed at all, my degree simply qualified me for a different industry.

[TDL]

"2 years of college..."

This bit right here might need some clarification. I believe the current U.S. average time in college is more than 4 years. I'm guessing you were motivated to get your degree as quickly as possible. I don't believe young adults in developed nations have the same motivation. 8 years in the real world will disabuse anyone of a desire to spend more time then necessary in school.

[jschwartzi]

Or they got an associate's degree, which is a 2-year degree which typically requires some lower-division coursework.

[totalrobe]

5x? If you hustled, sales in many industries should have gotten you to six figures in 8 years.