My mom and I graduated from college in the same year. I was 23, and she was in her late 40s.
My mom put college on hold to raise me and my brother. In 2026, we both graduated, and I couldn't be prouder of what she accomplished.
The author and his mother, Tiffany Calloway, both earned their college degrees in May 2026. Despite their accomplishments, both struggled to find employment in their respective fields. This experience highlighted the limitations of a college degree in guaranteeing a better life. The author, who graduated from New York University with a degree in Film and Television, found that entry-level roles often demanded years of experience.
On the other hand, his mother, who earned her bachelor's degree in psychology after years of putting her life on hold, faced difficulty securing even entry-level jobs such as behavioral health or psychiatric technician roles, despite her extensive healthcare experience and degree. The financial benefits of a college degree were also questioned, as recent graduates with full-time jobs earned significantly less than those with a high school diploma.
Both the author and his mother were still uncertain about when their degrees would lead them to a better life.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
