Re:Your options (Score 2, Insightful)

Violet is absolutely right. I dropped out of college, did some time in the military and got a job at a fairly large ISP. I knew one person in the company and he was able to get me a job in the NOC as a 'network analyst'. I busted my butt for two LONG years making $20,000 less than others who were incompetent and lazy but who had a college degree. That time paid off because people realized that I was the person to come to when something really needed to get done. Finally, largely because of a good reputation and lots of hobnobbing, I have been promoted, paroled from the NOC, and now they call me a 'Network Engineer' (that one word makes a big difference.)
I realize the precarious position I am in and don't plan on leaving this company anytime soon. But recent layoff scares have me rethinking my situation. A degree (as meaningless as we all know it is) definitely equals job security. I plan on going to night school asap to get my little piece of paper to hang on the wall.