Useless College Degree Career Paths: 30 Viral Success Stories Defying Public Opinion in 2026

Is your expensive degree just a "useless" piece of paper? For many, the answer is a resounding no. A recent viral Reddit thread has sparked a massive global conversation in 2026, featuring over 30 people who turned supposedly unmarketable majors into high-impact careers.

Useless College Degree Career Paths: Transforming Theory into Practice

According to the thread, graduates who were once mocked for studying "basket weaving" in New Zealand are now master artists for global blockbusters like 'Lord of the Rings.' Similarly, an art major specialized in glass art recently secured a $60,000 commission. These stories prove that the "uselessness" of a degree is often a matter of perspective rather than potential.

The $2 Million Concrete Empire Strategy

One of the most striking accounts involves an English major who, after failing to enter a business program, built a concrete business empire earning over $2 million annually. His philosophy? "All you need out of college is a piece of paper to prove you can put in the time and hard work." From Psychology majors becoming CPAs to History graduates working as indigenous rights advocates, the path from graduation to career is rarely a straight line.