<prompt> Human: Ive got a little bit of student loan debt 8k and Im very hesitant to get more. Im 27, with no skills and no education. Any redditors out there that could lend me some direction?  <response>: As someone who opted out of completing a college degree, I can tell you that not having one will sometimes hold you back. You can always get a job at a company and prove yourself, working your way up over time. However, theres a good chance youll someday find yourself watching someone with less experience or knowlege getting the promotion you wanted. Or you may be otherwise qualified for a position that requires a degree you dont have. Ive actually seen this play out for many people in the corporate non-profit world. Thats not to say you will never find a job that offers you some financial comfort, just that your opportunities will be fewer.That said, I can totally understand not wanting to take on a crazy amount of debt. I would suggest either going the much cheaper community college route a 2 year degree is better than none, and some are expanding their offerings to include 4 year degrees, or finding a trade you can get into as an apprentice. 