Had I not gotten the degree, I would have never gotten my first job. Some time later, I left the industry to pursue other ... pursuits. Once I became disillusioned with those pursuits, I re-entered the field. Had I not had that first job, I would have never been able to re-enter the field, because employers were mainly looking at my experience.

What I learned in college helped me very little. Then, as now, it's always come down to reading and doing. College was too much reading and not enough doing. They're both important, but neither should be done at the expense of the other. YMMV.

So for me, I guess it comes down to keyboards and camels (doing and reading). And alcohol. Gots to have the alcohol.

If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me.