Will your degree actually help you get a job?

I'm in a technical field where specific degrees are usually required to get even entry-level jobs. So, my degrees were necessary and I still use them.

That said, one thing I have learned about successful and happy people is that a disproportionately high number of them have a job they enjoy. My daughter wanted to major in Art. We talked about what she would do with the degree and she didn't want to do "mainstream" art like graphic design or something like that for a corporation. We knew this might limit her job-finding and/or money-making prospects. But I also knew she was truly talented and loved it, so I encouraged her to pursue her dream and paid her way. She's still young, so the rest of the story hasn't played out.

I don't even know what the letters stand for :/

Yes. I am relatively certain that, if I were to apply myself, having the degree that I have would help me get a job. However, I learned that it's not something that I want to do. Doing the type of work that I have a degree for was making me miserable. I spend enough time on a computer when I'm not at work... I'd rather keep computer time as a hobby/enjoyment than a job.

I get to run around all day at my current job. It doesn't make me miserable and stressed out all the time. It doesn't ruin my eyesight and make my life a sedentary mess... I don't have a manic depressive boss that decides he wants to yell at me (and anyone/everyone else in the office) because McDonalds took too long or didn't make his fucking breakfast burrito right... It's McDonalds, you moron, what did you expect?

My current job doesn't pay great, but it pays enough and I'm grateful to even have it in the first place, because so many people do NOT have a job.

You know, when I meet/start talking with people who don't know me well, the conversation usually always goes to certain things such as current/past living location, education background, and future plans. Whenever the topic comes up, people are usually surprised to learn that I have a degree, and are just agasp that I'm not using it. Why on god's earth would I EVER be at the job I'm currently at while having the possibility to be at a job that utilizes my degree and potential for greater pay? It's irritating, because they really just don't know what it's like... They have no idea, and there's no short way of explaining it either.

I'm to the point where I think it would be easier to just not tell anybody I have a degree/higher education background.

Well, I've rambled enough for now. My advice to you is to find a job that doesn't make you miserable. Sometimes that just takes some trial and error in the real world. You never know. Adulthood is uncertain.

Do what you love. For 2/3rds of my life I've made a living in the arts and I love it. The other 1/3rd I spent doing jobs i disliked (factory work, office work, cleaning) just for the money.

Lots of people including family said the same kinds of things to me when I decided I would study.

follow your passion

Depends on what job you're looking at. If you're thinking of becoming an accountant, a doctor, an engineer or a lawyer - you bet your ass you'll need the degree.

If you're studying something like Latin and you're shoveling in a six figure debt, I'd rethink your options.

About fine art - there's plenty of cheaper alternatives other than the traditional art school approach.

It will only help you to get a better paid job.

I'm a few semesters away from getting my BFA and it honestly doesn't seem like it's going to help me get any kind of normal job. Going to school for art is more like going to school to learn how to life and you end up figuring out that life sucks and it's hard. If you're lucky, you'll learn how to make your own way. It's important to make connections before you graduate so you'll have better luck networking and spotting opportunities. I don't think the degree is completely useless, but it's not for everyone. I'm on a break right now because I haven't quite been feeling up to the challenge. I want to make the most of it, not just graduate for the degree, so I will return when I feel I'm able to put in 100% again.

I also feel like extra degrees would be helpful and I've been thinking about getting one in business at some point.

I think it's very important NOT to end up with a six figure debt and a worthless degree. If you can study your passion on your own nickle, then go for it, but don't under any circumstances start your adult life with that sort of debt.
The stress and worry will certainly get you down and could even manifest itself in physical ailments.

I'm getting a bachelor's degree in Film. . .

I went with passion and happiness instead of monetary lust.

I have an MBA, and it didn't help me at all in my career.