Ours is a culture of instant gratification. We have microwave ovens that cut cooking time from hours to seconds and cell phones that let us make calls anytime, anywhere. So is it really any surprise that people are sometimes reluctant to bother with college? After all, it takes 18 to 24 months to earn an associate's degree, three to five years for a bachelor's degree, and an extra 18 months to two years for a master's degree—that sounds like a lot of time for a little piece of paper.

Though we've all heard about college dropouts who have earned mega-millions, they're the exception, not the rule. Many of the best things in life take time, and education is one of them. Earning a college degree, a graduate degree or a professional certification can be a great career move as well. What follows is a look at some of the benefits:

• A chance to explore career options. For those who don't know what they want to do, college provides an excellent chance to experiment. Most degree programs require students to take general education courses, exposing them to a variety of subjects. And there's usually plenty of time left over to take specialized classes in, say, accounting or logistics to get a feel for the profession. Think of it as an opportunity to test drive different careers.
• Support and opportunities to share ideas. This may not be the first benefit that comes to mind, but it can prove extremely valuable, particularly for those already working in the field. Your instructor and your fellow students can provide a ready-made support group (where else are you going to find people who understand the difficulty you're having with a particular software program?). It's also a great opportunity to share ideas and solve problems.
• Learning keeps you young. You're never too old to go back to school. A gentleman graduated from law school in California at the age of 72 a few years ago. All your years of experience actually make school easier, not harder, and learning new things keeps you vital. Worried about being the only 40-ish student amongst a group of 18-year-olds? It's unlikely that you'll be the only one. Technology moves too fast these days. Everyone has to work to keep up.
• That degree does make a difference. When it comes to your resume, a degree does make a difference. Given a choice between two candidates with similar experience, one with a diploma and one without, employers will pick the one with the sheepskin every time. A degree from an accredited college or university establishes that you've attained a baseline level of knowledge. Plus it tells the prospective employer that you had the initiative and determination to earn a degree, that you're able to learn new things, that you have the desire to learn new things, and that you value personal development—all qualities an employer looks for. It also indicates that you're able to follow someone else's agenda—a skill likely to come in handy in virtually any job.
• That national certification makes a difference, too. Almost every profession has some kind of national certification or licensing exam. Passing that exam proves that you've met a national standard for knowledge and ability.

Don't have time to take classes because you work? Many colleges and universities offer courses at night or on Saturdays. Live too far from a campus? Geography's no longer a barrier. Almost every accredited school offers courses online. All you need is Internet access—no special hardware or software is required.

So, what's holding you back from getting that degree or certification? The right answer is: nothing.