22 year old looking for life advice and career guidance.
Hi guys, 

Currently working in residential lending for a large retail lender in a call center environment. I've learned so much about mortgage finance within the last year. 

I made $70k my first year banking, and was on track to make a $100k+ this year. 

That's great money for someone with no college degree and my age. 

However, more "prestigious" finance like investment banking/private equity/CRE has always intrigued me. I studied economics/finance before dropping out. 

I started my own firm to start brokering short term loans for commercial real estate developers/investors. However, with the uncertainty of the market, I'm concerned about whether or not that business model will be sustainable. 

I've worked in sales before, but the call center environment is really starting to drain me. The way our business is set up to is to constantly prospect new clients and take applications. I work around 70+ hrs a week. The sales cycle is really short, at least on my end and I'd much prefer to do something with a mixture of both analytical and relationship building. 

Unfortunately that position is quite difficult to obtain without a 4 year degree. I'm thinking of taking a huge paycut and just going back to college. That's what has me anxious about life in general. It's like that piece of paper is seriously hindering my ability to get to where I need to be.

Any thoughts to assist me?

Also, any thoughts about the sustainability of commercial lending over the next few years? (Specifically, short term/hard money products)

Thank you
[{"id": "fkqyw6l", "text": "A lot of people who are VPs or MDs now I know started off their career around 2004-2005. Went to grad school in 2008 after they presumably got laid off. Then got jobs again when the market picked up. \n\nI\u2019d consider going back to school. You can always get an AA degree easily by taking online classes and transfer to a 4 year. Assuming you\u2019re in America.", "replies": [{"id": "fsk8fz0", "text": "Second this. I'd say it's nearly impossible to get into the \"prestigious\" side of CRE without a degree. Save up like crazy then go back. You'll have better experience than other undergrads and it sounds like you're a grinder, which will go a long way in CRE.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fksxep3", "text": "You're making serious paper, it would be a tremendous mistake to walk away from this opportunity.  If you want to pursue a degree, take a good look at Columbia College.  It's an accredited school that offers online classes.  They designed their online program for the armed forces, so it has a shorter, more intense schedule.   You could take classes and keep your day job, a win-win.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "flfapvn", "text": "I think you should consider going back to school and getting a 4 year degree from a reputable university. Commercial is becoming increasingly more institutionalized and if you want to play with the big boys you\u2019re going to have to have a certain pedigree. Invest in your education at a good institution, work part time, and network your ass off with cre brokers. \n\nDon\u2019t listen to the idiots telling you to pursue short term easier money. Think long term and what will allow you to do bigger deals in the future. If you ever lose your job your degree will give you leverage.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]