Audrey Serna, a 33-year-old single mother of two in the Washington D.C. area, has built a six-figure career as a payroll operations manager without a college degree. Her path, however, was marked by significant financial hardship and professional rejection before she found a foothold in the corporate world.
After leaving Oglethorpe University in Atlanta after just two semesters, Serna faced a period of intense struggle, at one point living for months without electricity. Today, she shares her story as a testament to the idea that alternative paths to success are possible, though often more challenging.
Key Takeaways
- Audrey Serna left college after two semesters, struggling to balance academics, work, and her mental health.
- She faced severe financial difficulties, including a period of seven months without power in her apartment.
- Serna began her career in an entry-level payroll position and advanced to a managerial role through her work ethic.
- Now 33, she is a single mother of two earning a six-figure salary as a payroll operations manager.
- She believes that while a degree can make things easier, it does not define a person's worth or potential for success.
The Decision to Leave University
In 2010, Audrey Serna enrolled in college, following a path she was told was the only route to a successful life. Like many of her high school peers, she saw higher education as a mandatory next step. However, the reality of university life quickly proved to be a poor fit.
Serna found it difficult to juggle her studies with part-time jobs and a social life. The pressure began to take a significant toll on her mental health. After completing two semesters, she made the difficult decision to withdraw from her studies at the age of 20.
"I grew up in an environment where I was told that college was the only path to success, so I didn't even consider taking a different route," Serna explained. Leaving school left her feeling like a failure, uncertain of what her future would hold without a degree.
Years of Financial and Professional Struggles
Without a college degree, Serna's initial job search was discouraging. She worked multiple minimum-wage jobs, including as a restaurant server and in retail, but struggled to cover basic expenses. "I was working just to pay the bills," she recalled.
Many potential employers dismissed her application immediately upon learning she did not have a degree. The constant rejection reinforced her feelings of inadequacy. Her financial situation became dire. At one point, she was unable to pay her utility bills and lived in her apartment without electricity for nearly seven months.
Challenges for Non-Graduates
Workers without a college degree often face significant hurdles in the job market. They may be automatically filtered out by application systems that require a degree and often face a wage gap compared to their graduate counterparts. Finding an employer willing to prioritize experience and work ethic over formal credentials is a common challenge.
The difficulties intensified when she became pregnant. Serna noticed that hiring managers' attitudes often changed once they saw she was expecting. Despite the frustration, the knowledge that she would soon have a child to support strengthened her resolve to find a stable, salaried position.
A Turning Point in Payroll
The birth of her first child in 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Serna's life and career. Her motivation renewed, she successfully secured an entry-level payroll job—her first 9-to-5 corporate role. She approached the opportunity with a determined mindset.
"I went into it with the attitude of trying to be the best employee at the company, which meant being responsive and working quickly."
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Upper management recognized her strong work ethic and potential. They took a chance on her, offering Serna a managerial position. She remained in that role for approximately six years, building a solid foundation of experience and professional skills.
Achieving Financial Stability
As a single mother of two, with the children's fathers not involved, Serna is the sole financial provider for her family. During the pandemic, she realized her salary was no longer sufficient for her family's needs and began looking for new opportunities.
She connected with a recruiter on LinkedIn, a move that proved instrumental in her career advancement. The recruiter helped her land a new job with a salary approaching six figures. Later, she was recruited for her current role as a payroll operations manager, where she successfully crossed the six-figure threshold.
Today, Serna is focused on her long-term financial goals. "I can pay my bills, and I'm working on improving my credit," she stated. Saving for a home and future travel are top priorities, and she manages her budget carefully to make progress toward these goals.
An Unconventional Path to Success
Reflecting on her journey, Serna does not regret her decision to leave college. She acknowledges that a degree can open doors more easily but firmly believes it is not the only measure of a person's capability.
"I also think that with the right motivation, you can be equally successful without a degree. It's just a little more difficult," she said. While she hasn't ruled out returning to school later in life, the high cost of tuition makes it a lower priority while raising her children.
Her primary message is one of self-worth and perseverance. She wants others, including her own children, to understand that their value is not determined by a diploma.
"Never feel like, because you didn't go to college, that you're less worthy or less than anybody else in the world," Serna advised. "What's right for you is not what's right for somebody else, and you're going to get to your end goal some way or another."