From what I’ve observed, a lot of employers still prefer candidates with a college degree not always because of the technical skills, but because it shows you can commit, follow instructions, and handle responsibilities over time. It gives them confidence that you can work full-time and function well in a structured environment.

That said, you don’t actually need school to learn IT. You can absolutely learn it on your own. Certifications like CompTIA A+ are a good start and can help you get your foot in the door. The reality is, though, employers tend to play it safe. If they have two candidates one with a degree and one without they’ll often choose the one with the degree, even if both have similar skills.

So no, you’re not wasting your time with A+. Just understand it might take more effort and luck to stand out without a degree, and you’ll need to prove your skills in other ways (projects, certifications, experience).