As times continue to evolve, it’s evident that traditional routes toward success are no longer the norm. Jasey Tragesser, a college dropout, has chimed in with her own story to give inspiration to people who have walked similar paths.

The 27-year-old dropped out of college in 2014. Now, she’s bringing in over six figures, according to Business Insider.

Initially, after dropping out of college, Tragesser worked as a waitress — where she was earning $300 to $500 each week. The millennial says she was able to make her way into six figures through “hard work, alternative education, job switching, and a bit of luck.”

The challenging times and pivots have all paid off for her because, now, she is making $135,000 a year as a marketing manager for a software-as-a-service company — without any student debt to her name. What’s more, she doesn’t intend to go back to school.

“When you’re 18 years old, and you move out, and you’re in college, and you’re just trying to be an adult, it’s so stressful,” Tragesser said, according to the outlet. “And just as a society, we’re forced into that. And a lot of kids aren’t ready, and I was one of those kids.”

“Everybody expects you to graduate high school, go to college, start your life,” she added. “And it wasn’t the path I was taking.”

Tragesser’s word of advice for people who don’t have the means to a higher education is for them to look into professional programs. Prior to landing her job, she was enrolled in Cornell and Yale’s online marketing programs.

“If you can’t afford college or you feel that it’s just not your thing — both of which were my situation — I always tell people, ‘Consider a professional program that directly correlates to what you’re interested in,'” she said, according to the outlet. 

The cost of a college education keeps rising, making it less attainable as years go on. Tragesser’s journey is an example of tapping into her talent by her own means.

“College is so expensive and reasonable companies are realizing that not everybody can afford it,” Tragesser told Business Insider. “But there are so many smart people and so much talent they could be missing out on if they require a four-year degree.”