While I personally never finished my formal education, I do believe that it helps up to a certain point; everything equal the “educated” person will be offered a job.
But know that salary levels are often based on your formal education; so while you may get the job anyway, you will be paid less than the “educated” candidate. (I don’t think many places will davka take an “uneducated” person in order to be able to pay less.)
BUT HERE’S WHAT I WANT TO ADD TO THE CONVERSATION:
I have often been involved in the interview process and the main reason that ex-Kollel-men don’t get the job offer is because of their reaction when hearing that they are expected to work 9 hours a day; from 9:00 to 18:00 and maybe even a little bit overtime.
The reaction may be subtle but it’s always there: “9 hours w/o an afternoon nap?”
Behatzlocho
– Danny