Don't be too discouraged though as there are still places in China that'll take you without a degree.
Rajat is right though, it's Gov't regulations in most, if not all places, to have a degree. Maybe this proves that you have enough of an education to be able to be responsible for educating others. I have a degree, but when I came here(China), it wasn't really necessary. I'm glad I have it now because it allows me to pick and choose jobs. Without a degree, your options are much more limited and the pay/conditions won't be as good as a degree holder might get.
I don't think it's a matter of elitism just because some have degrees, and some don't. It's a matter of priorities back when we were getting the degree. If some folks have them, more power to them, if you don't, well, it's a choice you made, just as we made the choice to get one. This is the way of the world now, and carrying a chip on your shoulder about elitism, bigotry or racism doesn't wash in the real world where you made your bed. It's not others fault that you also now have to lie in it. Maybe the answer for you might be to do a "quickie" online course, just to be accredited and then you too, can be part of the so-called "elite".
As for TESOL etc, yes, valuable pieces of paper too, but in an increasingly competitive world, the best educated candidate wins out usually. I have no TESOL etc, but I will get one soon, not because I have to, but because I make the choice to so I can better perform my job and deliver an even better level of education to the folks who're paying us to do so.
Just food for thought, and this is my $15 worth, bill's in the mail, hehehe.
