Is an Associates degree useless?

No matter your major, you can use the Associates as a stepping stone (especially if you have computer skills such as Excel and Visio, which you can learn on your own.) 

I worked at a State University where one of the perks offered to all employees were super-low tuition rates and the ability to attend some classes while on the clock. It may not be fast, but slow and steady wins the race. (My boss had gotten two (2) masters degrees that way.) 

A college campus is like a bustling city within itself - every job you can imagine is there. Maybe that would be a way you can work and progress in your education for as long a you want. 

The answer depends entirely on your chosen field. I know someone who graduated with an Associates as an optician, passed her boards and 18 months later earns over $65K.

I have an Associate Diploma in Ordnance engineering and have turned down many Jobs

Most degrees are of worth if they Get you employed

Depends on what you studied & what you do with what you have. However, most associate's degrees, without continuing for at least a bachelor's, are not in any demand. E.g. accounting - maybe get some clerical work, but with a glut of accountants with bachelor's & master's, first of all, you are NOT an "accountant," and cannot compete with university grads for entry-level jobs. Paralegal - corporate legal departments & law firms typically only want those with bachelor's degrees, plus the 2-year ABA paralegal program, although about half of all new paralegal jobs actually go to law school graduates.

For those who only go to community college, those who do best take vocational/occupational training programs which require 2 years or less of education & training for their certification.

So what did you study, and how can you convince a prospective employer that you can actually do something worth paying for? What do you have to offer?

It depends what you plan to do.  As others have noted, in some professions, an associates degree is sufficient.  Before it is too late, you should contact the guidance counselors at your community college for advice.

I get the impression you may be going to college just for the sake of getting any degree.  While a Bachelors degree in any subject is the educational requirement for many positions, you should be working toward a specific educational goal.  Determine what you want to do for a living, then research what it takes to enter that field.  You will then know the educational path you need to follow.  

A general education associate degree really isn’t helpful to get a job. It’s purpose is to get your ged eds out of the way cheap and go on to a bachelor degree.

Unfortunately it really doesn’t give you much of a leg up over.You may want to work slowly at getting your Bachelor degree. Taking a class or two each semester while working. You if can declare yourself independent and  possibly get more financial aid. 

You may be able to take 12/15 credits and work part time. Being able to attend full time and pay for food and rent. 

Depends on what you want to do and if that associates is general versus specific... if the work you want to do requires a bachelor's degree, then you'll have a problem. But, there are lots of positions that would only require an associate's degree or at the very least, put you at a higher pay level than someone with a high school diploma only. 

Depends what it's in.   A doctorate in 15th century French poetry is pretty useless compared to a 6 month trade school in plumbing or electrical work.

If it is an associates degree in a vocational field like nursing or automotive technology, it’s not useless.  An associates degree in psychology would be of much lesser value.  That’s because you need a masters degree to work in that field.