Questioning Overzealous Math Requirements

Sitting in a coffee shop on Sunday morning, the following crossed my mind: for most adults, how important is math, beyond Algebra, for real-world success? (I'm discounting those career paths which are obviously linked with high-level math studies, like computer programming, engineering, physics, etc.)

For me, a fairly competent guy, I never use advanced math. I remember no skills or applications from my days plodding through Algebra II or Pre-Calculus. I was able to renovate an old house using basic math facts and functions.

This line of thinking makes me question all initiatives that require all 8th grade students to take Algebra, or that you must have four years of math under your belt to graduate high school. For those students inclined to study advanced math, great, encourage them to go as far as possible!
Forcing American students to take years upon years of math classes, with hopes that this will translate into a more competitive American workforce, doesn't make much sense to me. Intrinsic motivation is, as usual, an overlooked factor in this equation.