Foo - Is College Worth It?

So, I'm in college, and I don't like it too much, an am SERIOUSLY thinking of dropping out to hike or bike full time...so is college really worth it?

Many professions do not require a college degree so it depends on what type of career you're seeking and what you want out of life further down the road. But it's never too late to go back and earn that degree if you need one.

A college dropout

Yes it is! I'm going back to College at 46 and I wish I had gone when I was younger! Use Summer break to hike and bike and camp, enjoy the academic process, it's better than driving a truck!

Yes, do it!!! The really important thing I got out of it wasn't so much the book-knowledge and career preparation, but it was a lesson about life. How to run your life efficiency, like time-management, interpersonal communications, logistics, problem-solving and critical-thinking.

I'm actually in sorta the same predicament right now. School is definitely not as glamorous as I had hoped :rolleyes: and I have no idea what-so-ever what I want to do for a career. Both my parents went to college, but never had any jobs actually pertaining to their degrees. But they did say that just having a degree did help them to get jobs. So I do want to finish school, just no idea what I want to do afterwards.

I'd love to take some time off to go travel the world and figure out who I am, but you need money for that. And you need a job to make money. And I have no idea what kind of work I want to do. I certainly don't want to keep doing the crappy minimum wage jobs I've had over the summer.

One of my friends from back home, who is going to a local community college, is also thinking of dropping out. She and I and a few other friends are going to travel around the world and be professional bums, or so we say...:rolleyes:

Absolutely it is worth it. But the trick is finding something that really excites and interests you, and go into that... sometimes it takes a while to figure that out. I took a year off to work, and it helped me focus. Having a degree will help you get a job. (depending on what the job is)... but if you really want to build bikes, say and have a passion for that, then you need to go be an apprentice to a bike builder and learn that trade. you're going to have to learn the trade no matter what you want to do, so in a way you can't escape learning! AAAAHHH!

You like bikes so major in Mechinal Engineering. Yes colllege is the easiest (not only) place to learn it.
Good luck! I hated schoole from kindergarden through graduate school. But each year got better.
Joe

I'm not trying to sound "high and mighty" over others who do not have degrees, but there is little chance you will ever have any kind of a job that makes enough money to satisfy your wants without a college degree.

Hiking of biking full-time, like any athlete career is not guaranteed.

I've been thinking about taking a semester or a year off, but I'm a little worried that once as I see "that the grass is greener out of school", I'll never return.


I'm not really worried about money, either... Straight out of highschool I was offered a basically guaranteed for life job at one of the local construction unions..

Last summer at my job as a bike mechanic, by boss tried to entice me to not go back to school and work full time year round...salary was very good.

I have no college - but I own three companies, one is software. I was (and still do some) a software engineer - self trained. Paid for my kids to go to college though.

Those who do fine without college are those who are so busy accomplishing things that they can't slow down for college. That was me. But, if you think college is hard - it can be a lot harder getting a break (or making one) without college.

You might not be ready for college - and so it might make since to do something else till you are ready.

I think the most valuable thing I learned in college was learning about the person I was going to be. And if you've learned that you're not a college person, then maybe you've already learned the most valuable thing.

Some people have the brains and personality to do ok with school type work. Some need a push, like from parents or whatever. Some need time to grow up to realize certain realities. Whatever your decision, make sure its yours because you will be ultimately responsible for it.

Schoolwork requires effort like sports, like bike riding. Bike riding requires some discipline or else you would not have the base conditioning to do a 100 mile ride. Some riders do well in hills and others have to really work at it. Same for some subjects in school. So try to reflect on the lessons you have learned from bike riding and begin to apply them to school type work.

So try to reflect on the lessons you have learned from bike riding and begin to apply them to school type work.

Always wear a helmet...how is that going to help me with my school work? :rolleyes:

I'd stay in school. I see friends of mine who dropped out and claimed they'd go back. I don't see it happening now 3-4 years later. I'm a semester and a half from my Master's degree. He may have a house right now, but I see my career going a lot further in the future.

As my dad said, work with your mind not your hands. You'll still have full function of those hands in 20years.

To get a good high paying job you'll need one of two things: A lot of experience in that field or a college education. Or both!

Before I used to think college was a waste of time as I learned very little "real world" experiences. But as I get older you see that it's not about the actual classes but moreso about being able to handle difficult situations in a high stress level environment. School teaches you important stuff but it really teaches you whether you can handle the "real world". And if you can't and school gets difficult, you have to teach yourself to focus and get through the tough times. By doing so you are learning a valuable lesson in self-worth, innner-strength and the ability to overcome. That's what the real world is about.

And for me, taking time off hurt me more than helped. I forgot everything before and it made it more difficult for me to pick it back up again. But that was me.

Good luck and stay in school!

College Drop-Out

Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_income_in_the_United_States

The median personal income for a HS grad is $26,505, which jumps to $43,143 for college grads. That's $16,638 per year. Even if it takes a couple of years to pay off college debt, the typical college grad is going to end up making hundreds of thousands more than the typical HS grad. Now, this doesn't mean you'll make that much more if you go to college, but the numbers are in your favor for sure.

So you're going to make a lot more money, but that's just one piece of the puzzle. The more important, and probably more difficult thing, is to ask yourself what is going to make you happy? Is money going to make you happy, or is doing what you want to do with your life going to make you happy?

Now ask yourself this: What is your dream job? Is it possible for you to land that job without going to college? If not, then what is a few years of hard work compared to a lifetime of happiness? If so, then what are you waiting for? Go land your dream job right now and don't look back.

YES!! stay in school and enjoy every minute of it.

I have no college - but I own three companies, one is software. I was (and still do some) a software engineer - self trained. Paid for my kids to go to college though.

Those who do fine without college are those who are so busy accomplishing things that they can't slow down for college. That was me. But, if you think college is hard - it can be a lot harder getting a break (or making one) without college.

You might not be ready for college - and so it might make since to do something else till you are ready.

Listen to that part about getting a break. many employeers demand a college degree, not because they think their job requires anything more than SHOULD have been learned in High School, but because far too often what should have been learned in High School was not. The college degree gives employeers hope that the job applicant can at least stick to a goal without being forced. This applies all the way up the job ladder. When I was in Grad school there were several guys who had tons of experience and ability who had hit a ceiling in job advancement. No higher without the piece of paper. I can think of one who could have taught a couple of the courses better than the profs who were teaching them. In his case it was a combination of the piece of paper and filling in the gaps in his knowledge.

It is much easier to go to school now than later when you have a wife, childern and house to deal with.

I never finished college and have been successful but it was A LOT OF HARD WORK! Many times when I am problem solving, trying to compose a simple memo or calculating future values I kick myself A LOT that I did not stay in school...I have to work HARDER and I have LESS TIME OFF because I have to WORK HARDER to succeed. Better to work HARDER now and enjoy the accomplishment. Got It!

If you're burnt out, take a break for a quarter, but no more. It took me 6-years to get out of university because I'd take every other quarter off to work full-time to save funds. Also preferred a slightly more relaxed pace so I could PARTY!!! :)

If you're burnt out, take a break for a quarter, but no more. It took me 6-years to get out of university because I'd take every other quarter off to work full-time to save funds. Also preferred a slightly more relaxed pace so I could PARTY!!! :)

LOL, yes, this was the plan I was on. seven years for me! I enjoyed every minute of it, class time and otherwise.

I went to kollege and learnt up on stuff. It help me.

If you can tolerate college and think you can get through it, than stick it out. It will probably make your life easier in the long run. If you are like me and can't stand it, than find some other skill and go with that. Everybody is different.

I don't think i will EVER go back to college. I am 37 years old. I didn't like it 20 years ago, and I don't think i would like it now.

I'm looking for a low paid slacker to mow my lawn now, change my oil, and wipe my ass when I am old. So please drop out of college and spend the next 40 years talking about how you are just as smart as those college graduates who tell you when and where to show up for work. You'll whine about how life isn't fair and you deserve to make just as much as the guys that gutted out college. Well, that's the advice I'd give my son if he was pissing away his future.

I run in to 45 year old college drop outs all day - every day. Most have to work their ass off and and damn few actually own their own company and have the hot trophy wife. Most have a fat wife, a ****ty 1991 Chevy truck, 28 teeth, and anger issues. But as Judge Smells said in Caddyshack, "...the world needs ditch diggers too!"

Sorry for beating around the bush. :)

Apparently college doesn't teach one humility.

I'm looking for a low paid slacker to mow my lawn now, change my oil, and wipe my ass when I am old. So please drop out of college and spend the next 40 years talking about how you are just as smart as those college graduates who tell you when and where to show up for work. You'll whine about how life isn't fair and you deserve to make just as much as the guys that gutted out college. Well, that's the advice I'd give my son if he was pissing away his future.

I run in to 45 year old college drop outs all day - every day. Most have to work their ass off and and damn few actually own their own company and have the hot trophy wife. Most have a fat wife, a ****ty 1991 Chevy truck, 28 teeth, and anger issues. But as Judge Smells said in Caddyshack, "...the world needs ditch diggers too!"

Sorry for beating around the bush. :)

I think there is a degree of truth buried in there somewhere but it is hard to find under all the arrogance and generalities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_dropout

Well, I think college is worth it if it holds the key to the types of things you want to do. I know people who have made excellent careers without a college degree. The bulk of the employees at the machine shop I am at will probably do this for the rest of their lives, they love it, and have not attended college. A lot of these skilled labor jobs are the same. I am talking about a 4 year college here. I doubt you will make much of a career without some education past highschool. All of the employees at my shop went for some type of machining training, educational facility of some type.

Even if what I wanted to do did not require a college degree per se, I would still go in case my desires for a career changed to something that would require a 4 year degree. I would go to have that flexibility.

If you're burnt out, take a break for a quarter, but no more. It took me 6-years to get out of university because I'd take every other quarter off to work full-time to save funds. Also preferred a slightly more relaxed pace so I could PARTY!!! :)
+1

It took me 9 years to get a degree....I was half-time most of it. I worked full-time so I could afford to put myself through half-time. I also got burned out once and took two semesters (summer and regular term) off.

if you work in an office, university will always help you with your job. even if its not a degree, you can still go and take courses that will help you to function at the workplace more effectively. even if you're only taking a computer's course or a buissness communications course it will be benificial and look good on a resume.

I just finished my degree in May; it took me five years and I'm yet to see any benefit. When I graduated, I also lost my job as I was a student employee on campus. No job meant no income. Try as I might, I couldn't find a job in my career field before graduation and I ended up moving back in with my parents where I currently sit. I'm still trying to get into my chosen career field, but to no avail and I've taken a part time job to get by. Not a day goes by where I don't regret going to college. I basically went to college because it was expected of me by my parents and family. I'm glad I did it just so I could say "hey look, I have a degree." I'm pretty much exactly where I was when I finished high school but now I have $20k of student loan debt.

Well, I think college is worth it if it holds the key to the types of things you want to do. I know people who have made excellent careers without a college degree. The bulk of the employees at the machine shop I am at will probably do this for the rest of their lives, they love it, and have not attended college. A lot of these skilled labor jobs are the same. I am talking about a 4 year college here. I doubt you will make much of a career without some education past highschool. All of the employees at my shop went for some type of machining training, educational facility of some type.

Even if what I wanted to do did not require a college degree per se, I would still go in case my desires for a career changed to something that would require a 4 year degree. I would go to have that flexibility.
You're so full a **** its unbelievable. :D

It is hard for me to take advice about college from someone who is younger than me, and hasn't graduated high school yet, and hasn't spent a day in their life in college..but whatevs..

I just finished my degree in May; it took me five years and I'm yet to see any benefit. When I graduated, I also lost my job as I was a student employee on campus. No job meant no income. Try as I might, I couldn't find a job in my career field before graduation and I ended up moving back in with my parents where I currently sit. I'm still trying to get into my chosen career field, but to no avail and I've taken a part time job to get by. Not a day goes by where I don't regret going to college. I basically went to college because it was expected of me by my parents and family. I'm glad I did it just so I could say "hey look, I have a degree." I'm pretty much exactly where I was when I finished high school but now I have $20k of student loan debt.I think that survey mentioned above on the earnings differences are several years after graduation after things have stabilized. I had a friend who graduated double-major in ES and Business/Econ and he ended up waiting tables for 6-months. The years right after college graudation is diffcult, just like it would be right after high-school graduation if you tried to go out an find a job. But there is a difference in results 5-years after graduation from college vs. 5-years after high-school. Hang in there, it'll come around.

You're so full a **** its unbelievable. :D

It is hard for me to take advice about college from someone who is younger than me, and hasn't graduated high school yet, and hasn't spent a day in their life in college..but whatevs..

I never gave advice, I only gave my opinion, which is based on my observations working with people who do not have college degrees. Notice the use of "I think that", "I know people who", etc. None is advising anything. Thankyou :D

Biking and hiking full time....

Between my freshman and sophomore years I had to take a break and through hike the A.T.
It was life changing but hate to say, you are going to find that the pay sux and forget about insurance or retirement opportunities.

Sugar coating things rarely helps. The guy asked an honest question. I gave him a gentle summary of what life will likely dish out for him two decades hence - IMHO. I was far kinder than the cosmos will likely be.

I went back to college as a old fart. It was hard. If some old coot had leveled with me it might have saved me some pain. But then again its all about being empowering with you kids now isn't it? ;)

Anyway kid, good luck. I hope life works out for you.

You're so full a **** its unbelievable. :D

It is hard for me to take advice about college from someone who is younger than me, and hasn't graduated high school yet, and hasn't spent a day in their life in college..but whatevs..
Speaking as someone older than you, the kid is making good sense! Just because he's younger doesn't mean he's wrong. If you want to quit college, then quit! Don't tell someone who extended you the courtesy of answering your question with the best answer he could give you (not to mention being a right answer) that he's full of it (Substituted word), as that's the height of rudeness! Maybe you aren't ready for anytjing in the way of formal education. If that's the case, then drop out and get that construction job. Carpentry and other construction work is honorable work, and success is defined by being able to make a living at your passion in life! Then it's not a job, but instead an avocation. Meantime, if you ask for advice and don't like what you hear, don't belittle the giver....all it does is expose your outlooks on life in a very poor light.:rolleyes:

Sugar coating things rarely helps. The guy asked an honest question. I gave him a gentle summary of what life will likely dish out for him two decades hence - IMHO. I was far kinder than the cosmos will likely be.

I went back to college as a old fart. It was hard. If some old coot had leveled with me it might have saved me some pain. But then again its all about being empowering with you kids now isn't it? ;)

Anyway kid, good luck. I hope life works out for you.

Your advice is exactly what my father said to me when I finished high school and declined his help to get me through college, he was right then and is still right now, If only I could see it back then. He's a truck driver who barely finished grade school but I hope to be half as wise as he some day.

How old were you when you went back?....and what degree did you do, if you don't mind me asking? (I understand if you don't wish to answer that)

I'm just about to turn 40, have a bunch of industry qualifications in I.T., I pull six figures, but I'm at a stage where I'm totally stale and need a career change. I've only ever been in this for the money but the last 3 years have been murder, I'm at the stage where I truly hate this industry and I can't see it getting any better.

After talking it over with the wife and getting into the right financial position, I'm going to college full time for the next 4 years to do a degree in something thats always interested me. The thought of it feels like standing right at the edge of a precipice, if you know what I mean. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about my professional future.

I hope the OP gets his degree, he's then free to tear it up and pretend he never had it, but I'll bet he won't.

Hang in there, it'll come around.

I know things take time. I'm just one of those folks that like instant gradification.

I blew off college 15 years ago. I stumbled around a dozen entry level jobs, eventually managed to bluff and lie my way into one where I learned to weld, and proceeded to tear a rotator cuff, get carpal tunnel syndrome, mess up my lower back, I've had chronic bursitis in one elbow for seven years, knee problems from the last 30,000 hours of standing work, astigmatism from staring at weld arcs, and finally smashed a disk in my neck from wearing a welding hood, which finally ended my welding career.

Oops. Now, I'm going to college.

sounds like you havnt found a major you like yet. Took me 2 tries.

I dont understand why anyone doesnt get a degree these days. It is easy enough to get scholarships/loans and it isnt terribly difficult. Sure semesters are bad, bad hours, bad finals. Nothing really gets you down though.

Go to school. Have fun.

Check out the "What Colour is my Parachute" book. There are also aptitude/personality tests which help pinpoint fields where you may enjoy the jobs most and do good work.

You can't really be an engineer without the paper. Easy decision for me.

you get out of it what you put into it.

You can't really be an engineer without the paper. Easy decision for me.

Heh, that was pretty much what went through my mind when deciding whether or not to go to college.

I will never get them to believe I know it all if I don't have the paper:p

typically I believe it depends on what chosen endeavor you want to follow, rather white collar or blue collar type jobs.
I went to school every night for 5.5 years. I majored in marketing/bus admin.
During that time I had started a career in sales as well as our first son was born. I had a semester left and dropped out.
I plunged into my sales career and found selling was something I was gifted with, a knack and a high intuative type business acumen that I developed and honed through the years in the wholesale business as well as real-estate.

I became quite successful as a Sales man,Sales manager and have owned more than one business that were all successful.
I am semi retired now @ 55 do to a severe hearing problem and some other medical issues that are service connected when I was in the military. My wife runs the business which she is very capable of doing that I got us involved in.
I work a job as a Q.A. manager that is way layed back, easiest job I have ever had.
Though I agree education is a formulating tool for ones chosen field, it does not necessarily mean it is essential to be successful. You chosen employment also depends on what you like and the effort you want to put into the occupation that you find desirable.

It is not always about money, as I found out now @ 55. If you don't enjoy your job/career it will become tedious and you can become resentful, after all 3/4 of your life is spent @ work.
I was lucky, I enjoyed every minute of my career in sales/business..

Let's see, the guy in the cubicle beside me does half the work I do but makes twice as much money. In my opinion having a degree would definitely be worth it. I don't see him working two jobs to have the things he needs / wants.

Something to think about is how the whole system works? Why will somebody pay YOU more than they will pay somebody else? Because they like you more? Because you are better looking? They will pay you more because you have something that will make them MORE money. Sometimes that is a college degree, sometimes that is unique knowledge or skills.

The same applies if you are self-employed. Why will somebody pay you money? Because you have something they need or want. Capitalism does not exclusively operate on college education. In fact it began with very little of it.

It is pretty obvious that college educated people statistically make more than those that aren't. But a college educated person will likely make less than someone who is not educated if that person is more motivated, intelligent, and hard working.

I truly believe that just about anyone of average ability can make a fortune in this country if they are motivated enough. Trouble, is that often comes at a cost and a lot of people rightfully aren't willing to make those sacrifices.

.

I truly believe that just about anyone of average ability can make a fortune in this country if they are motivated enough.

quite true! depends on your personal work ethic and what you want to put into it,

I've been thinking about all you replies..thanks..

It seems the vast majority focus on soley one thing: The money- i.e you won't have enough money to get the things you desire, live happily, others will make more money than you, etc, etc.

I don't know if this is such a compelling argument to me- I've never really been interested in the arbitary amassing of wealth or material goods as a means to happiness.


I'd say I live a fairly simple, some may say "ascetic" life, more so than most..maybe this is why "money" or the newest stuff doesn't really interest me. BUT it works for ME. (I do have a lot of bikes though..my vice....but..)


I've mentioned this to others, that the traditional patterns of wealth and consumption don't really interest me, and most of the responses are that this opinion is tantamount to failure.

Most of the reponses on this thread are focused on completing college as a means to more money/wealth/goods/stuff/etc.- what if none of that really interests me?

I don't think one post has mentioned learning for the sake of learning..although this has probably long been forgotten by most in our education system..And only 1 or 2 mentioned doing things in a different way...(thanks portis)


bah, young, directionless, and idealistic..