Please convince me i should go to college.

[mactastic]

Don't go to college if you aren't ready.

I was ready to party at 18. So I pledged a frat, skipped classes, and bombed my way to less than a 1.0. I stayed in for a few years, unmotivated, passed most of my classes, but not well enough to pull up my GPA. I almost joined the Coast Guard at one point.

At least you're working. That's good. I didn't have the motivation to do that.

Ten years later, I finished my first degree. It was so much easier being an older student. Ten years after that, I finished a Masters in Teaching and am now teaching high school English. I'm happier than ever. I don't regret not teaching earlier in life, or any part of the path I took.

Do what's best for you. Most importantly, take care of your finances at an early age. Invest what you can. Your portfolio will be huge when you retire. If you're really good, it'll be huge when and if you want to go to school and you can live off that!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Sounds like me. Crappy HS grades, partied for years after HS, then finally got around to spending 9 years in college. But hey, a year from now I should have my architectural license.

To the OP: Trades are a good place for someone who does not want to go to college. Having watched many of them work, I'd say electrician is a good way to go. Become a certified welder. Those guys make good money. Hell, in California you don't even need a college degree to become an architect. Become a DSA inspector. Make $100K a year watching people work (after a while of course).

There are lots of rewarding careers that don't require college degrees.

But also consider taking some time away from school before going back. It does get harder the longer you wait, but at your age you can spare a few years.

 

[maestro55]

There are tons of incentives to get a degree of some kind (even if it is just an undergraduate degree); however, if you do not really want to do it, than you won't do it. I am a 4th semester student at a tech school here in Texas, I decided to go this path because I didn't want all the liberal arts stuff and my interest was the computers themselves. I am working towards a degree in UNIX and also learning High Performance Computing through my Linux instructor. Other than what I am working on though with the UNIX/Linux stuff I hate much of everything else. Cisco classes are rather simple but bore me to death, I do not want to be the guy that goes around programming routers for peoples networks all of my life. My C++ class is boring, I would love to be able to develop but the programs we are making are way too easy and I feel that when I leave that class I won't be much ahead of where I was. There are other classes that at times I wish were taught differently, even the UNIX class can get boring when I am ahead of the class and so I sit there for two hours trying to explain things to the students next to me (the current UNIX class that I am in is required for all networking majors, so it is much more simple than the advanced UNIX classes for the UNIX majors).

So my point? There are days when I wonder if I am wasting my time, but I have to look at the bottom line, if I want a serious IT career I need to start with a degree of some sort. I found something that interested me and I ran with it. I can't decide for you what you want to do for the rest of your life but if you have an interest in cars, you should look at a tech school near you with some of the automotive programs out there. There are some really niche majors dealing with cars. Many car companies will offer specialized programs that get rather advanced. The nice thing about Tech Schools is there is very little liberal arts, though you will be stuck in Math classes and probably two or three English/Humanities classes. However, even as a guy working for a dealership doing car repair (not talking about the oil changes) you are likely to earn up to $35,000 your first year out of college (that doesn't seem like much, but it is better than working for $8.60 the rest of your life).

Good luck in whatever you do, and I hope that you are happy with whatever choice you make.

 

[notsofatjames]

I havent read this thread or the origninal post, but there is no need to go to college, unless you have a job that wants you to go to college (and are willing to pay for you to do so). If a company wants graduates, they will pay to make people graduates!

 

[adroit]

Sounds like me. Crappy HS grades, partied for years after HS, then finally got around to spending 9 years in college. But hey, a year from now I should have my architectural license.

To the OP: Trades are a good place for someone who does not want to go to college. Having watched many of them work, I'd say electrician is a good way to go. Become a certified welder. Those guys make good money. Hell, in California you don't even need a college degree to become an architect. Become a DSA inspector. Make $100K a year watching people work (after a while of course).

There are lots of rewarding careers that don't require college degrees.

But also consider taking some time away from school before going back. It does get harder the longer you wait, but at your age you can spare a few years.

+1 for trade school.

I think if you really do like cars then may be you should consider being a certified mechanic or electrician (there are also a lot of electrical work in cars and if you don't get to work on a Ferrari then at least you can have a respectable job with good money working in homes etc).

Trades program are usually only 1-2 years and you don't have to take all the basic math, science etc. I think it would be a good fit for you.

 

[Eric Piercey]

College was the best time in my life. I had dropped out of community college after a year of hating it, but after another year of crap jobs in a crap town I realized I had to do something proactive, fail or no fail. I'd be miserable otherwise. so, it was college or the military. I worked myself through college, paid off student loans in 5 years, and never looked back.

Great years.

Here's the thing about college. You have to be serious about doing it, for yourself. You have to be genuine about being there and push yourself to succeed, not for parents or because someone tells you to or to fit a stereotype or mold. At times it can and will be really difficult. With the wrong mindset it doesn't work. Once I found the zen in actually cracking the books (the internet these days I suppose) and _learning_ it was a cakewalk.

Let me ask you this. When else in life will you ever get the chance to devote yourself entirely to learning while being surrounded by people your own age from many diverse backgrounds all doing the same. It's awesome, but you have to have the above mentioned mindset or college is just a stress fest. It really does get difficult at times, but that's life. If you can steer your way through all the parties, all the exams, all the studying all nighters and trudging off to class on hangover mornings even when your professors could care less if you attend, and get that degree you'll go far.

 

[Lau]

Getting a Ferrari is probably my life goal. Aside from living to see 40 . Becoming a Ferrari technician would be my dream job. I would really like to work in the factory in Modena building them, but since i'm not 100% italian odds are slim to nill.

I don't know how it works in the US, but in the UK you can do an apprenticeship, or train on the job, and it's a really good way to get a qualification (and a good wage). And a lot of people I know who either did this or went straight to work are doing really well out of it.

A very dear friend of mine who is very intelligent struggled with school and university, partly due to not being very academic, and partly because of motivation. It certainly wasn't because she wasn't clever. She joined the merchant navy and studied for a practical qualification through that – partly working on the ships, partly studying engineering (and got paid for doing it). She did really well, and now has a degree (that she didn't pay for) and a great job travelling the world whilst working as an engineer on cruise ships.

It's brilliant, because she's smart as anything, and I hated seeing her unhappy, but it was clear that 'normal' college wasn't for her. You sound like a clever guy, and it sounds like you should be doing something that stretches you and interests you much more than what you're doing. But if college doesn't appeal, there might be a good reason for that. Not everyone suits the theoretical learning side, and there's a lot of ways to a) learn, b) be successful, c) get qualifications and d) fulfill your potential without studying academically.

Sticking in a dead end job that you hate isn't really going to help, but the answer isn't necessarily going to college. I think the action of committing to learning a ****load in 4 years is the important bit, and it doesn't matter whether it's through a degree, an apprenticeship or perhaps taking on a job that pays less than you'd like that you'd learn a lot from.

 

[tersono]

I'm almost 50. Have held high-powered jobs for most of my working life (currently a senior manager/CTO of a UK-based charity) and didn't go to college.

College is right for some people - personally at 'college age' I was working as a pro musician and having the time of my life. =] I went from that to running my own company and have never regretted not going to college - not even for one minute.

Contrarily, my wife went back to college in her thirties, got her degree and also had the time of her life doing it.

I'm a strong believer in the princple "if it feels right, do it". If, however, you don't feel that it's the way you want to go, then follow your heart - maybe it'll lead you back to college in a few years, maybe it won't. Just don't do it because others say you should - do it because you WANT to.

 

[CalBoy]

OP, if a traditional degree isn't your cup of tea (or coffee, whatever you prefer ) then why not get a license in something like plumbing? I believe plumbers make very good money (even if they don't have their own business) and the training you would get would be very hands-on (you wouldn't have to prove that a pipe is a pipe with two pages of gibberish ).

If plumbing isn't your deal, then there are dozens of other such programs out there. I think you have an interest in mechanics right? Then why not go to a local shop and ask about the process it takes to become a mechanic? Ask around and find out what the industry requires. If you think it'll work for you, then do it.

The problem you're having right now is associating success with a traditional "professional" degree (ie, doctor, lawyer, MBA, dentist, etc). In reality, these professions only make up a small percentage of most "successful" people. Many people have their own business, or work in a trade of some kind. I'm sure that any one of the dozens of trade industries would float your boat and pay you fairly well. I'm pretty sure that you'd be able to work 10-20 hours a week at the minimum while learning one of these trades, so that would help you take care of your finances.

At the very least, if none of that works for you, you can always become a garbage (wo)man. If you can break into that union, you're set for life.

 

[luffx]

[First and foremost, college isn't for everyone. If you honestly doubt your ability to complete courses, then don't try. You don't want to be a college dropout with tuition bills.]

I'm an analytical thinker, so I contemplate and analyze everything (it's a curse). I took EVERYTHING into consideration when I was debating whether I should go to college or not. Things to think about...

1. Cost vs Benefit
2. Time
3. Money lost during that time.

College can be quite expensive. But the average college graduate makes significantly more than someone w/ a HS Diploma. It will pay for itself within 10 years. You're 20....you'll be working for muuuch longer than 10 years. So it's definitely worth it in that sense.

The time it takes to complete a degree is completely up to you. Take more classes and work less, you can finish a Bachelors in 3-4. Take the minimum full 12 credits, and it can take 5 years. You may decide to get an Associates, which can take 2 years. You can even get certifications in certain fields. Something is better than nothing.

Money lost during school can deter some people from going, but it doesn't need to be like that. You can balance work/school however you want. I personally work 40hrs/week & take 15 credits a semester, this way I'm not losing any income. There are plenty of accredited colleges that offer most of their degrees online, such as DeVry.

Looking @ the basics, I would highly recommend that you go to college.

Now...what to go for? You should visit a few colleges and pick up their curriculum, degree brochures (if they have them), and talk to some advisors. You can find out what the degrees entail, what jobs you can get with them, the job placement success rate, etc. No matter what you go for, know that you aren't necessarily bound to your degree. Two of the best web developers I know went to school for nursing, another went for construction. English majors can be artists, you get the point.

Also, do something you have a passion for...

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

The worst thing you can do, is not put any effort into researching it. You don't want to regret not trying. And never doubt yourself.

Good luck!
~Luf.

 

[mactastic]

OP, if a traditional degree isn't your cup of tea (or coffee, whatever you prefer ) then why not get a license in something like plumbing? I believe plumbers make very good money (even if they don't have their own business) and the training you would get would be very hands-on (you wouldn't have to prove that a pipe is a pipe with two pages of gibberish ).

See, there's a reason I suggested electrician. Plumbers have to do some pretty dirty work. As one of them said to me "tampons rule my life much more than they really should". Oh and this plumber was not a female.

 

[CalBoy]

See, there's a reason I suggested electrician. Plumbers have to do some pretty dirty work. As one of them said to me "tampons rule my life much more than they really should". Oh and this plumber was not a female.

Haha, true, but the pay is quite good

If the OP really can't see himself doing something like electrician, a plumber would be a good way to make money. Besides, he wouldn't have to do that forever; after a few years, he could open his own business and then he'd only have to work part time as a plumber (the rest of his time administering his business).

Although I forgot to mention that the OP could also work for a state agency. Around these parts (the Bay Area) public transit workers make very good money (BART workers make upwards of 50k after 10 years, and that includes full health & dental benefits, and a pension that replaces 100% of the salary upon retirement ). I'm sure there are similar agencies around Missouri which the OP would find more than able to give him a "decent" lifestyle.

 

[Nuc]

Well if it makes you feel any better I have an masters in nuclear engineering and I can't find a decent paying job that will support my wife and two kids.... I have a job but it pays beans... Can you tell I'm a little bitter!

I suggest going to school. For one it teaches you to open your mind to new things and being able to adapt. Make sure your doing something that you love because you don't want to be miserable the rest of you life!

Nuc

 

[nbs2]

One option, that looking back I might have considered is the USPS. It would have been hard early on, but your mid and late life may be easier. The most difficult part will be convincing loved ones that you aren't destroying yourself and making sure to stay committed.

Work as a letter carrier now, do it for 20 years. You'll be 40 and can retire with a pretty nice pension. Go to college then and study what you love rather than what will make you money. You may be able to score some lifetime achievement type scholarships and you'll have the pension coming in. Do what you enjoy for 10 or 20 years, and if you enjoy the right fields you may have another nice pension or retirement plan kicking in at 50 or 60 (more likely at 60, I can't think of many plans that allow withdrawals at 50). Either way, the retirement years will be nice.

If I had thought about it, I would have done this, and followed it by either studying teaching or getting a culinary degree. Instead, I'm an attorney that can't get a real job.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

I'm almost 50. Have held high-powered jobs for most of my working life (currently a senior manager/CTO of a UK-based charity) and didn't go to college.

College is right for some people - personally at 'college age' I was working as a pro musician and having the time of my life. =] I went from that to running my own company and have never regretted not going to college - not even for one minute.

Contrarily, my wife went back to college in her thirties, got her degree and also had the time of her life doing it.

I'm a strong believer in the principle "if it feels right, do it". If, however, you don't feel that it's the way you want to go, then follow your heart - maybe it'll lead you back to college in a few years, maybe it won't. Just don't do it because others say you should - do it because you WANT to.

I might want to remind everyone that the world was a very different placd when this post enter the work force. 30 years ago it was a lot easier to go a lot higher with out a college degree. Plus it is a very small number of people get that high with out a college degree compared to those that do have one.

Like he said college is not for everyone. The biggest thing college does is it will open a lot more doors while closing off none.
Also there are something that you learn in college threw your classes that can not be taught on the job site. Mostly that is theory and an understanding of the why and how. Very useful and it helps one succeed.

I would say try to go back to school and take with the career center. Chances are they have a few test you can take that will guild you in the right direction. I had to take one this semester for one of my classes. It is scary how accurate the test was. It was the Strong Test which has been shown to hold 90% true 2 years out and 50% life time which means 50% of the information from that test will still hold true to you though out your entire life. It used to figure out what good possible future careers are good for you. From there it easier to pick out a major.

I graduate this Christmas with a Degree in Construction Engineering Technology and I am looking at a starting salary at around 52k/year

 

[mactastic]

I graduate this Christmas with a Degree in Construction Engineering Technology and I am looking at a starting salary at around 52k/year

So are you going to be a CM?

 

[Mac OS X Ocelot]

When someone says that college is more than a degree and that it teaches you something that you can't get elsewhere it's complete bs. After three years of college there was nothing that I could not have learned from just reading the textbooks they assigned. In fact, of all my general education (and some major-specific) classes, nearly 100% of them taught me the same thing I learned in high school (except for the most part not as well). They say there's just some life lessons and core skills that college teaches about the real world, and I haven't found it yet. College. is. a. piece. of. paper. Period. End of argument. Nothing more to be said. There are idiots with no work ethic that earn degrees and there are hard-working, intelligent human beings with no degree. Employers can't tell by looking at people, so they figure they're more likely to find the right employee if they have a degree and hire only those persons. [This doesn't go for specialist trades like doctors, lawyers, rocket scientists, etc. They actually need the training.]

 

[Rodimus Prime]

So are you going to be a CM?

heck yeah. I one offer on my desk that is a dream offer for me with my first choice of the company. The only reason I am sitting on it is I have one last interview I have said I would go to and my ethics will not let me go on an interview when they do not stand a chance to get me. I owe them that respect plus I said I would go.

Either way yeah CM is the direction I am going.

 

[mactastic]

They say there's just some life lessons and core skills that college teaches about the real world, and I haven't found it yet.

College provides valuable lessons in transitioning from life with your parents to life "in the real world"; particularly for those who enter college straight from high school. With the exception of some early-on general education classes, none of my college classes were a repeat of things I learned in high school. And, of course, college provides ample opportunity to practice that most important of life skills -- finding out what it is your superiors expect, and learning how to produce it for them in a timely fashion.

I know I would not be doing what I am doing today without a college education. I also would not be the person I am without those wild years of partying between high school and college.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

When someone says that college is more than a degree and that it teaches you something that you can't get elsewhere it's complete bs. After three years of college there was nothing that I could not have learned from just reading the textbooks they assigned. In fact, of all my general education (and some major-specific) classes, nearly 100% of them taught me the same thing I learned in high school (except for the most part not as well). They say there's just some life lessons and core skills that college teaches about the real world, and I haven't found it yet. College. is. a. piece. of. paper. Period. End of argument. Nothing more to be said. There are idiots with no work ethic that earn degrees and there are hard-working, intelligent human beings with no degree. Employers can't tell by looking at people, so they figure they're more likely to find the right employee if they have a degree and hire only those persons. [This doesn't go for specialist trades like doctors, lawyers, rocket scientists, etc. They actually need the training.]

yeah you can saw that but try the college of engineering, Architectures (well this one you might get away with), Degree in Science (chem, Phy, Bio) and Math. I can promise those major have things that you can only learn in the college.

Now for other majors it is another story but still for a lot of them will have things only taught in college.

 

[amd4me]

Get Your Butt In College!

 

[Unspeaked]

If you're bright enough to question it in the first place, follow through and don't go to college.

I suspect this thread was simply an attempt to collect a laundry list of reasons to make it easier to shoot down the idea, anyway, so there you go...!

 

[mactastic]

heck yeah. I one offer on my desk that is a dream offer for me with my first choice of the company. The only reason I am sitting on it is I have one last interview I have said I would go to and my ethics will not let me go on an interview when they do not stand a chance to get me. I owe them that respect plus I said I would go.

Either way yeah CM is the direction I am going.

I sure hope you like paperwork! I've got almost $20 million in construction that I'm doing contract administration on right now, and it seems like all I do is push paper around. I haven't touched AutoCad in over a year.

I almost went the CM route. It's pretty cool to be out there managing a multi-million dollar contract.

 

[chedda]

Do It ,Indecision Sucks

Simply speaking you should do everything in your power to seek an education if the opportunity exists. You then still have the choice whether to use it or not. This choice empowers you if you don't do it you have limited options. Can you imagine how many millions of people are stuck now hating their jobs and wishing they had studied. An education gives you options plus shows an employer you have the ability to learn and dedicate yourself. After i left university as an Architect i dove into the hands on construction field i believed this would make me more well rounded. Then as i grew older i reverted back to the office and design field. If i had not studied i would not have had this option. Your only 18 and now its really easy to learn it gets progressively harder imho. So just do it, you know it makes sense then you can choose to not use it if you wish after you have the power this way. Who knows what life will bring you your just starting out dont restrict yourself so early keep all avenues open !

The one true philosophy of life is you will NEVER stop learning nor will you ever know everything.............

 

[ziwi]

Go. If it is something you want to do. Delaying going will more likely than not make the experience not happen or prolong it in a different environment (night school, etc.) Getting the paper will enable you to pursue many more opportunities in life. I am not saying that the paper is really worth anything, just that it is a requirement in most daily life today...

 

[Rodimus Prime]

I sure hope you like paperwork! I've got almost $20 million in construction that I'm doing contract administration on right now, and it seems like all I do is push paper around. I haven't touched AutoCad in over a year.

I almost went the CM route. It's pretty cool to be out there managing a multi-million dollar contract.

funny part is I think the paper part is pretty cool and just seeing how everything come together. I am looking forward to the day I am PM on 20-100+mil projects.