Thoughts On College

My ignorance will likely show to those of you who are older, have gone to college, or didn’t. Regardless, I’d just like to say that I’m obviously still figuring things out, and would like to ask you not to be too hard on me :)

“Hey there!

Good to hear from you. This is something I’ve been nulling over for a while now. I’m very anxious about it, and in all honesty, I’m not sure what I’m going to do. But I will tell you my current plans, and then my suggestion for you.

So right now I’m not planning on going to college, but I think that’s very circumstantial for a few reasons. I have Booklamp to work at, and I’ve been working a part time job for 4 years now. I suppose if I wasn’t working at Booklamp I would be working somewhere else. If the position were secure enough I’d probably have the same confidence I have now to not attend college.
If I hadn’t been working for the last 4+ years, not going to college would be a very risky venture. But I digress, let me attack the problem from a different angle.

Why go to college? For a few reasons, the degree being the first and foremost reason; experiences, connections, and an education being secondary. People want to see that you can commit to something. Experiences being a powerful asset in the sense that…if you haven’t been treated like an adult, you will be in college – and you’ll subsequently grow up.
The connections are…debatable, as I know plenty of kids who aren’t in college but who have double the connections many of the college kids I know have. The internet being a powerful asset in this sense.
I’ll try and cut to the chase – I think college isn’t for everyone. Now, you hear this all over the place. On the news, from teachers, parents, et cetera. It’s usually said in regards to those who just don’t cut it. Those who actually can’t get into college because of poor grades, or some other factor.
I think the same logic is appropriate when someone simply…doesn’t need college in their life. They either have a skill that will take them places without any further schooling – or they don’t want a job that would require the schooling necessary in college. For example: I have no desire to be a doctor, a job that obviously would require a hefty tuition fee.

Tuition is another reason I’m not really looking to go to college right now. I don’t like debt, it’s been a huge issue for my family before, and it’s a huge issue for the country as a whole right now – why put myself in a that position. If I can make it at all without going into debt, does it not seem like a better option? Well, yes, but I think some would tell you there’s a “glass ceiling” of sorts that you’ll hit if you don’t make the investment, go to college, and get a degree.
They say “sure you’ll make more than me at first, but eventually, you’ll hit that invisible ceiling, and my annual income will surpass yours.”
I think there is some truth to this statement – but a few things resonate with me (as someone actually said that to me in pre-interview chatter).

I don’t want a job where someone only hires me based on piece of paper. I want a job where I’m valued for me, as a person, and what I can do – proven through my portfolio.

I believe I can learn the same on the job, if not more than I would in college by working for those 4 years. On top of it, I’ll be making a name for myself right out if the gate. People will remember that young kid who can do what most comp sci majors don’t even know how to do. The world is flat in a sense. However – not everybody thinks so.

If you don’t have a ton of real-world work under your belt, I wouldn’t advise skipping college. But if you do, go for it. That is, if you’re sure you want to be a web designer for some period of time.

I could type a lot more, but I’lll wait for your response first.
Do what you love. (via Frank Chimero)”