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Drop out of college?

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rememberscott
Posts: 1291 - Karma: 5,200
Hey guys so a little over a year ago I dropped out of college or what I like to call "taking a break". I feel like now is the time when I should either get back at it or be done with it for good. What do you guys think/how has your experienced been since dropping out? Has anyone landed a real job without a bachelors degree? Feel free to weigh in.
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Dec 3 2014 7:39PM
73 31
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,488
real job... as opposed to a fake job?
Dec 3 2014 7:42PM
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Lus146
Posts: 422 - Karma: 2,282
A friend of mine did the same. He went to a full out university but he couldn't handle it so he came home, took two semesters off and goes to a smaller school nearby and commutes home on weekends so he can ski and whatever.
Dec 3 2014 8:16PM
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Backhaus
Posts: 68 - Karma: 89
I went to college right out of high school. Dropped out after on smeseter and joined the Marine Corps. Now I'm back in school, but way more mature and take it seriously. To be honest, I wouldn't be in school if the GI Bill wasn't paying me to do it. If you want to drop out, that's cool. School is not for everyone. There are decent jobs out there without a college degree, but having one doesn't hurt. Just make sure you have a plan if you do drop out. Don't be that in your mom's basement when you're 30 eating hot pockets with no job
Dec 3 2014 8:39PM
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Beepboop123
Posts: 691 - Karma: 90
I went to school for a semester after high school, then i took a year and a half off. I went back to school and am currently enrolled. Best decision i ever made, and I worked full time during my year and a half off.
Dec 3 2014 8:40PM
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amieastcoastyet
Posts: 172 - Karma: 173
its all about that degree and the MULLLLAAAAAA

but do what you want some of the most successful people dropped out or didn't even go to college.
Dec 3 2014 8:54PM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
BA's don't mean what they used to. If you're planning on doing a trade. Don't go to a 4 year school. Go to trade school. And don't pay for the expensive trade schools.

While attending school, get a job being a gopher bitch at a business in your trade.. You'll get real work experience, learn from guys in the industry as well as making money and paying off school at the same time. (My brother is doing this with welding currently).

I dropped out and have no degree. I work as an audio engineer. I started at the bottom and went from there.

Its not for everyone, some people just want the false sense of security of a degree. When i know plenty people with 4 year degrees that are unemployed, working at target or Starbucks or even as basic stagehands on shows, and I'm bossing them around. But yet, everyone I know thats done 2 years or less of trade school, is already working full time..

So the truth is, BA's are not as valuable or worth the money as they used to be. There are plenty of trades and jobs that don't require 4 year education.
Dec 3 2014 9:04PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
I took three years off in the middle of my 4 year BSW degree. First two years were general classes, but I didn't have any direction and school's too expensive to not have any direction. During my time off, I ended up getting an amazing job as a teaching assistant and that ended up leading me back to university to finish with a social work degree.

Time off isn't always a bad thing, especially if you are still figuring out what you want to do with your life.
Dec 3 2014 9:11PM
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Phil-X-
Posts: 7205 - Karma: 14,401
College might not be for you... it definitely isn't for me.... but that doesn't mean you shouldn't complete it.




Dolla dolla dollar bill yalllllllll. I fucking hate it at school but know its necessary to be a normal adult.


A lot of people say "oh bill gates this" or "steve jobs that" "I don't need college, they didn't!"
....the difference is they knew what it was going to take to be successful and followed their inspiration at all or nothing and didn't log into their social media to ask about it

if you honestly need to ask nsg for their option you better just get that degree n call it a day
Dec 3 2014 9:18PM
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Scaredwhiteboy
Posts: 1395 - Karma: -938
.Hugo.real job... as opposed to a fake job?


As opposed to working the frier at McDonald's like your mother.
Dec 3 2014 9:20PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,488
ScaredwhiteboyAs opposed to working the frier at McDonald's like your mother.


well, you tried
Dec 3 2014 9:29PM
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KJacks
Posts: 440 - Karma: 2,329
i just did to become a ski coach winning?
Dec 3 2014 10:11PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
What were you planning on majoring in? If it is something like Liberal Arts or US history then you might aswell not waste your money. However there are lots of degrees out there that can land you good jobs for very good pay. Most of those are in the medical and technology fields. Or the trades. If you don't want to go to college then that is your choice, however in my opinion you are just making your life harder than it need be.


A good visual is those without a degree are typically the ones in the ditch digging while the guy with the degree is in the climate controlled backhoe listening to the radio.
Dec 3 2014 10:12PM
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Lt-Aldo-Raine
Posts: 2309 - Karma: 120
I dropped out and started a landscaping business.
Dec 3 2014 11:51PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6962 - Karma: 25,265
Often jobs require a degree + lots of experience. I started working full time before I got my BA but I'm glad I finished it. After working a few years I had the opportunity to apply for a job that required the experience I had and a BA. At that point my employer didn't care what my BA was in but they needed me to have it to offer me the job.
Dec 4 2014 2:09PM
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Lucas
Posts: 4881 - Karma: 1,575
ryanoBA's don't mean what they used to. If you're planning on doing a trade. Don't go to a 4 year school. Go to trade school. And don't pay for the expensive trade schools.

While attending school, get a job being a gopher bitch at a business in your trade.. You'll get real work experience, learn from guys in the industry as well as making money and paying off school at the same time. (My brother is doing this with welding currently).

I dropped out and have no degree. I work as an audio engineer. I started at the bottom and went from there.

Its not for everyone, some people just want the false sense of security of a degree. When i know plenty people with 4 year degrees that are unemployed, working at target or Starbucks or even as basic stagehands on shows, and I'm bossing them around. But yet, everyone I know thats done 2 years or less of trade school, is already working full time..

So the truth is, BA's are not as valuable or worth the money as they used to be. There are plenty of trades and jobs that don't require 4 year education.


I'm not sure if your applying the term BA to all 4 year degrees but you can't deny there are some that are very valuable. However, I do agree with everything else. Trade schools can be very useful and it just depends on the person.
Dec 4 2014 3:16PM
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iH8pow
Posts: 1835 - Karma: 7,912
What you were majoring in would have been crucial information... a lot of people really should have dropped out of school, but instead they get out with $50k in debt and end up taking the same jobs they could have when they were 18. Hell, 50k in student loans, not to mention all the credit card debt racked up while looking for a job since they're so sure they're valuable.
Best bet is to go to tech school, not a fake online one probably but a local school. And go to school where you want to live since they will have the connections to get you a job there. Don't go to a school in say Arizona if you want to live in Colorado, you dig? Be a welder or something, they're the ones making the real money. Way too many people go to University thinking no matter what they do they're gold, and they're idiots
Dec 4 2014 3:28PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 52051 - Karma: 167,343
It all depends on you. How much have you invested? Where do you think the degree you're pursuing will get you? Are you capable of finishing said degree? Were you pushed into going to school, regret it, don't like your degree, and want to cut your losses? Was everything fine but you just got a little stressed out and decided to bail?


I never went to college because for the most part it isn't structured for me and I didn't want to risk a ton of money on it. Ended up doing alright. I'm poor but I like my job and will continue to do it until I'm dead or my interests change.

How much money do you feel you need to live comfortably? Are you looking to get a house? How big, location? Family or single life?

A lot of questions but it's all the stuff you should be asking yourself. It really depends on the person and the situation. I've know people that have come a couple months from completely a 4 year degree and dropped out, some that have bailed at the beginning, people that have gone back and been stoked, people that have gone back and still didn't dig it and quit again.

You can do what ever you want. There are plenty of people who dropped out and don't regret it at all. There are plenty of people that do.

The only thing I don't like with the college thing is that there are always people who will push it on everyone with a "Everybody NEEDS to go to college" kind of thing. IMO that's bullshit. For some people it's great for others it's not.

What do you want out of life, what have you invested in college, what will it cost to finish etc.

Then just make it happen and move on.
Dec 4 2014 3:38PM
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qazwsxedc34
Posts: 2955 - Karma: 2,135
I dropped out to be a philosopher on NS
Dec 4 2014 3:42PM
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skiskate
Posts: 787 - Karma: 823
I thought about dropping out, instead switched to a tech school and did a 2 year course there. Now make a pretty comfy salary and didnt waste another 2 years
Dec 4 2014 3:44PM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,274
Phil-X-if you honestly need to ask nsg for their option you better just get that degree n call it a day


It's as simple as this. Stay in school unless you have a strong conviction not to and you feel it'll lead you to success, but the fact that you have to ask means you will probably end up dicking around for a couple years until you realized you fucked up
Dec 4 2014 4:14PM
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louie.mirags
Posts: 6015 - Karma: 5,027
skiskateI thought about dropping out, instead switched to a tech school and did a 2 year course there. Now make a pretty comfy salary and didnt waste another 2 years


same
Dec 4 2014 4:16PM
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eheath
Posts: 61734 - Karma: 124,627
You can get a dope job without a degree, its just going to take a lot more work. Any company will hire someone into a "real" job if they have a degree/experience but without a degree, youre going to work from the bottom of the company up. You can make it up, it'll just be harder and take longer. But, don't go to school if youre not into it because you probably wont learn much and just waste your money for a piece of paper.
Dec 4 2014 4:31PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 52051 - Karma: 167,343
The only thing I really regret with school is not doing boces trade stuff in high school instead of some of the normal classes. Would have been perfect. Didn't really know anything about it at the time though.

Would have been so much more useful. Construction, welding, heavy equipment. Any of that kind of shit versus my standard high school bullshit. Didn't really learn anything my last 2 years.

I mean I know some of the shit and do some of that shit but it would have been nice to have training in it instead of school and some kind of certification or at least the nod that I took a class for it.

Not sure how nobody pitched that to me while I was in school.

Oh well, better luck in another life.
Dec 4 2014 4:54PM
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Scaredwhiteboy
Posts: 1395 - Karma: -938
.Hugo.well, you tried


Sorry, Burger King.
Dec 4 2014 4:55PM
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Drail
Posts: 14033 - Karma: 10,205
Ha. The system sure has brainwashed some of you folk pretty good eh? No, you don't NEED a college/university degree to survive in this world.

If you want a job that legitimately requires a degree the answer is obviously yes - go to post secondary. If you are getting a degree simply because you have been told you will work a shitty minimum wage job and die early as a sad, poor person - you have no idea what the real world and life is all about.


I know I sounded like an asshole, but it's the truth. If all you care about is getting a job that pays you 6 figures a year so you can live the 'American dream' you probably wouldn't have dropped out of school in the first place. Ultimately, it's your decision alone as to what you choose to do and from a 3rd persons perspective there is no wrong decision.
Dec 4 2014 5:06PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37745 - Karma: 124,551
.Hugo.well, you tried


he really just sucks, doesn't he?



OP, do whatever you want. don't want to finish school? thats okay, its whatever. just dont blame society for your shortcomings.
Dec 4 2014 5:09PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 52051 - Karma: 167,343
DeebieSkeebiesjust dont blame society for your shortcomings.


HEY! IT'S AVERAGE SIZED!
Dec 4 2014 5:12PM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
DrailHa. The system sure has brainwashed some of you folk pretty good eh? No, you don't NEED a college/university degree to survive in this world.

If you want a job that legitimately requires a degree the answer is obviously yes - go to post secondary. If you are getting a degree simply because you have been told you will work a shitty minimum wage job and die early as a sad, poor person - you have no idea what the real world and life is all about.


I know I sounded like an asshole, but it's the truth. If all you care about is getting a job that pays you 6 figures a year so you can live the 'American dream' you probably wouldn't have dropped out of school in the first place. Ultimately, it's your decision alone as to what you choose to do and from a 3rd persons perspective there is no wrong decision.


You dont NEED a degree but if has been proven time and time again a degree will earn you significantly more in your lifetime. Yea many become rich without a degre...but they are the 1 out of 100 who make it. If money isn't something you care about...then accept your 50k a year and drop out. And if you get minimum wage with a college degree you fucked up big time.
Dec 4 2014 5:31PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
Work harder or work smarter.
Dec 4 2014 5:42PM
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Kazabazua
Posts: 3529 - Karma: 1,128
I was in your shoes once. My best advice would be to try a lot of new things and find whatever it is that you love to do. If you're not having fun doing something, just stop doing it and move on to the next thing.
Dec 4 2014 5:46PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
pussyfooterYou can get a dope job without a degree, its just going to take a lot more work. Any company will hire someone into a "real" job if they have a degree/experience but without a degree, youre going to work from the bottom of the company up. You can make it up, it'll just be harder and take longer. But, don't go to school if youre not into it because you probably wont learn much and just waste your money for a piece of paper.


DrailHa. The system sure has brainwashed some of you folk pretty good eh? No, you don't NEED a college/university degree to survive in this world.

If you want a job that legitimately requires a degree the answer is obviously yes - go to post secondary. If you are getting a degree simply because you have been told you will work a shitty minimum wage job and die early as a sad, poor person - you have no idea what the real world and life is all about.


I know I sounded like an asshole, but it's the truth. If all you care about is getting a job that pays you 6 figures a year so you can live the 'American dream' you probably wouldn't have dropped out of school in the first place. Ultimately, it's your decision alone as to what you choose to do and from a 3rd persons perspective there is no wrong decision.


Look. When out in the workforce in a field not REQUIRING a degree it all comes down to who is better. Performance is everything in all career fields. Hell a degree from Stanford is only better than a degree from State U. at getting that entry level job. After that its how good you are at what you do.

That said, all other things being equal, a candidate with a degree will get hired over the non degree every damn time. And most people have degrees these days, so its a big disadvantage to not have a degree.

Also a degree gives you options. A trade school locks you into a trade...and THATS ALL YOU CAN DO. A STEM degree allows you to go into any field you want.


I went into engineering because I thought it would give me a good shot at living comfortably. Do I like it? Not really. But I do like the people I work with, the money I make, the way I can live my life without fear of money problems, and generally the freedom I have because I don't have to worry about money. If one day I don't want to do this anymore I can easily transition into business, or finance, or marketing, or really anything. That's what a good degree allows you to do.
Dec 4 2014 5:53PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
You don't need a degree to be successful in life. You just need one if you want anybody to take you seriously.
Dec 4 2014 6:13PM
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Scaredwhiteboy
Posts: 1395 - Karma: -938
DeebieSkeebieshe really just sucks, doesn't he?



OP, do whatever you want. don't want to finish school? thats okay, its whatever. just dont blame society for your shortcomings.


Still salty, I see.
Dec 4 2014 6:14PM
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Drail
Posts: 14033 - Karma: 10,205
KravtZYou dont NEED a degree but if has been proven time and time again a degree will earn you significantly more in your lifetime. Yea many become rich without a degre...but they are the 1 out of 100 who make it. If money isn't something you care about...then accept your 50k a year and drop out. And if you get minimum wage with a college degree you fucked up big time.


The overall point of my post was that being rich (or at least getting as much money as possible) doesn't have to be an integral factor in life. There is a huge spectrum to what can be considered a successful life and maximum income isn't the be all end all. Not having a degree doesn't mean you're destine to work min wage and be in extreme poverty.

And as I said - if a 6 digit annual income is what OP considers a successful life, he probably wouldn't have dropped out in the first place.
Dec 4 2014 7:17PM
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Drail
Posts: 14033 - Karma: 10,205
lIllIYou don't need a degree to be successful in life. You just need one if you want anybody to take you seriously.


brainwashed.
Dec 4 2014 7:19PM
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airplaneface
Posts: 219 - Karma: 685
Phil-X-Dolla dolla dollar bill yalllllllll. I fucking hate it at school but know its necessary to be a normal adult.

Well, it is a good thing to see that all of your hard schooling has paid off.
Dec 4 2014 7:27PM
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Daph
Posts: 5978 - Karma: 5,010
Dropping out was the best decision I've ever made. Been 4 years and no regrets at all. If you can find a niche where a degree doesn't matter then fuckit, don't get sucked into that financial black hole. Unfortunately there are not many opportunities like that so it may be advantageous to go back unless you have something rad lined up that looks as though it will pan out nicely in the future.
Dec 4 2014 7:31PM
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Scaredwhiteboy
Posts: 1395 - Karma: -938
YoungDaphDropping out was the best decision I've ever made. Been 4 years and no regrets at all. If you can find a niche where a degree doesn't matter then fuckit, don't get sucked into that financial black hole. Unfortunately there are not many opportunities like that so it may be advantageous to go back unless you have something rad lined up that looks as though it will pan out nicely in the future.


Please tell me the niche you found was pornography.
Dec 4 2014 7:37PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Drailbrainwashed.


Unless you are extremely talented at something, it is unfortunately true. In this day and age not having a degree shows a lack o intelligence, ambition, and discipline unless proved otherwise.

You might be the one brainwashed here.
Dec 4 2014 7:43PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,972
OP how much are you making at your job now?

Sorry if the answer was in the thread somewhere, I didn't read any of the replies
Dec 4 2014 7:47PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 52051 - Karma: 167,343
lIllIYou don't need a degree to be successful in life. You just need one if you want anybody to take you seriously.


LOL. Considering some of the degrees people are spending $$$ to get these days I find that amusing.

There are plenty of people not doing so well with degrees and without degrees.
Dec 4 2014 7:54PM
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Drail
Posts: 14033 - Karma: 10,205
californiagrownUnless you are extremely talented at something, it is unfortunately true. In this day and age not having a degree shows a lack o intelligence, ambition, and discipline unless proved otherwise.

You might be the one brainwashed here.


keep telling yourself that. There are obvious careers that need schooling to get into (nursing off the top of my head), but to say that you need a degree for anyone to take you seriously is the biggest joke ever.

you even said yourself "unless proved otherwise".
Dec 4 2014 8:09PM
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Shredsterr
Posts: 2090 - Karma: 6,930
Why not go to a trades school and get qualified to be a plumber, electrician, etc. You can take some business classes as well, and set yourself up to a long and lucrative career.
Dec 4 2014 8:11PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
Drailkeep telling yourself that. There are obvious careers that need schooling to get into (nursing off the top of my head), but to say that you need a degree for anyone to take you seriously is the biggest joke ever.

you even said yourself "unless proved otherwise".



I learned it, and see it everywhere I go, in every type of job I am around. You seem to be getting butthurt when all I'm saying is that not getting a 4 year degree puts you at a disadvantage, job wise. Its a fact.

You really disagree with that? Haha

To what degree it puts you at a disadvantage depends on your natural talent, work ethic, and ideal lifestyle.


What your last sentence about, anyways? Did the meaning of my post totally go over your head?
Dec 4 2014 8:16PM
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Daph
Posts: 5978 - Karma: 5,010
ScaredwhiteboyPlease tell me the niche you found was pornography.


My titties aint big enough for that shit. Luckily I got involved in the ski industry, basically the same thing right?
Dec 4 2014 8:19PM
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Scaredwhiteboy
Posts: 1395 - Karma: -938
YoungDaphMy titties aint big enough for that shit. Luckily I got involved in the ski industry, basically the same thing right?


You just broke my heart.
Dec 4 2014 8:23PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
theabortionatorLOL. Considering some of the degrees people are spending $$$ to get these days I find that amusing.

There are plenty of people not doing so well with degrees and without degrees.


There are also plenty of people who regularly smoke cigarettes and live to be 100. That doesn't change the fact that the odds are stacked against you, however unfair it may be.

I'm not arguing the capacity of people without degrees, or the merits of one degree over another (that is a different discussion altogether). Like it or not, many of the people who decide whether or not you get a job are too stupid to see past that piece of paper. I don't like it either, but those are the brakes.

You pay $50,000+ for a shiny gold star is mostly used to keep your resume out of the garbage. Whether you choose to pursue a major that gets you beyond that just an interview is up to you.

The exception being that if you are an entrepreneur (i.e. there is nobody to impress as a barrier to entry), then that shiny piece of paper is worth fuck all. At the end of the day, intelligence is a multiplier of hard work. That piece of paper just increases your chances of somebody giving you the opportunity to prove that.

Drailkeep telling yourself that. There are obvious careers that need schooling to get into (nursing off the top of my head), but to say that you need a degree for anyone to take you seriously is the biggest joke ever.


And you're choosing to deny an economic fact on the basis of what? Presumably the minority of hyper-motivated entrepreneurs? Whether you like it or not, people are superficial, especially when they are gauging the value of potential human capital. All else being equal, who do you think presents more value to a risk-averse superficial hiring manager: someone who made a four year commitment and honored it, or someone who dropped out?

This isn't about intelligence or ability. It's about doing whatever is necessary to please those stupid motherfuckers who were so shitty at their job that they got relegated to hiring managers and are so dense that all they can do to gauge a person's eligibility for an interview is to look at their "stats" on a piece of paper. A degree gets you the interview, not the job. To think that the majority of people in hiring positions are rational enough to give credit where it is due is naive.

tl;dr:
Dec 4 2014 9:04PM
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Drail
Posts: 14033 - Karma: 10,205
californiagrownWhat your last sentence about, anyways? Did the meaning of my post totally go over your head?


I think the problem is that we are talking about different things. I believe you are talking about people without degrees vs people with degrees going for a job that generally requires a degree, yes?

I am looking at things more overall. There are tons of jobs out there that do not require a degree that I want to say pay enough to live comfortably. (The kicker is that everyone's definition and requirements for 'comfortable' very greatly. Yes, if you don't have a degree and are going for a job that generally asks for one, you need to be damn good at what you do in order to get the job. But saying that you need a degree for anyone to take you seriously is what I have a problem with. Saying "anyone" to me implies that people with degrees have the upper hand even for jobs that don't require them - but that's just not true.

It's the narrow mindedness that you need a job that requires a degree and make a shit ton of money to be considered successful is where I say people are brainwashed. If you get a really high paying job than yes, you are successful - at having a really high paying job. You could be making $150 000 annually and still not be successful at life if you're not happy (or even just content) with what you are doing.
Dec 4 2014 10:16PM
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Drail
Posts: 14033 - Karma: 10,205
lIllIAnd you're choosing to deny an economic fact on the basis of what?


You guys are looking at what being successful at life from a very narrow minded mentality. If all you are going for is the highest paid job possible than of course, I agree - go to University and do whatever gets you the most money. But there is a huge spectrum of jobs that pay a huge spectrum of money.

There is more to life than making as much money as possible. And for the third time - if OP wanted a job that paid the most money possible, he probably wouldn't have dropped out in the first place. The original question was "has anyone landed a real job without a bachelors degree?" The answer is yes.
Dec 4 2014 10:23PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
DrailYou guys are looking at what being successful at life from a very narrow minded mentality. If all you are going for is the highest paid job possible than of course, I agree - go to University and do whatever gets you the most money. But there is a huge spectrum of jobs that pay a huge spectrum of money.

There is more to life than making as much money as possible. And for the third time - if OP wanted a job that paid the most money possible, he probably wouldn't have dropped out in the first place. The original question was "has anyone landed a real job without a bachelors degree?" The answer is yes.

You are straw-manning my argument. Where did I say anything about "success?" That is a completely different subject. I'm talking numbers here: a college degree means that there is a higher probability that you will play into the aggregate pool of prospective employers' stupid little game.

Of course you can land a job (even a high-paying one) without a college degree. But that doesn't mean that your chances aren't lower, or that the degree is even necessary beyond opportunism.

As for "success" - at no point have I implied that a prestigeous high paying job is somehow objectively more enriching or worthy of more respect. It depends on the person. I'm not even sure why you brought that up.

For what it's worth, most of my friends who didn't go to college are making more money than the freshly graduated STEM majors I know. Guess what? My point still stands because their employment prospects are not the norm. That is no basis to suggest that dropping out is necessarily beneficial. If OP has to ask, chances are that he doesn't have his shit together enough to be in that minority.
Dec 4 2014 10:47PM
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