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Taking a semester off school?

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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
Have any of you ever taken a semester off of college just to travel and ski?
Did you go back after and if you did, was it hard to get back into the swing of things?

I know it's probably better to buckle down and get it over with, but I also don't want to blow the youth I have left being locked down. Especially if I have an opportunity to explore the world, ski and have a good time without blowing my GPA.
Dec 15 2016 10:17PM
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,326
I'm going to take a year off between high school and college. Every older adult that has heard my plan said "Wow, that sounds great...I wish I took some time off".

Don't grow old and have those regrets. Just fuckin do it. It is not going to ruin your future and it could open up to tons of new opportunities.
Dec 16 2016 8:50AM
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jjdsteeze
Posts: 2562 - Karma: 4,136
Nope. Went straight to college and finished in 4 years and got out. Would prolly have been sweet do take a year off just for skiing though.
Dec 16 2016 3:22PM
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SammyDubz
Posts: 2168 - Karma: 7,222
wanted to. parents wouldn't let me though
Dec 16 2016 3:27PM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
SammyDubzwanted to. parents wouldn't let me though

Aww that sucks! I already have about 2 semesters done for transfer and my parents support a break. I feel like I might want to spend this winter getting healthy and getting my tricks back. I wouldn't be doing "nothing" I want to get my personal training certification and shadow a trainer at High Fives in Truckee. They just want me to do something else if I won't be full time at school.
Dec 16 2016 4:10PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
I just took two semesters off because I was going to transfer, but couldn't due to money and scholarships. Twoish thoughts:

It will fuck things up, especially any loans you may have.

Don't fucking do it unless if you really need to or can set it so there's something forcing you back, whether it's an internship (could be part time) or you put money on the next semester.

Personally, I worked full time 45-60 hours a week. I also took several classes to get gen eds out of the way at the CC near my school.
Dec 16 2016 7:26PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
RedneckGravyI just took two semesters off because I was going to transfer, but couldn't due to money and scholarships. Twoish thoughts:

It will fuck things up, especially any loans you may have.

Don't fucking do it unless if you really need to or can set it so there's something forcing you back, whether it's an internship (could be part time) or you put money on the next semester.

Personally, I worked full time 45-60 hours a week. I also took several classes to get gen eds out of the way at the CC near my school.


It's hard as fuck getting back into the school mindset. I'm 22, a year behind in classes and I'd much rather be working 50-60 hours a week.
Dec 16 2016 7:28PM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
RedneckGravyI just took two semesters off because I was going to transfer, but couldn't due to money and scholarships. Twoish thoughts:

It will fuck things up, especially any loans you may have.

Don't fucking do it unless if you really need to or can set it so there's something forcing you back, whether it's an internship (could be part time) or you put money on the next semester.

Personally, I worked full time 45-60 hours a week. I also took several classes to get gen eds out of the way at the CC near my school.


Ah true, good points there. I guess I don't desperately "need" to, but I'd really like to, not like we always get what we'd like in life anyways.
Since I'm transferring from a CC to a 4 year, the selection for classes is looking pretty slim. I almost have all of my gen ed out of the way for my major. Now I'm stuck with the second halves of year long classes, like Photo 2 which requires Photo 1 which they don't offer in the spring so they won't approve a skip.
I could take classes online I did that over the summer recovering from surgery and that went alright. I'd have a scholarship but it's effective while you're at the school and once you get it, you have it whether or not you take time off. I've managed to stay away from outside loans by getting gen ed out of the way at my CC and wouldn't need a loan for this semester.
I mean being wishy washy about it is stupid, it's just school but I "need" a fun break. Hate to be a little bitch but it's been one hell of a nosediving year.
Dec 16 2016 8:27PM
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Mids
Posts: 406 - Karma: 1,283
I'm in the midst of doing that right now. My plan was to work full time, save up a bunch of money, ski every day in the winter and go back to school the following year. But now all I can think about is getting back to school and finishing my degree. I applied to a local college not too long ago and will head back this next semester. Skiing and the free time is great and all but I just feel like I have unfinished business and need to get back.
Dec 16 2016 8:50PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9218 - Karma: 5,402
Shit, I loved being at school and I'd love to go back. So much so, that I anticipate that I'll be starting PhD next fall. Make some good friends and enjoy the time at school. Someone said they heard older people say they wish they took a year off, but I hear everyone say they wish they were back at school.
Dec 16 2016 8:50PM
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HAMNATION
Posts: 814 - Karma: 1,722
I took a semester off 10 years ago..... Never made it back I have skied like 1100 days since/CLAIM
Dec 16 2016 9:30PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
SkierBetchAh true, good points there. I guess I don't desperately "need" to, but I'd really like to, not like we always get what we'd like in life anyways.
Since I'm transferring from a CC to a 4 year, the selection for classes is looking pretty slim. I almost have all of my gen ed out of the way for my major. Now I'm stuck with the second halves of year long classes, like Photo 2 which requires Photo 1 which they don't offer in the spring so they won't approve a skip.
I could take classes online I did that over the summer recovering from surgery and that went alright. I'd have a scholarship but it's effective while you're at the school and once you get it, you have it whether or not you take time off. I've managed to stay away from outside loans by getting gen ed out of the way at my CC and wouldn't need a loan for this semester.
I mean being wishy washy about it is stupid, it's just school but I "need" a fun break. Hate to be a little bitch but it's been one hell of a nosediving year.


Find some sort of photo job and start your one level classes and continue working in the fall?
Dec 16 2016 9:53PM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
RedneckGravyFind some sort of photo job and start your one level classes and continue working in the fall?

For sure, my ultimate goal would be working in athletics and rehabilitation for athletes. I'm in and out of High Fives in Truckee a lot for my own recovery stuff and I'm starting to lean towards getting into that type of career. Photo stuff would be a good place holder job.
My options so far for this semester seem to be majorly conflicting schedule wise. I'm supposed to ski with the college's team so they want me out more than the designated Fri. Sat. Sun. team days. I'm still working on it, maybe they'd give me an option of part time classes if I don't accept my scholarship for this semester. Touch choice, ski with a team and do classes or ski on my own and get my personal training certification.
Dec 16 2016 10:09PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,978
Go down south in the summer and ski. That way you don't have to screw up anything with school
Dec 17 2016 9:51AM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
SkierBetchFor sure, my ultimate goal would be working in athletics and rehabilitation for athletes. I'm in and out of High Fives in Truckee a lot for my own recovery stuff and I'm starting to lean towards getting into that type of career. Photo stuff would be a good place holder job.
My options so far for this semester seem to be majorly conflicting schedule wise. I'm supposed to ski with the college's team so they want me out more than the designated Fri. Sat. Sun. team days. I'm still working on it, maybe they'd give me an option of part time classes if I don't accept my scholarship for this semester. Touch choice, ski with a team and do classes or ski on my own and get my personal training certification.


Either way you'll be skiing, I think it really boils down to the advantages of skiing with the team or getting certified. Is it possible to get certified, ski with the team 3x a week and possibly work out a training schedule for the days you can't?
Dec 17 2016 12:23PM
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gravel
Posts: 5521 - Karma: 42,299
Did 3 semesters and then took last spring off for skiing. Was a really great time and getting back into school was really easy for me. Could be different for others but I would recommend giving it a go.
Dec 17 2016 1:18PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Did two years of general studies (didn't get into the major I wanted) and then dropped out for about two years, trying to figure out what direction I wanted to go and save some money rather than figuring it out while paying for school. Decided on a new direction, took a few pre-requisite classes and went back full time 2.5 years after deciding to take a break. Definitely a long, round-about way of doing it, but I'm not stuck in an area I hate and have a degree in an area I'll always be able to find work in (social work). I'll never have an engineer/finance/business/etc income, but I'll always have work.
Dec 17 2016 3:30PM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
I guess realistically, would there be a massive difference between skiing on a college team or just skiing on my own with whoever I can pull together?
Team would probably be really fun but if I'm in classes that are sporadically causing me to not have time to train let alone ski with the team aside from designated practice, it wouldn't be that much use. If I'm on my own, I could probably continue advancing as much as I'd like, just without a "team". Plus I'm starting my first season back after ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair so... I'd be doing competitions towards the latter half of the season.

Tough call, don't mean to drag it out but the opinions are much appreciated and very helpful!
Dec 17 2016 4:48PM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
toastDid 3 semesters and then took last spring off for skiing. Was a really great time and getting back into school was really easy for me. Could be different for others but I would recommend giving it a go.


Yours seems closest to my situation, already have 2 semesters down, school has always been easy for me. I'm an A/B college student, I don't want to throw that away.

I guess I could travel, make it really worth my while, ski Canada and the PNW. I love school and the whole reason why I wanted to go was to be on their ski team, they wanted me for it and now it's turning into "if I take the classes advised to me per their schedule, I won't have time to ski, but if I don't, I won't be on their team"

I'll take that into consideration for sure, thanks!
Dec 17 2016 5:00PM
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Casey
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 24,814
I took like 8 years off college to fuck around, wishing I had buckled down sooner it doesn't get easier to go to school as you get older. That's my only advice, if you want to finish school just get it over with, because when you take a semester off its going to be awesome and you may not want to go back.
Dec 18 2016 2:18PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51781 - Karma: 163,947
SconnieI'm going to take a year off between high school and college. Every older adult that has heard my plan said "Wow, that sounds great...I wish I took some time off".

Don't grow old and have those regrets. Just fuckin do it. It is not going to ruin your future and it could open up to tons of new opportunities.


I did that and never went to school though.

For some people it's easier to just get it done with. That said a lot of people leave school and go right into a real career. So that gap year might have been their last bit of freedom that they skipped.

That said I have no rigrits
Dec 18 2016 7:47PM
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,326
theabortionatorI did that and never went to school though.

For some people it's easier to just get it done with. That said a lot of people leave school and go right into a real career. So that gap year might have been their last bit of freedom that they skipped.

That said I have no rigrits



And people act like their life is over if they don't go to college... which is so false. Kids are being brainwashed into blowing tens of thousands of dollars on this shit.
Dec 18 2016 7:55PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51781 - Karma: 163,947
SconnieAnd people act like their life is over if they don't go to college... which is so false. Kids are being brainwashed into blowing tens of thousands of dollars on this shit.


College is a great this for a lot of people. It really is the only way to some of the jobs people have. That said I agree. It definitely shouldn't be pushed as a "Go to college or you're fucked".

If I had student loans to pay off I would never be able to live my life as is. I'm quite happy I never went in spite of all the shit I got from family and even non family about it.

I do wish I had known more about trade programs in HS though. Those could have helped me a bunch without spending absurd amounts of money on college.

I guess it really all depends on what you want to do. If I had family paying for my college I probably would have gone, but I'm stoked I didn't take on all that debt. I do pretty well even though I'm under the poverty line probably, but I can live cheap and ski a ton.

I feel bad for some of my friends that have huge regrets about going as they sit on a mountain of debt.

At least there are plenty of people crushing it that got there with their degrees to balance things out.
Dec 18 2016 8:12PM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10831 - Karma: 57,381
SkierBetchAh true, good points there. I guess I don't desperately "need" to, but I'd really like to, not like we always get what we'd like in life anyways.
Since I'm transferring from a CC to a 4 year, the selection for classes is looking pretty slim. I almost have all of my gen ed out of the way for my major. Now I'm stuck with the second halves of year long classes, like Photo 2 which requires Photo 1 which they don't offer in the spring so they won't approve a skip.
I could take classes online I did that over the summer recovering from surgery and that went alright. I'd have a scholarship but it's effective while you're at the school and once you get it, you have it whether or not you take time off. I've managed to stay away from outside loans by getting gen ed out of the way at my CC and wouldn't need a loan for this semester.
I mean being wishy washy about it is stupid, it's just school but I "need" a fun break. Hate to be a little bitch but it's been one hell of a nosediving year.


I've taken a spring semester off, so has erica.

Spring was nice because most of the classes I need are offered in the Fall, Spring has classes I've done in the summer, or aren't required. I took this fall off as well, and am going back in the spring (lol)

Taking breaks was so funcking nessicary for me. I don't regret them ONE bit.
Dec 18 2016 8:59PM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
safarisamI've taken a spring semester off, so has erica.

Spring was nice because most of the classes I need are offered in the Fall, Spring has classes I've done in the summer, or aren't required. I took this fall off as well, and am going back in the spring (lol)

Taking breaks was so funcking nessicary for me. I don't regret them ONE bit.


The struggle is so real with the Spring vs Fall semesters, I'm in the same boat right now actually. I'm coming in to the school at a weird time and they're on continuous schedule there. They only offer Bio I in the fall and Bio II in the spring. I already got signed off to be able to take Bio II before Bio I, but if I do that, their only lab day for Bio II is midday Thursday, meaning the only other classes that work with that schedule would leave me at the school midday Mon. - Thurs. I usually try to stack all my classes on Mon. Wed OR Tues. Thurs. Basically, the whole situation is currently a mess and I don't know anybody over there to ask what their schedules are like. The team coach is trying to help me a bit to make it more flexible but I'm not sure how that'll work out yet.

I'm so down to take a semester off, but the only thing keeping me from doing that is the ski team. I'd still be taking some form of education whether I go this semester or not. I'm not concerned about the education part, I'll get it done either way. Just wondering if I won't look back and be kicking myself in the teeth for not taking the break XD
Dec 18 2016 10:43PM
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Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
I took 2 years off and am going back next fall. Didn't end up traveling but I also quit receiving money from my parents soon as I wasn't in school so I just got a lease and worked 40-50 hours a week. Working as a lifty right now and a couple nights at a restaurant and riding 3 days a week, pretty kickass. I have never been more motivated to go back to school though, I think it helped because I stayed here with my friends and most of them are graduating next semester so I feel like I need to catch up. I also got academically suspended for a semester so I was forced to take at least 1 off and have been pursuing residency since then. Overall, I am glad I did it. Got a harsh taste of the real world failing out and paying my own rent and food etc after coasting thru freshman year of school lol, but have settled into "real life" and realized how much I really want to pursue a career in my degree and not be stuck working my ass off at a restaurant just to pay rent and eat ramen.
Dec 19 2016 12:59AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 5,455
I went to college right after school and while it led to a awesome life in the long run I wish I would of just traveled the western states for a summer or winter. It would of gave me much better understanding of what's important in life.
Dec 19 2016 1:04AM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4815 - Karma: -709
SkierBetchAh true, good points there. I guess I don't desperately "need" to, but I'd really like to, not like we always get what we'd like in life anyways.
Since I'm transferring from a CC to a 4 year, the selection for classes is looking pretty slim. I almost have all of my gen ed out of the way for my major. Now I'm stuck with the second halves of year long classes, like Photo 2 which requires Photo 1 which they don't offer in the spring so they won't approve a skip.
I could take classes online I did that over the summer recovering from surgery and that went alright. I'd have a scholarship but it's effective while you're at the school and once you get it, you have it whether or not you take time off. I've managed to stay away from outside loans by getting gen ed out of the way at my CC and wouldn't need a loan for this semester.
I mean being wishy washy about it is stupid, it's just school but I "need" a fun break. Hate to be a little bitch but it's been one hell of a nosediving year.


I think you are in a spot where it makes sense. Send it for the spring.

A semester off inbetween transferring from one school to another is a good idea. Just do some summer school at the new place to get a head start to make up for taking a semester off.

That dude is totally correct though you don't want to be too old getting a bachelors. The social experience is equally important to the education. That is why stopping normally wouldn't be a good idea. You don't want to be that weird kid who goes home every weekend or fails out or gets kicked out. You want to finish asap.

Its a good idea inbetween a bachelors and masters to go skiing. Its not a good idea if you finished your bachelors. You will be passing on your best chance you will ever have to get a good job and on track for a high paying career. You want to work and be 'skilled' not merely end up one of the multitudes of unskilled people out there.
Dec 20 2016 12:06PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
You are just prolonging the poorest, least flexible time of your life IMO. when I graduated college and started my career I had a bunch of money and was finally able to do so much cool shit on top of just skiing. In college I was struggling with money and keeping a high GPA to keep scholarships. No time + no money sucked.

Now I live 45 mins from great skiing, have a great career, awesome friends, get powder day mornings off, travel when I want, just bought a condo in the hottest real estate market in the country, have all my hobbies at my fingertips, have a healthy savings, and I'm a few years shy of 30.

Thing is, I still have ski/bike bums living out of their vans tell me I'm doing it all wrong and that I am missing out and not living life.

Moral of the story: different strokes for different folks. If you don't like your situation, change it. If you aren't going to change it, you better love it. Everybody has to work hard and compromise in someway to live the life they want, no matter their situation.
Dec 20 2016 12:25PM
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Hugh_Conway_jr
Posts: 746 - Karma: 467
californiagrownYou are just prolonging the poorest, least flexible time of your life IMO. when I graduated college and started my career I had a bunch of money and was finally able to do so much cool shit on top of just skiing. In college I was struggling with money and keeping a high GPA to keep scholarships. No time + no money sucked.

Now I live 45 mins from great skiing, have a great career, awesome friends, get powder day mornings off, travel when I want, just bought a condo in the hottest real estate market in the country, have all my hobbies at my fingertips, have a healthy savings, and I'm a few years shy of 30.

Thing is, I still have ski/bike bums living out of their vans tell me I'm doing it all wrong and that I am missing out and not living life.

Moral of the story: different strokes for different folks. If you don't like your situation, change it. If you aren't going to change it, you better love it. Everybody has to work hard and compromise in someway to live the life they want, no matter their situation.


Some truths spoken here.

Prolonging poverty rarely produces fruits... Then again, I pursued an education that directly lead to a career... some pursue an education that only leads to more poverty.

I still ski / bike more days than most... in fact, the only people I know who can pull down more days on the hill/BC work in the industry .. and I don't really count their days spent touring around fat germans on green heli runs, or babysitting ski schools.... On top of that I can also afford a real house, truck, sled , gas ... trips...

so as he said.. different strokes for different folks.
Dec 20 2016 2:00PM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
PeppermillRenoA semester off inbetween transferring from one school to another is a good idea. Just do some summer school at the new place to get a head start to make up for taking a semester off.


Right, I did summer classes last semester, wasn't a big deal. I just pick the ones that are online so I still have time to go do stuff, come home, pump out work. My new college doesn't offer very many summer classes, but they do take classes from the CC as long as they're not upper division or senior year classes.
So far I've gotten 3 separate answers from each advisor as to what credits will be counted towards one class. Of course, they waited up until it would be too late for me to go somewhere else to tell me. Even though I met with them 3 times over the summer just to make sure everything was set. I still don't know what they want to do with it but I sure as shit hope they make up their minds soon so I can quit hassling this.

I'm taking it as a sign when my long time staunchly pro-education mother says "take a semester off to ski and have fun." They're helping me with school and stuff which is really amazing, couldn't even go without them. So I don't want to throw away a semester I'm getting help for when I could go in the fall for classes I need, not retaking ones I already had due to someone else's mistake.
Dec 20 2016 2:34PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
SkierBetchRight, I did summer classes last semester, wasn't a big deal. I just pick the ones that are online so I still have time to go do stuff, come home, pump out work. My new college doesn't offer very many summer classes, but they do take classes from the CC as long as they're not upper division or senior year classes.
So far I've gotten 3 separate answers from each advisor as to what credits will be counted towards one class. Of course, they waited up until it would be too late for me to go somewhere else to tell me. Even though I met with them 3 times over the summer just to make sure everything was set. I still don't know what they want to do with it but I sure as shit hope they make up their minds soon so I can quit hassling this.

I'm taking it as a sign when my long time staunchly pro-education mother says "take a semester off to ski and have fun." They're helping me with school and stuff which is really amazing, couldn't even go without them. So I don't want to throw away a semester I'm getting help for when I could go in the fall for classes I need, not retaking ones I already had due to someone else's mistake.


Hopefully you can work a couple jobs the couple months you take off so that you can help pay for your education in future semesters. Front of the house pays well...
Dec 20 2016 2:59PM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
californiagrownHopefully you can work a couple jobs the couple months you take off so that you can help pay for your education in future semesters. Front of the house pays well...


Yea I'm planning on getting my personal training certification. That'll be easy for me and that pays well. Stay fit in college and get money. Teach ski lessons on the weekends for this housing club. The tips on that are good for sure. Thanks for the advice, man.
Dec 20 2016 4:02PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
SkierBetchYea I'm planning on getting my personal training certification. That'll be easy for me and that pays well. Stay fit in college and get money. Teach ski lessons on the weekends for this housing club. The tips on that are good for sure. Thanks for the advice, man.


Like he said front of the house...go to any nicer restaurant and you can be pulling in $500/night thurs-sat.
Dec 20 2016 8:08PM
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spliff.Life
Posts: 7847 - Karma: 1,549
Do it, relish in lots of sex, drugs, and rock n roll too
Dec 20 2016 9:10PM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4815 - Karma: -709
SkierBetchI'm taking it as a sign when my long time staunchly pro-education mother says "take a semester off to ski and have fun." They're helping me with school and stuff which is really amazing, couldn't even go without them. So I don't want to throw away a semester I'm getting help for when I could go in the fall for classes I need, not retaking ones I already had due to someone else's mistake.


Yeah. Do this. Its only a few month gap don't feel pressured to be all successful and stuff I'd even ignore the people telling you to get a job in here focus on being ready to go in the fall. Live in dorms for a semester and be a regular college kid have that experience its fun. A good internship related to your degree will take you further in life than a part time job.

When I was at my lowest point in life (but starting a business) I thought it was a good idea to take some graduate classes and try and get a certificate even though I had no drivers license and was just doing it to appease the then GF and my mom. I signed up for one of the wrong classes and the teacher gave me an F in a class I didn't mean to take so even with an A I wouldn't have got the certificate. It was a waste of time and a huge bitch getting there with no car. A couple years later I bought a house 5 minutes from that college but my bridges are burned I can't go pick up a cheap masters degree without a lengthy process of getting my poor grade removed.

I have a bachelors from a really good school because I did it full time after HS I don't think I could have managed graduating from somewhere that good commuting over 8 semesters and working and doing other shit. Would have taken 8 years. Just takes a long time if you have other things going on. Good connections in my industry from school came from living there and playing intramural hockey/basketball and drinking all that other fun stuff with my friends hard to meet people in class you want the full experience.

Try and travel and ski new mountains its a great way to meet new people and expand your horizons. Im in Whistler right now and made a best friend this trip who is only 8 years older than me and is retired from doing something I also do. Gotta get out there to meet people like that.
Dec 20 2016 9:11PM
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