Don't know what I should do?

[Megan]

I went to a family party today, and a few people ask me where I was going to college/degree. I told them, I am not sure yet. To be honest, I had no desire to go to college at all since it will not help me for the direction I want for my life. Then, I was thinking if I do not go to college I will be stuck poor if this goal of mine does not become a success. But then again if I don't do what I want, then I know I rather not live since it's the only thing I ever really wanted to do, and it's on my mind daily.

So it's either go to college, live unhappy. Or do what I want, and risk my financial security for life. But if I succeed, then I'll be the happiest person in the world, since I achieve my dream.

[juliekins]

College does not guarantee financial success. It does give you a different perspective on life, gives you social experiences you might not have otherwise had and may teach you how to study and apply yourself.

One can always go to college at a later date, if that's what you decide.

Your dream can be either sought before or after college.

Have you considered talking to your parents or friends about your dilemma and upcoming decision? Sometimes having others to help you with ideas and input can be helpful.

Good luck!

[Moonie]

i hear trade school isnt so bad

[tekla]

College is not for everyone.  Nor does that degree help, particularly if you were only there marking time.  If there is something special you need to learn to do the job you want to do (such as double-entry bookkeeping and accounting), or if you want to be say, a doctor or lawyer and need a college degree to get into those kind of schools (though remember, the highest score ever recorded on the California Bar Exam was scored by someone who never went to law school, but spent 15 years as a legal secretary before taking the test).

Trade school or union apprenticeships are good if a) it's what you want to do, and b) you have the skills for it (electrical unions, and my union require a pretty high level of math for example, and many union/trade jobs require a lot of physical strength).

So what exactly is it you want to do?

[Arch]

One can always go to college at a later date, if that's what you decide.

I get the impression that this is true in the U.S. but not necessarily in other countries.

Megan, I'll echo Tekla: what DO you want to do?

[Epigania]

I never got a college degree and I make a good living at a decent job.  It's not what I wanted to do when I was getting ready to leave High School, but it's something I've always had a talent at.

I will say this, though, one of the regrets I have over my past is not experiencing college.  I sort of tossed myself into the Corporate world right after High School.  The education isn't necessarily important, but the opportunity to experiment with social and career possibilities is something I never got to experience.

You can go to College, and if you decide it's not for you, you can leave.   I can tell you that in many industries, people want folks who know the real world experiences instead of the book experience you get from school.