4bus

iTrader: (4)

Exactly, I think I gained 10 years of maturity in college.......not to mention you have to be crazy to give up the girls!!

soldier4402

Who told you college is a waste of money? If so they either fell into money from their parents, got lucky, or dont have any money. School is an invesment in yourself. If you have college its always something to fall back on it. Sure you can be mechanic and some people are quite successful in doing it. But the majority of mechanic types are not rich people they make an honest living at 20-25 bucks an hour but nothing write home about. You can make it without school, but it is becoming more and more difficult to do so. May I add its proven that somebody with college will make one million dollars more in their life than somebody else, Spread that out over 30 year working career and your talking 33 grand more a year. Trust me its true 2-3 of my friends dont have college and thats about right. Heres the thing with college. I had friend that didnt go and right out of HS made 18-20 bucks an hour, and sat there and had a new car and thought they were rich and I was stupid for going school. Fast forward 8 years and I now make 10-15 bucks more an hour then them, and have better cars, houses, and boats.

Heres the thing with college dont go to school for something that doesnt have a future. Dont pick a degree because its easy or fun. I would say do something you like but pick something that you can sell to employers. If you want to be a teacher fine get an english degree but if you do not end up teaching good luck with an english degree. And thats where people trip up. Look into business, social science degree either those can be used in a lot of different applications.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Have you thought about the military? Worked great for me.

4bus

iTrader: (4)

Keep in mind the marine industry is not in good shape right now. You might find yourself working your butt off, not making enough money to afford the toys you watch people enjoy every day. Kinda like being an ugly janitor at a porn studio, sure your around it every day, but sooner or later you are going to want to drive!

You will find people right out of college complaining about spending the money, and the time....but a lot of that is the the economy. Find someone established in life and you will not hear it. Most people in their 30's and 40's that did not go, now wish they did. I can't imagine chasing a degree part time while trying to pay bills. Do it while you are young.

I know people that are very smart, and quit witted, that do not have a college degree. I also know people that have extensive education, but lack so much common senseI wonder how they make it to the grocery store alone. BUT the most sucessful people have BOTH! Strive to be a better person everyday in your young life.

Catastrophe

As has been said a couple of times here, a business degree will always serve you well.

Forget just your occupation, you spend your whole existence on this earth earning and spending money.

If its buying toys or homes or having kids it helps to have a basic understanding of economics and budgeting, both for today and the future.

If you take this site as an example of life's cross section of society , you will discover in general terms that those that have the more expensive boats on here, attend the events that require travel and those that get away on the fun adventures are self employed.

With that comes the responsibility of the welfare and security of your employees, your suppliers and your customers who depend on you somewhat.
To that end, a business degree is a good asset.

PARADOX

I'm in the same boat, sort of speak. A contractor and I hate to change a light bulb on my house.
Choose an occupation you like, choose your hobby as your passion. Don't mix them. I like construction but I have a passion for boating and my free time is spending playing with my boats, not on my house.
Education is never a waste of time nor money, but just remember; "it's not just a peace of paper". In collage you also learn about life, and once you do get that little paper, it tells the future employees that you can, willing and able to learn. That means, once you have your foot in the door, you can be trained, and willing to learn more.
Good luck.

glassdave

iTrader: (1)

same here at 45, my entire life i have made a living from my hobbies. From a bike shop in my dads garage to painting my friends cars to vintage auto restoration to custom street rods to boats to who knows whats next (it will be boat related lol). The key to making a living at your passion is to specialize in some part of it, get your experience where you need to get it but always advance yourself. Make sure you do something that not many or no one else does and do it well. It has its ups and downs but i cannot imagine it any other way.

I do believe education is a very important part of it as well. It may not be so much as the degree but the experience teaches you to think on a different level. I got my degree in engineering in my thirties long after i had set my path and to be honest i am un marketable in that field and i knew that going in but thats not why i did it. Got a lot out of it and also would not change a thing, would like to go back for a minor in physics some day.

best of luck to your future

soldier4402

Good point. Self employed doesnt always mean rich, and if it means good money that person probably worked very hard and it took time.(although I have a feeling a lot of people use their business to sweep money around and make it look like they have money) But dont let them fool you either some of them had some breaks or were handed a successful business from a parent. 20-30 years ago setting up a business was a lot easier then today, due to the fact that somebody already thought it up and is doing it.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Good thread to read:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...-business.html

Jay Gadsby

I am going to have to agree with Sydwayz I am currently in the Army, have been for almost 11 years now, and have had a pretty good run of it. The military (especially some of the other branches like the Air Force) seem to be gearing towards college education for all levels. What is nice about the military is the incentives it gives relating to continuing your education. Besides the GI Bill, you also get tuition assistance (currently at 100%) the entire duration of your career. I am working on a degree in Criminal Justice while I am in the Army, will finish before retirement (hopefully lol) and will still have my GI Bill that I can use or pass on. Of course, I could go back to school after retirement, collect a pension, have health care benefits and love life, or I could go back to work, in the field I want to be in (Law Enforcement) and STILL collect a pension, have health care and enjoy life. Of course, it is all up to you. I would consider all options, but not getting an education should not be one of them.