<p>So you've gotten a couple of fat envelopes in the mail, and maybe you've even sent in your acceptance letter, but do you have a sneaking suspicion that it's just not worth it to go? At least not right away? You're putting your parents or yourself in debt and jumping back into the same rat race you had in high school, all for what? Slightly better job prospects? Wouldn't you be better off learning from the world instead of learning from a book for once? </p>
<p>I've been reading a lot of posts from kids who have just finished their freshman year and are realizing going to school right away was a big mistake. I'm wondering if anyone else has picked up on this. Anyone else thinking that the whole thing might not be worth it?</p>
<p>I am taking a break from school, though not by choice, and I still think college is worth it. Life is always going to be a “rat race” and college can make you look better for a job then someone else. Is it right for everyone…no but as long as they are doing something they want to be doing then it really isn’t anyones place to tell them to go to college.</p>
<p>I would venture to say that the job prospects are more than “slightly” greater for a college graduate. I see where you’re coming from though and I agree that college is not for everyone. But considering how competitive everything is now, the majority of the alternatives are unappealing to say the least. </p>
<p>I mean, if you are one of those people who has the drive and the know-how to make it without higher education or even basic education, don’t let society tell you what’s right for you. Because if you are successful, chances are you’ll come out better than most college graduates.</p>
<p>One option if you don’t want to go to college is to learn a skilled trade, like plumbing or heating/AC or something similar. You’d make as much money as many college graduates and the job prospects are excellent, plus much less school.</p>
<p>I love being in school, and I really think the degree is worth it. The only thing I’m rethinking is my career possibilities.</p>
<p>I’ve never seriously thought that college wasn’t right for me ever, but I wonder what would have happened if I’d taken a gap year, and gotten a real job after high school, instead of jumping straight into it. I think for most people being in college is probably less work and more fun than having a job, but after 12 years in grade-school, wanting to take a break doesn’t seem entirely unhealthy. I’m looking forward to it between college and graduate school.</p>