<p>I'm 20 years old and this is technically my second year at school. First year first semester I was taking classes towards Mechanical Engineering. Intro to Eng, chem, Calc, and physics. I ended up dropping all but the engineering class. Second semester i went to school for a week and dropped out b4 id loose my money. I got a full time job as a marine mechanic as I am very mechanically inclined and love working on engines, electrical work, welding, etc. I was going to need to go to a mechanics school to get a certificate but couldn't justify the money so now I'm back at school and am an IS major. I love computers as well and have been building them from scratch for years. I thought the change to some easier classes would improve my attitude towards school. I know that I have to get through the crappy classes first but I really hate school. But I'm afraid to drop out and not make much money in the real world. Ive started a computer repair company on the side to make some money. If I drop out there is no guarantee that the company would stay afloat...I don't know what to do, all i know is school drives me crazy and at my third attempt I'm doing great in my computer class and poorly in my core classes. I'm not dumb by any means i could do really well if i put my mind to it i just have trouble motivating myself to do something that I'm not 100% sure i want to do for the rest of my life. Its a lot of time and money for something I'm unsure of. Am I wasting my time and money with school or should i try and stick it out?</p>
<p>I'm looking for opinions and possibly responses from people feeling the same. I am by no means relying on ideas just would like some input.</p>
<p>Go for the mechanics’ school. If you’re worried about not making enough money, don’t be. Tradesmen easily make as much money as some college grads.</p>
<p>I agree entirely with pandem IF you’re sure you want to be a mechanic for the rest of your life. You also are interested in computers… The problem is that if you decide to go for a job that requires formal education later on, it will be very difficult to get there. I know many people who are struggling to get/keep white-collar jobs because they don’t have degrees. A decision you make now to not continue school could bite you when you’re 40 - sad (and silly) but true. OTOH, I know people who are quite happy with construction jobs well into their 40s and 50s.</p>
<p>I am also considering dropping out of college, and taking classes in cooking and web programming in my nearby community college. Frankly, I am scared for my future, but my state university does not offer any major that I like. The classes are really boring, and I realize, I prefer a hands-on experience, I do not like theories, reading, and memorizing. I really could not appreciate the G.E classes I have to take. Therefore, I am better suited to study in a vocational or technical college. </p>
<p>I also would like to add that unlike you, I am really dumb, so taking the english and math class requirements really makes me feel so depressed. I am just not ready for college, maybe I will go back later on when I truly appreciate the value of a 4-year college education.</p>
<p>I doubt if you are as socially inept and dumb as you claim, but I don’t know you and I’m not into meaningless platitudes. Even if you are, college is 1) not out of reach, and 2) not a requirement for a fulfilling life. </p>
<p>I would encourage you to take classes in cooking or web programming, although as a professional programmer I don’t really think there’s a long-term market for “web programming” as opposed to “programming”. Since the web is becoming more and more integrated with everything, the people who are doing just web programming are finding that they aren’t qualified to keep up with the fancy things people want to do with their web pages. If you really want to program, I think you should go for the four-year degree because it’s hard to find/keep a job in programming without one. </p>
<p>Thanks for the replies, I’m gonna stick this out the rest of the semester and then over the summer I’ll weigh my options. The only thing that scares me is job security and although i posses certain valuable skills I don’t know if that’s going to get me very far. Not to mention with our struggling economy I would be trying to find a job at the worst time possible. I just don’t want to regret the decision that I make the rest of my life.</p>
<p>On another note I have been hearing a lot lately that the computer industry is flooded right now. Everyone is going out and getting their certifications and having a hard time landing a job. Making a degree in that field an almost must unless you know the right people or something haha. </p>
<p>When I had been leaning towards Mechanical Engineering I talked to the head M.E. at NASA Goddard Space and he said they’re having a hard time hiring engineers because they are all “book smart” and only know how things should work on paper. But its annoying because I would be perfect for that position however they still require the degree…sigh haha</p>
<p>It seems like you want jobs that require a degree.</p>
<p>Well, then, get a degree.</p>
<p>Not everything in life is going to be enjoyable, eh? You said you’re doing well in your computer or “major” classes, and that is what’s important. If you hate the CORE classes and get a couple Ds and Cs in dance and literature, so what? </p>
<p>To me, the “non college route” is only good for people who know they are into a certain set of careers that don’t require degrees. You don’t seem to have that down pat. </p>
<p>You are only wasting money if you’re wasting money, if you know what I mean. If you are doing well in your major classes it doesn’t seem like you’re wasting money.</p>