My life - looking for future career/own business advice

B

bandersen

Guest
I'm searching through forums for simple advice, anything helps. I'm 18 and graduating this month. I had plans to attend post-secondary schooling for computer science. I still can, but I have doubts in what is possible with graduating college in-comparison to what I can do with a jump start to my life in the open world. In hopes of being very successful, I now have thoughts of working up north with a close friend for 2-3 years and building a base in which we can invest into building a business with each other. We're both smart kids, and have vast amounts of aspiration to be successful in life, and not suffer from the dreaded 9-5. If there is anyway you can help in revising my plan to better my future, It would be well appreciated.
 
I would advocate doing the degree for a couple of reasons.

You are young, and you should spend a few years enjoying life while you can. There will be enough time to try to make money and overcome all the problems associated with that.

Having a degree in computer science will give you a fall-back if things don't work out with your business ventures.

Working in a 9-5 job will give you valuable experience in how the commercial world works and stand you in good stead should you decide to "go it alone".
 

Are you living in Ireland or UK, maybe USA? The economic outlook may be slightly different depending on which you are in. But, regardless of that, stats show that people with higher qualifications are higher earners in life. In Ireland there are many business people, and lots in the construction industry who would now give their eye teeth for a 9-5. Follow your dreams but get a college degree along the way. Slim
 
bandersen I'd love to be 18 again and in your shoes. If I was I'd take that course and start a small part time business.
 
DO YOU DEGREE!
Computer science or software engineering will give you a great basis for a good future. Without a degree virtually all company opportunities will be closed to you as a degree will without doubt be the required entry point for over 90% of well paid jobs especially in computing. Self employment with no qualifications even with the world of enthusiasm is unlikely to lead to success these days. People are careful about spending their scarce cash and tend to hire the qualified.

GO TO COLLEGE, go this year, get a good degree, maybe specialise with a postgrad, take the opportunities to do internships, summers abroad working etc etc In other words learn to be a professional. That takes time. Best of luck
 
Go to college - if you're that dedicted and talented, you will be able to learn and start your business at the same time - in fact, college will give you contacts and lots of free advice and encouragement. Your enthusiasm is wonderful and you sound sincere, but it's always best to temper that with a bit of rock-solid backup - a computer degree will always see you right. Good luck!