Is college really that important?

AppLeo

Well-known member
I feel like dropping out because I'm learning nonsense. I feel like I could learn the things I want on my own.

But that degree is oh so important. :annoyed:

Could really use some advice from my astrology people because all of you are older
 

Oddity

Well-known member
Some degrees are important. Other degrees aren't. What're you studying, and what's the nonsense part?
 

AppLeo

Well-known member
I chose a Computer Science major. Just taking a math class and an intro class...

It's nonsense because I have to take these dumb generals that just waste time. I'm taking two economic classes, and a philosophy class, which are honestly boring. I enjoyed studying the information on my own, not with some dumb professor. And my professor doesn't support the free market capitalism so that's stupid. It's just taking too long. I want to learn the information now really fast so I can start making money. I don't want to wait 5 years sitting at lectures.

I've been learning coding on the side for free, and hoping I'll be able to launch websites and make my first iPhone app within a year. And if that's the case, why am I bothering with college??
 

Rawiri

Well-known member
It depends what you want to do.

Generally, I'd say it's not that important nowadays. There's a glut of people with degrees who need to be re-trained when they actually start work (and most companies aren't very willing to do that now).

Obviously, for certain things for legal reasons it's required. Sometimes, in management positions, degrees are also required due to bureaucratic stuff. And of course, if someone were going into academia it's required...

IMO the whole work situation is changing...the western middle class is shrinking and eastern is growing for obvious reasons. With increasing automation there are more shifts happening and we'll probably reach a crisis point eventually. A lot of previously considered very "safe" jobs will become far less "safe" such as accounting, pharmacy even law and doctors will probably feel it.

How much are you paying? Are you going into debt to do it? How much time do you have to devote to it? Those are important factors.

That all said...normally the first year is a bit more...boring academically than the later years.

There's also the benefit of "extending childhood" as it were (and keeping people off your ***). With a computer science degree you should be able to manage starting a side project while still in college. Business is harder than college, in any case...

I'd say try and get something started on the side while in college, so you can enjoy its boons. Prove you have something that can make money before throwing in the towel.

But it's your life...no one here has to live with the consequences.
 

JUPITERASC

Well-known member
It's nonsense
because
I have to take these dumb generals
that just waste time.
I'm taking two economic classes
and a philosophy class
which are honestly boring.
I enjoyed studying the information on my own
not with some dumb professor.
And my professor
doesn't support
the free market capitalism
so that's stupid.
Professors are frequently regarded as dimwitted by bored students :smile:



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AppLeo

Well-known member
It depends what you want to do.

Generally, I'd say it's not that important nowadays. There's a glut of people with degrees who need to be re-trained when they actually start work (and most companies aren't very willing to do that now).

That's good.

IMO the whole work situation is changing...the western middle class is shrinking and eastern is growing for obvious reasons. With increasing automation there are more shifts happening and we'll probably reach a crisis point eventually. A lot of previously considered very "safe" jobs will become far less "safe" such as accounting, pharmacy even law and doctors will probably feel it.

Definitely true.

How much are you paying? Are you going into debt to do it? How much time do you have to devote to it? Those are important factors.

Well my mom is paying for it because I'm a spoiled brat. But if I had to pay for college myself, I don't think I would've have gone. I guess it can't hurt to go because it's being paid for, I just feel like I'm wasting my time and my mom's money.

That all said...normally the first year is a bit more...boring academically than the later years.

There's also the benefit of "extending childhood" as it were (and keeping people off your ***). With a computer science degree you should be able to manage starting a side project while still in college. Business is harder than college, in any case...

True, true. I'd have to say, being at the university in a dorm gives you a lot of space and some time to do whatever.

I'd say try and get something started on the side while in college, so you can enjoy its boons. Prove you have something that can make money before throwing in the towel.

But it's your life...no one here has to live with the consequences.

Getting something started on the side first is probably a good idea.

Thanks Rawiri. :joyful:
 
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theV

Well-known member
Depends on the degree. For example, I am studying Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I need the degree to get a job.
 

Oddity

Well-known member
Get your side projects going as soon as you can.

As for conservative professors at university - there aren't many of them. You might want to check out the business school courses, as that and computer programming might be a good match, and that's probably the most likely place to find kindred spirits.

If you find you're still hating it after the first year, it might be a good idea to get out. I've known people who never should've been in university in the first place struggle through a bachelour's and then a master's only to wind up resentful, up to their ears in debt, and with no useful job skills.

Software depends much more on what you can do than where you studied, so at least you've got a chance.

Some unis have pretty good career programmes - check the careers office at your school to see if they have useful advice, internships, etc.
 

AppLeo

Well-known member
Get your side projects going as soon as you can.

As for conservative professors at university - there aren't many of them. You might want to check out the business school courses, as that and computer programming might be a good match, and that's probably the most likely place to find kindred spirits.

True. I'm gonna check out some clubs, too and hopefully I could find like-minded people. There's a libertarian club!

If you find you're still hating it after the first year, it might be a good idea to get out. I've known people who never should've been in university in the first place struggle through a bachelour's and then a master's only to wind up resentful, up to their ears in debt, and with no useful job skills.

Yeah, that's a really bad position to be in. I was also thinking that I could take a year off as a break if projects on the side take off.

Software depends much more on what you can do than where you studied, so at least you've got a chance.

Some unis have pretty good career programmes - check the careers office at your school to see if they have useful advice, internships, etc.

Yeah, internships are really important. I will look into those.

Thanks Oddity :joyful:
 

AppLeo

Well-known member
Depends on the degree. For example, I am studying Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I need the degree to get a job.

Yeah... doctor or lawyer, for example, obviously needs a degree. Programming has wiggle room though.
 

Oddity

Well-known member
You'll want to read this. I'm assuming you heard about James Damore being fired from Google because someone leaked a discussion paper he wrote. Not an isolated incident, though it seems now that if you don't agree with corporate culture, the best thing to do is to say nothing.

It's getting scary out there if you are not of a leftist-socialist bent in tech: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-05/the-lonely-lives-of-silicon-valley-conservatives

But this might provide some opportunities to develop different platforms, even block-chaining for internet, so that free speech can be preserved. It's not just about various lunatic white supremacists having a place to play.
 

AppLeo

Well-known member
Wow. So being a conservative is something you have to hide now?? What is this world coming to.

And the thing about hiring women so that there can be a 50/50 split of the genders in engineering is so stupid. Women are being pushed forward at the expense of men. Unbelievable.

I might get fired in the future hahahaha :lol:
 

JUPITERASC

Well-known member
Wow. So being a conservative is something you have to hide now??
What is this world coming to.

And the thing about hiring women
so that there can be a 50/50 split of the genders in engineering
is so stupid.
Women are being pushed forward
at the expense of men.
Unbelievable.


I might get fired in the future hahahaha :lol:




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demetraceres

Well-known member
But this might provide some opportunities to develop different platforms, even block-chaining for internet, so that free speech can be preserved. It's not just about various lunatic white supremacists having a place to play.

Yes, Gamergate might be annoying :w00t:
 

CapAquaPis

Well-known member
College doesn't prepare our youth to the new economy: mostly comprised of low-wage, part-time or temping jobs...if they ever get one. They're often told to "stay in school" and graduate with a HS diploma, because employers don't like anyone without one. And where's community college? trade schools? or online courses? Is there cheaper alternatives...or don't they really help? Make sure your degree isn't a mismatch: gender studies and liberal arts will never help you in your job search in the corporate workplace.
 

waybread

Well-known member
AppLeo, you might want to take off for a "gap year" or two, and then come back, if you do, when you know why you're in college and what it will enable you to do in your career.

Normally first-year American college students have to take a slug of introductory courses in their intended major plus what are called liberal education or general education courses. The introductory courses in your major are planned both to expose students to the diversity of topics within their field, and to lay the foundations for the more advanced classes-- where students are expected to have retained what they learned in year one. The purpose of liberal education is to expand students' minds and to expose them to different points of view. Like ones that are not your extremist, reactionary libertarian and misogynist ideologies.

If you do stay in school, or leave and come back later, many students ask around, and learn who the really good, mind-grabbing faculty are. If Professor Deadwood is the only one teaching a required course, you're sort of stuck, but oftentimes students can get into the more stimulating professors' courses.

Also, most campuses of any size have student counseling services. If you're confused about why you're in school, they may be able to help you gain some clarity on your career directions.

Some really smart people-- Like Bill Gates-- never finished their university programs but did very well. However, few people are genius enough to pull it off. If you're in his creative ranks you may not need any academic credentials.
 
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