Is it acceptable to go into a good job (long term potential) rather than go to school?

[PaulEGon]

I started with a company at a decent level (not going into particulars). It pays really well for my age with advancement opportunities. I was able get my own apartment recently (to avoid arguments with parents.)

The previous mentioned parents think I'm an idiot cause I didn't apply to college for some degree (they want me to follow the same path my father did). As Arya Stark said in Game Of Thrones, "That's not me."

They been telling me this so much Im starting to wonder. Is my choice really ok?

[WindAtMyBack]

It's acceptable, and in many cases the best choice. Formal education is vastly over-rated.

One of the fastest ways to be financially successful is to start working at a young age, then drop out of school as soon as it's legal (like 16 or whatever is legal). Then work your way up. If you work hard, plan, watch for opportunities, and save your money, you will be way out ahead of everyone else by the time they finish college. Even if they have a good college major that pays well, it will still take them a long time to catch up, if ever.

[PaulEGon]

that was part of my argument to them. I asked what they wanted me to go into, (I forget only that it involved a MBA and dad pulling some strings, neither of which interested me so I ignored the details.) So I showed them where I'd done some figures and how many hundred thousand dollars I'd be in debt (do math at current tuition rates which will no doubt increase. And pointed out that my career path would have me making a tiny bit more than my dad and his favors could get me, with no dept. Needless to say they said I was wrong my numbers were (male cow excrement) and they wouldn't support me if I chose to go that path, so I did and now I got my own apartment and happy with my choices and putting money in savings vs adding to debt. Not much as I would if I didn't have to pay rent but still a dollar being saved vs going a dollar in the whole makes me happier.

[ArrowheadSW]

Depends on a lot of factors. Hard to answer on this forum. Since college can be so expensive now a days, working at a well paying job can be a good choice to avoid the cost of college. However if you are a good student, perhaps it might be better to go to college and work towards a career by that path. Those are just two things to consider.

[ManOnFire]

Your choice is absolutely okay. If the job you have is that good and there's very great potential for advancement then you're already on a good path. There are jobs that you can succeed in without school, and you can cross over to other/new jobs with what experience you gain, but parents in our culture are still college-minded about everything, being completely unaware of the facts that a lot of college grads in this age are still struggling to get hired, and still face having to pay off student loans for years to come. That's not a way to live and you don't have to.

[LazerBean]

My husband bought a house at 18 with his job plus what he had been saving up from his side business. If what you're doing is good enough to keep you from needing taxpayers and your parents to support you, it is acceptable.

[PaulEGon]

Thank you, one thing I decided as soon as I started thinking about my future after high school was, I'm not going to be a "lazy bum" as my grandfather on my mom's side called some young people before he passed. I'm not asking anyone for anything money wise, I'll earn my own. Later on, if I end up in a serious relationship, I'll look at a house.

[blackgaletiger]

The reason you’re going to school is to get a job to support yourself financially. Going to school will not guarantee you will get the job you studied for nor a job that will pay a lot of money. If you’re able to find a job that supports your wellbeing then that great. You have a step up as your not in school debt.

[Lliam]

I think you have the right idea.

College isn't a guarantee of a good job.
On the other hand, I know self employed people with only high school diplomas who make $65 or more per hour. There are many career choices that do not require college.

[RavVid]

Ask yourself what is the maximum you could go to in your current good job. At 18 every job seems to pay a lot.

Compare that to what you might earn with a college degree. Also consider what your position would be assuming the company folds.

Could you do a degree part time? Thats what I did.

[exitseven]

If this is a job that you like and you can see yourself doing then you are doing what you should be doing. Going to college is not for everyone and if you major in sociology you will end up working at Starbucks anyway.

If the job does not work out you can always go to college later.

[fuddly]

Fantastic that your first job allows you to support yourself, pay the rent and get by.
That's amazing

[Brady]

If u finished high school yes. If u get paid well u can save money n go 2 college if something unexpected happens, lay off, moves n u can't mov.

[Jmmmfi4]

I WOULD ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND GOING TO SCHOOL

[CovetedDUCHESS]

Yes I wish I did that instead of going to Uni

[KrakenAttackin]

Absolutely.