Could I Possible Be Successful Without More College

[John_Taylor]

I'm just really confused right lately and I wanted some outside advice. Before I continue, I'll tell you a bit about myself and my experience. Please read the description first as, I'm not really your typical college freshman, maybe it would help you understand why I'm thinking what I am.
A little about me:
I started my first real business at 16 years old sell collectible cards online. We had a developed marketing plan and everything.
I later went to start a inspirational magazine for young budding entrepreneurs, I was the youngest magazine owner in my town. Grew magazine to about 7 columnist who submitted free articles in exchange for press for their company.
Most recently I started non profit consulting firm starting charities in the area. I grew the firm to about 10 people and we got to hiring interns. Landed some fairly impressive clients (e.g. United Way, Own University etc) and was invited to appear in a number of press.
I majored in engineering because I thought I might want to get involved in a technical startup someday. However, all the classes were an extension of high school science and I did NOT want to wait 4 years to find out if things I learnt had relevance to what I wanted to do (there is the risk that it DOES NOT).
Question:
I'm was thinking of whether to even finish college or not. I don't even know why I am in college right now. I'm completely lost to the reason I'm continuing and it seems like a waste of three more years of my life.
I have't made millions yet. But I DID succeed in a number of other things. I became a master at networking, and getting very influential people to take serious a guy at my age seriously is NOT easy, but I managed to do it .
I've even been on the press a number of times, and being a YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR really really helps. IT's not news if you make a six figure profit from a business if you are an MBA, but if you are under 21, that is BIG news.
I don't know, should I continue college and risk giving up a few years of business, are the years better off learning more ins and outs of doing business and making money or in school? I'm learning either way, I'm learning.....
Then, maybe I'm just dreaming too much and overestimating my ability. Maybe I'm not cut out to make it big. Perhaps I should just take up a regular 9 to 5 job and be like everyone else. I dont know......

 

[MrS]

Finish your studies, time is on your side, beleive me.
22 and 25, you're still young man, old is when they see "30" on a piece of paper.

You can't underestimate the value of college.

HOWEVER, if you really don't see the point of what you're going to gain, experience and knowledge, drop out, do what you want.

And HELL NO, don't go with the 9-5 job option and chicken out on your dreams, fool. You seem like a guy with ideas, and a bright future, doing things, being a part of the picture. Don't play no secondary role, be the title protagonist.

But don't make any silly mistakes that you will regret 2 years down the line, knowledge can never be understimated.

Take care, do the right thing.

 

[John_Taylor]

Well, its not like I can never go back or anything like that. I have good high school record and its not impossible to get back to school.

It's just I've learnt in class NOTHING that I've ever used. I learn way more on my own that is useful anyways.

 

[al77]

Also, I'd rather be a millionaire at 22 than at 25, 3 years will make a difference to me.

I don't know, should I continue college and risk giving up a few years of business, are the years better off learning more ins and outs of doing business and making money or in school? I'm learning either way, I'm learning.....

Then, maybe I'm just dreaming too much and overestimating my ability. Maybe I'm not cut out to make it big.

Perhaps I should just take up a regular 9 to 5 job and be like everyone else. I dont know......

Of course you are overestimating... but college will not give you anyhting besides a piece of paper and a nice line in your resume for those 9-5 jobs.
You want those? Then go get the degree.
Otherwise just forget about it.

 

[John_Taylor]

anyone else?

 

[Upper]

Would you be willing to share how you grew your consulting firm to 10people? I can understand the trading card and magazine business since those are more about strategy than finances, but how do you pay 10people in a fairly new consulting venture? Or are they just partners?

 

[niggitywiggity]

I think Mr. T said it best when he said "don't be a fool, stay in school"

seriously, stay in school

 

[John_Taylor]

anyone else?

 

[MrS]

I thought I said that in the post.

 

[skeeloo]

whats wrong with a normal 9 to 5 anyways. atleast youy have constant money comming in even though its goes so fast.

going the solo business root on the other hand , will make you have to cut down the expenses and youd have to live like a college student for many years b4 you get successful,
thats if you even get successfull. are you willing to suffer for years ? if you are then do your business thing otherwise get a normal job with your degree.