I Know What I Have To Do, But...

[Restrikted]

So I'm about to start college in a month, and I'm not exactly thrilled about it. I'm going for computer science, which is what I wanted to do, but the idea of working until I'm 60+, then retiring when I'm too old to really enjoy life has really sunk in. I don't want to be that guy, which is pretty much every guy out there. My goal is to retire when I'm 30, and I have it all planned out, but the problem is pulling the trigger. Taking the step towards this means, in my situation, telling my parents I'm dropping out/not going to college and moving out (to an apartment). And when they ask, and they will ask, what I'm going to be doing for money, letting them know that I can't tell them, so I'll pretty much be completely cut off from them. So...there's that.

What do you recommend I do?

Do I not go to college? Do I go to college for a semester/year and see how it goes? Do I get my degree, which in my situation will be COMPLETELY worthless in my new career?

And no, I can't tell you what I'm going to be doing, so don't ask.

[Max Power]

Originally Posted by Restrikted

So I'm about to start college in a month, and I'm not exactly thrilled about it. I'm going for computer science, which is what I wanted to do, but the idea of working until I'm 60+, then retiring when I'm too old to really enjoy life has really sunk in. I don't want to be that guy, which is pretty much every guy out there. My goal is to retire when I'm 30, and I have it all planned out, but the problem is pulling the trigger. Taking the step towards this means, in my situation, telling my parents I'm dropping out/not going to college and moving out (to an apartment). And when they ask, and they will ask, what I'm going to be doing for money, letting them know that I can't tell them, so I'll pretty much be completely cut off from them. So...there's that.

What do you recommend I do?

Do I not go to college? Do I go to college for a semester/year and see how it goes? Do I get my degree, which in my situation will be COMPLETELY worthless in my new career?

And no, I can't tell you what I'm going to be doing, so don't ask.

If you can't tell us how you'll make money and you can't tell your parents why you don't need their support and/or how you'll make money and you are apprehensive about doing it, then isn't something trying to tell you not to do it?

Not wanting to work until you're 60 is hardly a solid reason for dropping out of college and doing something unspeakable. Can't you go to college and do something in your spare time?

Max

[OnionJack]

Originally Posted by Restrikted

Taking the step towards this means, in my situation, telling my parents I'm dropping out/not going to college and moving out (to an apartment). And when they ask, and they will ask, what I'm going to be doing for money, letting them know that I can't tell them, so I'll pretty much be completely cut off from them. So...there's that.

What do you recommend I do?

Just a thought, and it doesn't apply in all circumstances. But I was raised with family.

If you can't trust family, what do you have?

Just take some time to rethink the concept. If it's that great, everyone will want a piece, and as the pie gets bigger, so does your slice. It also seems as if you have multiple thoughts being decided on at the same time.

And I haven't completed freshman year of college, still. And I'm definitely older than a freshman. Take the time to mull it over. Life always seems to be rushing by at the fastest pace, take a minute breather, go with liberal arts if you want. You may extend your college degree, but may gain some insight.

You come across as a more private individual, which I can value. As a last thought, a degree doesn't lock you into a 9 to 5. It is a piece of paper that opens doors.

*Edit

Originally Posted by Restrikted

I Know What I Have To Do, But...

Stick with the but...

[Shamou]

Originally Posted by Restrikted

And no, I can't tell you what I'm going to be doing, so don't ask.

I fully respect the fact that you do not have to divulge your personal ambitions... however how can anyone give you an honest assessment of your situation if you only give only one side of the equation...???

And, frankly not being able to tell your parents what you are going to do sounds kind of weird...

.

[Kazeko]

Originally Posted by Shamou

And, frankly not being able to tell your parents what you are going to do sounds kind of weird...

.

It doesn't. They can kill him for that, for example. Or just can try to. Or can do it emotionally, and beleive me, it's worse than physical death. My parents killed me that way many times. I still can't say I'm completely resurrected, although I've totally ended our relationships five years ago.

So, best of luck to you, Restrikted. Be ready to break up with your parents, just in case. Find supportive people and environment. That's my suggestion for your first step towards your freedom.

[RT Wolf]

My recommendation? Go to college for a semester. Or take a year off from school and then go to college for a year or semester or something. Attend a wide variety of classes. You can generally find a timetable/schedule for classes available online, so go attend some classes on psychology, art, poetry, writing, engineering, film, whatever, without being enrolled in them. It's amazing how much you learn when you feel like you have your own choice to learn it. I believe that one should have a broad understnading of multiple discipline before they can call themselves educated. Try to find intelligent people while you're there who are supportive. Its easier to find those kinda people when they're clumped together.

I thought pretty much teh same as you a few years ago and I sabatoged myself by thinking, "Ok, so I'm going to classes I don't like to get a job I won't like, what's the point of that?" And I stopped attending classes, just like that.

Following is a list of readings I highly recommend you do if you haven't:

When did you "find your purpose"?

Especially this link:

What You'll Wish You'd Known

Read this:

Fool.com: Want to Be a Millionaire? You Can! [Teens &Their Money]

These might help:

Fool.com: Teens & Their Money Main Page [Teens & Their Money]

You might wnat to listen to this podcast:

The 4 Hour Work Week

You might wnat to check out these posts of mine:

1st Steps to Better Finances?

"Ordinary People, Extrordinary Wealth"

[1000feet]

The last post is a good one, but you have to remember that a fun class is very different from something you actually want to do for a long time...

[Joe826]

School will always be there. I went to school and got my degrees in Philosophy and Political Science. I love philosophy, so I'm happy I went, but neither of these degrees are directly related to what I'm doing now.

My advice is to do what you want to do. Why go to school if you don't want to be there? Go after what you want now. If things don't work out and you find yourself wanting a degree, go back to school. Just don't let the thoughts and impressions of others force you in a direction you don't want to go.