Monetizing my skills (I dont ever want to work a 9-5)

[CoolStuff]

I'm into all of the following:

web/graphic design, DJing, making beats, guitar, basic keyboard, audio engineering, computer skills, drawing, producing, filmmaking
(roughly in order of how good I am at it)

People keep talking about college, but I don't really see what I'm gonna get out of college, other than maybe networking.

I've read on the blog that you should try focusing on your skills one at a time. That helps, but I do like to switch between them.

I am surrounding myself with creative people so that helps. I also know people making a living off of these things, so I know it's possible.

[Iff]

It just popped in my head right now - any web-related offers you can check out at Web Hosting Talk. At the bottom of the main page you can find the Advertising Forums which contain loads of design, SEO, programming and copywriting jobs. I used it myself a while back until I decided to only take local jobs.

[rene_stpierre]

I've heard that many internet marketers hire other people to do most of the stuff (web design, prograamming, sales letters, etc).

Apparently, there are a few sites (Guru.com - The world's largest online marketplace for freelance talent. for example) who offer these types of services from freelancers.

Maybe you could offer your services as a freelancer at one of these sites while you figure-out what exactly you want to do.

René

[CoolStuff]

Thanks for the excellent suggestions. I had never thought of that before.

I'm interested more in how to make money off of it, because I am frequently undervalued. It could be because I don't find serious customers/clients, because my value is too low, or because they underestimate my value. I think it's a combination of those problems, and I need to learn how to sell myself better.

[CoolStuff]

I'm worried if I don't go to college I will miss out on a lot of opportunity. But at the same time, I don't see opportunity in college because I don't know what I would get out of it other than connections and a piece of paper.

I'm almost definitely gonna take a year off. If I take off more time would I be missing opportunity or anything?

Also I'm gonna have a hell of a time talking to me parents about that haha.

[CStrunk]

College isn't only about the piece of paper. It's also about broadening your horizons, meeting hundreds of people, and lots of epiphanies (if you are lucky).

[Dwane J.]

I am surrounding myself with creative people so that helps. I also know people making a living off of these things, so I know it's possible.

Yes, it's possible but do you know their complete situation. Are they making a living solely from their trade or do they have multiple sources of income, help from family/friends or inheritance? Have you asked them how long it took them to make a living? Are you prepared to spend years scraping by before you make it?

I'm worried if I don't go to college I will miss out on a lot of opportunity

Actually, it's the other way around. I agree that college is somewhat overrated, however I think it's essential to be competitive in this global economy. There is more to college than what you learn in class. One caveat, I would not go into huge debt for college.

I'm almost definitely gonna take a year off. If I take off more time would I be missing opportunity or anything?

Not a bad idea, I think many people would be more successful if they did this before college. You seem to be writing in absolutes, every thing changes. I wouldn't worry too much about being limited with the choices you make. Learn to find the opportunity in every situation.

[Jennihul]

I totally think college is underrated because of the ideal in American that you can make a good buck without it. That is true but college is not about the degree or your major.

I really don't know anyone who is actually employed in the field they studied in college. It's not like a trade school. You don't go to learn bricklaying and then get hired in bricklaying. Maybe right out of school but not forever.

It has an experiential aspect that you can never duplicate later in life when you are older.

It's about growth. Self-development. Broadening perspectives. Seeing the vast differences and vast samenesses in humanity. Interacting. Culture. Learning to live well with others that aren't the same as you. Bonding. Tasting and experiencing a level of education that is a gift, even if your professors don't agree with you, or you with them.

The degree is not totally useless either. It is a career lubricant that slides you into a great position that someone else more qualified may have gotten if they had one. The thing about a college degree is, you never know how important it is, until you lose out because you don't have one.

Jennifer

[mustard76]

Even if you decide not to value a college education, keep in mind that other people do value it - e.g. potential business partners, investors, banks, employers, customers. The piece of paper is worth a lot when you are trying to make a living as an entrepreneur or employee.

[Jennihul]

I have always been told that, for potential employers, a degree is a sign that you can go the distance, demonstrate critical thinking skills and work hard...which is why people are often hired in fields that have nothing to do with their majors.

PS: Never wanting to work 9-5 doesn't mean that it won't be your best option at some point in your life.

Jennifer

[mellom]

It's hard out there - and you're only going to find it more difficult without a degree. College was some of the best years of my life. I learned about computers, people, and life in general. Five years later and I'm still hanging out with my college buddies on the weekends.

But don't rely on college alone. You will need to do work on the side as well (especially technology). Network with people and get your name out there. Interestingly enough, I'm in the position I am right now (working from home) because of a contact I made at college.

Don't miss out!

[CoolStuff]

Well a little update:
I'm starting to mainly focus on music. I'm about to start interning at a music studio I've been going to, and I DJ'd two dances for a decent amount of cash. Still have two internships that let me use my web design skills, but I don't put in much work, just what's needed.

I'm glad I have a huge head start on most people, already thinking about this, trying to escape to "need for money" and "living check to check." I'm also glad I focused a little more to specialize in certain things. I read something about Renaissance style people and that book. That's definitely me. LOL.

But I still think I need to get ready for living on my own which means I need to start thinking about money in larger amounts. Mentally, I'm at the point where I think $1000 is a good amount of money, and I don't think it's too far away, but it requires some work. That's ahead of most people my age, but I recognize that's nothing for an adult. My goal is to get $10,000 before the end of this coming summer. That'll help me start thinking in larger amounts. I wanna make real money.

I'm definitely gonna stick to school and go to college, since I have the opportunity, but I still would like advice on this subject. I don't wanna have to live check to check or sacrifice what I want to do for what I need to do to pay bills, but I don't feel like giving some things up either. (like living in a big city)

[ixmatus]

I dropped out half way through senior year of Highschool and I am right now doing web-development for a very prominent entertainment venue here in Las Vegas. I am entirely self-taught and completely believe in my ability to not only educate myself but to also have a successful and dynamic career.

There are hundreds (if not more) examples of self-made men and women - 'College Education' is a tried and true formula for networking and learning, but there are many ways alternative and sometimes more fulfilling education can be had.

[Mags]

Originally Posted by CoolStuff

Well a little update:
I'm definitely gonna stick to school and go to college, since I have the opportunity, but I still would like advice on this subject. I don't wanna have to live check to check or sacrifice what I want to do for what I need to do to pay bills, but I don't feel like giving some things up either. (like living in a big city)

Can you incorporate some of what you love into your college life? For example, get involved with the campus radio station, or do web designs for campus societies, or even just get involved with those societies that focus on what you love doing? The university that I went to had very traditional degrees, but the societies covered a myriad of things from photography to ballroom dancing to mountain climbing to yoga etc. Added to that there were opportunities for people to develop skills in putting magazines together (for a campus-run high profile non-profit organisation), fundraising, event organising... There was something for everyone!