Is it worth it?

[25thhour]

I have been having mixed feelings about whether to go to University this year as I have just gradded. I don't know whether to take a year off and work then go, or go to my first year right away.

It's really bugging me, so I'd like to know your guys' opinions on this... Which is better?

[kommisar]

Re: Is it worth it?

it's unfortunate that most universities don't really prepare you hands on for what you're going into. Trade schools/techs are good for that, but as the name implies they're for trades.


It's also dumb that most employers have made it a criteria for hiring people. Some people could learn how to do a job after two weeks while someone with a degree in that field could barely do it. I sorta feel like that about my current job.

[Aldentron]

Re: Is it worth it?

only go to college if you know what you're going to do with your education. only take out student loans if you know how you're going to pay them.

it's as simple as that.

[who_cares973]

Re: Is it worth it?

If you decide to work don't take on something that requires a commitment unless you plan on working while you school

[Reincarnate]

Re: Is it worth it?

only go to college if you know what you're going to do with your education. only take out student loans if you know how you're going to pay them.

it's as simple as that.

In all honesty, I echo this advice.

But college is a huge opportunity cost if you forgo it, and yet on the other hand, it can be a huge monetary cost to choose the wrong one. It's one of those things where you have to really plan ahead to get the most out of it, nowadays, unless you want to graduate with a ton of loans for a degree you have little use for.

I think you should go to college, but be smart about it. Don't go into massive debt unless you're going into a profession with decent salaries that can offer you a return on your investment.

[dAnceguy117]

Re: Is it worth it?

I started taking classes immediately after finishing high school. all I've heard about this issue from other people is not to get complacent and put off returning to school because it sounds boring. basically just decide on a plan from the get-go and make sure you stick to it. working for a year makes a lotta sense to me though.

It's also dumb that most employers have made it a criteria for hiring people. Some people could learn how to do a job after two weeks while someone with a degree in that field could barely do it. I sorta feel like that about my current job.

agreed p. much. the value of post-secondary education varies by profession. it just sucks that anyone who's really suited for a certain job could be kept out for a dumb reason - failing an irrelevant general education class, being unable to afford climbing tuition costs, or any number of problems someone might face - when a quick interview would have clearly shown the person to be a desirable employee.

[who_cares973]

Re: Is it worth it?

ive been passed up on some jobs that i was hella qualified for just because someone with less work experience but has a piece of paper also applied. ~_~

[25thhour]

Re: Is it worth it?

ive been passed up on some jobs that i was hella qualified for just because someone with less work experience but has a piece of paper also applied. ~_~

This is the exact reason I'm going to Uni. I'm going to be a Geologist and most; if not all, of the jobs I have looked require a degree in it. I may do my first year or two then go do a year a work, then return. Who knows.

[fido123]

Re: Is it worth it?

This is the exact reason I'm going to Uni. I'm going to be a Geologist and most; if not all, of the jobs I have looked require a degree in it. I may do my first year or two then go do a year a work, then return. Who knows.

As others have said go into it only if you know what you want to do and know how you can pay off any student debt you'll encounter if you have to get into any. I really don't understand why people go to University and have no idea what they're going to do in life. Honestly, depending on the industry or line of work, University might be the totally wrong route. Find out what you want to do, then figure out what you have to accomplish to get there. Don't get somewhere you don't want to go. If you want to be a geologist, this is the route you should go but if you're unsure and really don't even know an awful lot about geology, it would be worth it to educate yourself on it and think if this is something you wouldn't mind possibly dedicating a lot of your life to.

[kommisar]

Re: Is it worth it?

schools should focus on targeting students' aptitudes and general interest so they can go in that field more specifically in high school before going into college.

[dragonmegaXX]

Re: Is it worth it?

I had this same question, and Im most likely taking the next year off to continue working.

[Cold Kitten]

Re: Is it worth it?

I'm planning to take a year off next year after I graduate. In my opinion, it really depends on the person. Some people should go straight through and some shouldn't. But it's really up to you in the end.

[blindreper1179]

Re: Is it worth it?

Just go. Figure out what you're going to go and do it. So many of my friends took a "year" off, and have never stepped on a college campus years later.

[UserNameGoesHere]

Re: Is it worth it?

I didn't do this (I went straight for the university degree) but I would recommend taking the next year as just a regular job/employment or whatever (assuming you have something lined up), and then the next year after that, enter university and get that degree. The reasoning is if you go get your degree and graduate, you'll be in a crappy situation of not having "work experience", yet if you have the work experience but not the degree you could be in an equally crappy situation.

So basically, take a year to get some "work experience" and then get your degree (ideally while still working part-time, if possible) so you'll have both.

[Xiz]

Re: Is it worth it?

The hardest thing is to get back once you get out. I mean if you do not have a job offer once you get out, absolutely go back. Just my opinion