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"Today my advice to a young developer who is passionate about building great software is to drop out." Perhaps a young developer might have other goals in life

"Today my advice to a young developer who is passionate about building great software is to drop out." Perhaps a young developer might have other goals in life in addition to building great software? Dropping out of college could certainly give you a huge head start in your career, but the costs are huge as well: missing out on spending four years of your life having fun being around people your age. The magnitude of how much four years in a college environment can change a person is difficult to underestimate. Some may decide that the experience isn't for them and that they should drop out to start their careers, but it's a decision that must be made very, very carefully.

chrischen 16y ago
In the end it's a highly personal decision. If you're considering dropping out because you can already do what some people are getting a degree for, then you're probably ahead of your peers anyways. So I'm not sure what you'd be missing. But probably the biggest motivation against dropping out is the social acceptance. If any change is to happen then we've got to set in place alternatives for these drop outs so they can do so without negative social stigma. Practically I don't think there's any downside assuming they've already had an eye-opening liberal education.
hooande 16y ago
The college experience is like any other experience. People who enjoyed college can't imagine life without it, and recommend it to others. People who didn't have good experience (or any experience at all) will tell you that it isn't important. For me that's usually a sign that the decision isn't that important and the best thing is to go with your personal preference.
maryrosecook 16y ago
I went to University and had a great time, but the seven years since I graduated have been far better. At University, it's easy to coast academically and socially and politically and creatively because good options are laid out in front of you. Outside University, you have to find everything yourself, and so you are much more likely to find the stuff that you really love.

chrischen 16y ago

In the end it's a highly personal decision. If you're considering dropping out because you can already do what some people are getting a degree for, then you're probably ahead of your peers anyways. So I'm not sure what you'd be missing. But probably the biggest motivation against dropping out is the social acceptance. If any change is to happen then we've got to set in place alternatives for these drop outs so they can do so without negative social stigma. Practically I don't think there's any downside assuming they've already had an eye-opening liberal education.

hooande 16y ago

The college experience is like any other experience. People who enjoyed college can't imagine life without it, and recommend it to others. People who didn't have good experience (or any experience at all) will tell you that it isn't important. For me that's usually a sign that the decision isn't that important and the best thing is to go with your personal preference.

maryrosecook 16y ago

I went to University and had a great time, but the seven years since I graduated have been far better. At University, it's easy to coast academically and socially and politically and creatively because good options are laid out in front of you. Outside University, you have to find everything yourself, and so you are much more likely to find the stuff that you really love.