I didn't think joining HN, I'd be spending so much time answering questions from young people, but hey, it is somewhat satisfying in lieu of more technical and

I didn't think joining HN, I'd be spending so much time answering questions from young people, but hey, it is somewhat satisfying in lieu of more technical and human science discussion. I'm 38 and I took a GED to leave high school for a programming job. I didn't realize until my 30's how much fun college probably would be. I'm not going to discuss the merit or benefit of a degree, because it is a highly personal evaluation. I simply wish I had the experience my friends had with some of the stories and adventures, friends and social life. I didn't take my first real vacation until I was 33 - almost 17 years of non-stop 80-100 hour weeks. That being said, I'm also old enough to look at a post like this and feel both frustration and excitement for your position. Statistics about a college degree earning more over a lifetime, don't lie, you will simply have an easier time in life in almost every way if you complete your degree. Here's the "tough love" part: You have provided nothing to indicate to a reader whether you would be an asset at 19, other than passable writing skills. Not that I wouldn't hire you based on this criteria, but why should I when the market is heavily saturated with experienced people? Being 19 with no work experience, college education, deep technical talent and on top, you bore easily? Honestly, no, and you haven't made a good case in your post. One more semi-nasty point: product and business development people generally have relevant experience in developing products and sales, its a skilled field, not something to do because you can't program. I'm glad you're excited to move to San Francisco, as a 9th generation native of the Bay Area, it is an awesome place to live (this damn rain, notwithstanding), but it is a very expensive, very challenging place to live without a network of loved ones, patient relatives, a sure source of income or a solid job offer. Since you've indicated you have no money saved, I'm assuming you'll try and borrow funds to get here; make sure you let them know you'll probably need more and try to avoid burning any bridges with family or friends. Because the Bay Area is very populated, the unemployment here is very high and I have friends who have been without an interview, even in technology for well over a year. My cost of living is very high compared to most of the country, public transportation is decent, but not expansive. There are far easier places to strike-out to with a wild-hair and not be eaten alive. I am, however, envious of your youth and future. I wouldn't TRADE mine, but darn ain't it fun and exciting to be 19, have no prospects, no responsibilities and have the world in front of you. Take older to younger advice; slow down. Make a plan, save your money, network remotely, visit with your savings and complete your degree. Build something that will impress people, even if its a website discussing your perspective on product and business development.