Should I Quit School?

Jennifer, I guess that would be up to you. However, I think school is good for some people as it provides them with structure and lays a foundation to feel good and build on. That's not to say you will land a career in web development because of a degree only. You'll need to prove yourself in other ways, e.g., online with a blog, portfolio, etc.

My advice would be to stay in school if you feel you need that structure. But for a career in web development, having a computer science degree may help a company see you have structure and discipline, but it's not a ticket in the door exactly. Companies these days want to see your work and what you know almost immediately. Degrees don't usually cut it in this industry alone.

Thank you for the great response Dustin. I agree it is obviously up to me to make the ultimate decision but I wanted to get some extra input especially from some people who may already be working in the industry.

When you say prove yourself online with a blog, what sort of things do you think make a good blog that someone hiring would want to see? I have no problem and totally understand portfolio and image is important but I am a bit lost about blogging. It is something I have somewhat of a desire to do, but all I can think of is a blog to supplement my learning that I am doing - like putting my notes online sort of. I guess that could work now that I am thinking of it, maybe do it as if I were teaching it to my parents or a client or something.

I do enjoy the structure of school, I just find it very expensive. I am getting student loans but they are quickly adding up and I am so scared of not being able to pay them back. (Which I am sure will not happen, someway or another I will get work - just not sure what, when, where, or how at this moment).

I will continue working on my degree for this semester at least, I have already paid my tuition and am enjoying my classes.

Thanks!

Hey Jennifer,

I was kind of in the same situation as you. I'm starting my final semester this month and I already have an A.S in Multimedia Programming and Design. I always felt like I was more advanced in my production and media courses, so I began to focus on my classes outside of my major and used my major courses as mental exercises to reinforce how well I absorbed the information. I also started helping my classmates. I actually got into design by doing this.

The web is constantly changing. I signed up for Team Treehouse as a supplement to college. The degree just gets you in the door and shows your future employer that you're able to complete things. Your work and your ability to do the work gets you hired. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. I would say since this semester may be your last approach it a little differently. I always look for those gems of knowledge professors drop when you least expect it and you might even meet a business partner in school.

Quit school and chase your dreams. You can always go back if things don't work out. School is over rated and kills creativity in a lot of ways.

I don't think most employers will care what college you went to as long as you can code. I could care less if someone went to school when hiring. I want to see the code.

Hi Jennifer, I agree with Dustin's statement "I think school is good for some people as it provides them with structure and lays a foundation to feel good and build on." I would add that a bachelors in computer science is a well earned degree, so it would be good to stay with it since you're halfway there. But most of all remember that its the value of the education that you are receiving, not the degree, that is important. Hang out with friends that code or join an online forum if you can't hang out at school. Ask many questions like you did here. Come up with an idea for an app or website and start building it as you continue (if you continue) your CS studies. Your halfway there. The cup is half full. :-)

It's up to you, but I would say "do not quit your school or job until you find a stable job or business"

It's up to you, but I would say "do not quit your school or job until you find a stable job or business"