I only read the first 2 sentences as well. Get the diploma and then move on with your life whether its college, work, military, or peace corp. You need to have drive and determination.
I quit high school and don't regret it for one second. I wasn't learning ANYTHING of value there. The public education system brainwashes you from the first day - get good grades so you can get into a good college and get a good job. However, I've found it's not a piece of paper that defines how qualified you are to do a job - it's real experience. That said, would I trust a doctor, dentist or lawyer that didn't goto college? Absolutely not. But, school isn't for everyone. And, there are a LOT of good careers out there for people who (like myself) think high school was a waste of time.
You don't have to be 18 to quit. I personally quit earlier this year, and worked full time online. I'd suggest you to get your diploma, because it will be VERY hard to find a stable job. When you quit, you will feel great and etc, but about half a year later you will realize that your job isn't stable, even if the revenue is great, and you will have lots of stress with working online. Just get your school diploma, and then try working online after, and if it doesn't go well, you can always go to college and etc. While after quitting school, you wouldn't really want to go back there because of the huge age difference and etc. I got away with it, since I'm moving to a different country for an University and they accepted me without finishing last grade (I have 2 grade 12 credits).
Just an addendum to my previous post, I totally agree that if you leave school you need to get SOMETHING. A GED works fine for those people that choose to leave school.
Learn from your brother. From what you said about his situation, that's the only motivation you will ever need.
do want you want to do to your life... if you succeed - good for you... but if you fail miserably don't blame anyone.
My advice - go outside, talk to people who are working the job you want to get. Ask for their advice. see what they went through and how they get to their position. They are the only one who can give you good advice that fit you It is true that you could have a successful life online. However, what if you fail? Have you ever though about it? What would you do without a degree at age 24? I play it safe, a degree will sure open more opportunity for you that's like 1 in 100,000 people who self taught and success. You always hear how Bill Gate / any young guy make million without going to school. However, they are not normal, they are special.
...chiming back in with a drive-by post... Just to clarify, my post was to suggest that learning via formal education, self study and courses is very important. I am trusting the net effect will be that education will contribute to your success, however way you get it. And I think one of the easiest way to get it is via schooling. It is not as fun but it will give you a good foundation. The worst case scenario is you have a diploma. And really, that's not that bad If you were my son, bite the bullet and finish school. Approach it with a determined attitude as if you are dealing with a really difficult client because that is one of the skills you will need when working for yourself. You will be dealing with difficult clients. In this case, you are dealing with "school". If you have enough discipline to finish school then that is a good indicator that you can make it. It will prove to yourself and others that regardless of your mood you will get the job done. You might not have the power to change the school system or the teachers you have to deal with, but you do have the power to change your attitude towards.
Nah I don't think so. I know real people who are in high positions (corporate positions) who doesn't have a degree. It's in the creative business tho.
You seem to know the risks involved so I wouldn't take any advice here too seriously. Personally, I would sail through school, don't pay too much attention to it, keep web based stuff as a priority. So long as you get some qualifications, it'll tick boxes if you need to get a job. For example, you may want to work for this super cool new web 2.0 company a few years down the line (actually, web 3.0 then), but they're only accepting applications from people with a reasonably good academic background. School is pretty easy, you don't have to work hard if you don't want to... so I wouldn't see much of a problem with doing school and web stuff at the same time until you finish.
Take it from someone who has seen it happen a lot, you are cutting your own throat if you quit school!
Thanks for your answers everyone! The intelligence I am seeing here has just made me love Digital Point Forums even more. After reading your comments, talking to my mom and friends, I will be sticking with it, and I am confident I can get through it if I work at it. I also will start building a Portfolio that has examples and such so I have something to show after I get out of high school. Thank you so much, -Marcus
Some local community colleges offer adult high school programs, different than your GED. You still have to earn the same number of credits to graduate, and still do basically the same work, but in a more mature enviroment, and more at your own pace. Employers rarely know the difference, they give this diploma the same credence that they would one earned from high school.
I am in high school myself and while I can relate to the feeling of wanting to drop out, I wouldn't do it. Even if you have design/coding skills without a high school diploma no legitimate organization is going to hire you. Graduating High School not only shows you have learned the relevant material, but that you aren't a total slacker and will give up on everything. It sounds like when you actually focus on something you can do well at it, just try to apply that focus to school.
It depends on everyone ...there are people who made a lot of fortune and success only with a high school diploma...and there are also people who are doing nothing with a lot of education. But I think that with some good knowledge you have more chances in lifeSo...think about it