College vs. A Job? Advice would be greatly appreciated.

So, I'm at that point in my life where I am stuck in choosing between college and a job.
I have less than a year left in high school and have weighed the pros and cons of each.
My biggest problem is health insurance((I NEED the health insurance because I have Cystic Fibrosis.)), if I go to college, I will DEFINATELY have insurance from my parents until I finish, which'll be beneficial. If I get a job, I'll need to get one that will provide me with insurance as quickly as possible and hope that I can keep that job for a while & support myself with it, seeing as I would like to move out of my parent's home if I do take that path. Also, if I don't go straight to college, I may never be able to, which scares me as well, I mean if this is my only chance, should I take it? I really don't know what to do. I've been debating this in my head and with family and friends for the past four years, and was hoping to get some unbiased opinions.

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Permalink Reply by Segadoway on November 4, 2008 at 12:07am

go college

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Permalink Reply by Z on November 4, 2008 at 2:11pm

I agree with Jay, If I was smarter I would have stayed in school instead of working for the past three years, and I'm only seventeen. Now I'm going to be stuck working and attending college (If I ever get to that point) haha.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Bob on November 4, 2008 at 7:35pm

I went to college (earned two degrees, actually - a BS and an MS is Mechanical Engineering). I worked periodically through college on a work/study program. I strongly suggest you go to college for both your academic and economic development and also your social development. My college years were probably the best years of my life.

Also, if you can afford it, I'd recommend you attend college away from home. I had great and supportive parents, but we all realized it was time for me to fly on my own. I was a bit young (17 y/o) when I started college, but I matured into a functional adult rather quickly.

BTW, have you decided on a major?

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Permalink Reply by Bob on November 4, 2008 at 9:35pm

Get a science or engineering degree. We need sharp technical minds.

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Permalink Reply by Bob on November 4, 2008 at 9:42pm

I tend to have a logical mind. Was accepted into law school, but opted for the MSME instead. Decided my thought processes tend to be more logical and oriented to mathemeatics. Law is illogical....
BTW, the LSAT was one of the easiest exams I ever took. A lot easier than the GMAT (the Masters equivalent of the SAT for scientiific grad programs). The LSAT is the Law School entrance exam.

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Permalink Reply by Giant Mohawk Man on November 4, 2008 at 10:00pm

My vote would always be for college. However, I think nowadays with the downturned economy focusing on self improvement and education makes even more sense. Its not like you are going to jump out of high school into an inflated job market, but rather the opposite and uncertain one.

Keep the insurance, get an education, enjoy college, and the economy will have evened out a bit by the time you have graduated. You will also have a better idea of what careers you may want to pursue.

I ended up graduating in Computer Science myself, mainly for its flexibility. You can work in any industry with a CS degree including Law. In fact in the next 10-20 years law and computer stuff will become hotter and hotter, especially in international law as the internet draws people together.

Get your basic classes in the first year, then you can decide further on. Also, I'd take Mandarin if you have that opportunity. Learning chinese in the new world economy will be a big feather in your cap.